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[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "What's in That Song?" by John Nicholas 1.]

What’s In That Song? by John Nicholas is a book containing 200 music trivia questions. The book takes a different approach to trivia questions, because this time, the questions are not about who sings what song, but what the lyrics tell. If you love to memorize lyrics or are wondering about the story each song tells, this book is perfect for you.

I must admit, I started off on the wrong foot with the book, as I did not know the first song, and I got frustrated because I failed several questions. The book has a combination of classic songs and modern ones, using lyrics by Bruno Mars, The Rolling Stones, Katy Perry, Miley Cyrus, Elton John, Michael Jackson, Taylor Swift, and others. The book will have at least one song for each member of the family.

One of the things I enjoyed the most was remembering a song, trying to answer a question, and realizing I was singing the song in my head. At the end of the book, there is an answer key, so you can check each of your answers and even remember the lyrics.

I have mixed feelings towards this book and what the proper rating should be. The book is interesting and is perfect for a family (or friends) game night, but I feel that there could be some improvements. First, I feel like the book should be organized by categories, like rock, pop, or decade, for example. I believe this could make it more enjoyable for the family, as the book currently lacks an order, and some people (like me) could get disappointed when they start failing all the ‘80s rock questions. When it comes to editing, the book is flawless, and it is suitable for every member of the family. Because of everything I have said, I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars. Overall, I believe the author had an excellent idea for a trivia book, but the way the book was created is not ideal; it could be improved.

I recommend this book to music enthusiasts, those who enjoy game nights, or those who want to prove their musical knowledge. This is a good book for family gatherings and holidays.

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What's in That Song?
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

Well now, I reckon Miss Contreras Gonzales has gone and done something mighty peculiar with this here book of hers. She's taken it upon herself to pry open the mysteries of popular music like a fellow might crack walnuts at Christmas time, and I'll be jiggered if she hasn't made a tolerable good job of it.
The lady possesses what I'd call a scholarly disposition married to a common-sense approach that would make even a Mississippi riverboat captain nod with approval. She don't go putting on airs with fancy terminology that would confuse a Philadelphia lawyer, but instead explains the curious workings of melody and meaning in a fashion that any sensible person can follow without getting a headache.
What strikes me most particular about this volume is how Miss Gonzales takes songs that folks have been humming and whistling for years—tunes as familiar as your own front porch—and reveals the hidden machinery underneath, like lifting the hood on one of them newfangled automobiles to show how all the gears and pistons work together.
Her writing has the virtue of being both instructive and entertaining, which is about as rare as hen's teeth in academic circles. She don't lecture you like a Sunday school teacher with a stick, but rather sits you down comfortable-like and shares her discoveries with the enthusiasm of someone who's genuinely tickled by what she's found.
I'd say this book would suit anyone curious about the art of music-making, from the village fiddler to the conservatory graduate.

Well, I am not sure how I will perform in this, as some of the songs might be completely new to me. The idea is fantastic, though, as the focus is what the listener actually hears and learns from the song, what it means to them. Many thanks for the review, @Gabriela Contreras Gonzalez; it is informative.

The cover caught my eye, adding the title on top of that. I think the author should thank the illustrator for such a popping, eye-catching cover. Now, to your review. Yes, I also think the book would be suitable for family reading. The concept sounds too foreign for me to give it a chance. Kudos on a job well.

Gabriela Contreras Gonzalez wrote: ↑13 Jun 2025, 13:55 [Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "What's in That Song?" by John Nicholas 1.]

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4 out of 5 stars

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What’s In That Song? by John Nicholas is a book containing 200 music trivia questions. The book takes a different approach to trivia questions, because this time, the questions are not about who sings what song, but what the lyrics tell. If you love to memorize lyrics or are wondering about the story each song tells, this book is perfect for you.

I recommend this book to music enthusiasts, those who enjoy game nights, or those who want to prove their musical knowledge. This is a good book for family gatherings and holidays.

******
What's in That Song?
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

I enjoy playing guitar and singing. However, I often find myself wondering what the lyrics mean. This book is perfect for me. Thanks for writing this informative review.