The Holy or the Broken - by Alan Light (Paperback)

The Holy or the Broken: Leonard Cohen, Jeff Buckley, and the Unlikely Ascent of 'Hallelujah' is a captivating exploration into the power of music and its ability to transcend generations and cultures.

This book delves into the improbable journey of one of the most performed and beloved songs in pop history, revealing how it became an unofficial international anthem for human triumph and tragedy.

Through in-depth interviews and expansive research, author Alan Light uncovers the fascinating story behind the song's evolution, including its initial dismissal by fans and critics alike, and its subsequent rise to fame through covers by music icons such as Celine Dion, Bon Jovi, Willie Nelson, and Jeff Buckley.

The book also explores how great songs come to be, and how we as listeners have the endless ability to project a succession of meanings onto a cultural artifact, forever reinterpreting art through the lens of current events and the latest trends.

With a foreword and afterword by the author, The Holy or the Broken is a must-read for music fans and anyone interested in the power of music to shape our lives and culture.