How to Use This Book

While designed to be read sequentially, each chapter stands alone. A jazz fan might start with Chapter 5, while someone interested in current sounds might jump to Chapter 7 on popular music. The listening guides at each chapter's end provide starting points for exploration—in our streaming age, most recommendations are instantly accessible.

Don't feel obligated to like everything. French musical culture values strong opinions and heated debates. The couple arguing about Stromae's legitimacy at a café, the critics savaging a new opera, the online forums dissecting the latest rap beef—all participate in a tradition of taking music seriously enough to fight about it.