The Holy or the Broken

The Holy or the Broken (2012) by Alan Light. This book is about Leonard Cohen's song "Hallelujah," which rose from obscurity to ubiquity over the span of a few decades. It was not a big hit when it first appeared on Cohen's 1984 album Various Positions, and it wasn't released as a single when it was sung by Jeff Buckley on his album Grace. But gradually it has percolated up through popular consciousness, being used in such varied places as the movie Shrek and TV shows like The West Wing the The O.C. It has been used in tribute concerts and in memorial services, in weddings and in funerals. If you're not sure you remember it, I strongly suggest you look it up on YouTube and give it a listen. The book explores the reasons why such an initially obscure song has risen through pop consciousness to be perhaps the most covered song in the last couple of decades. The lyrics to the song are included in the book, so you can sing along if you're so minded. I found the book entertaining and moving, yet somewhat repetitive. It is only a little more than a cataloging of all the people and places where "Hallelujah" has made an appearance -- and true, it is an impressive catalog. There are also biographical details about Cohen and Buckley which add to the allure of the book. I'd say it's must reading for pop-music fans. Grade: B