Let's Talk About Love: Why Other People Have Such Bad Taste

Carl Wilson's cultural criticism examines the music of Céline Dion and the broader question of taste through both research and personal narrative. The book originated as part of Bloomsbury's 33 1/3 series about individual albums, focusing on Dion's 1997 album Let's Talk About Love. Wilson investigates why Céline Dion became a global phenomenon while simultaneously serving as an object of mockery among critics and tastemakers. He explores her Quebec roots, rise to fame, and the sociological factors behind different audiences' reactions to her music. Through interviews, cultural theory, and musical analysis, Wilson traces how class, education, and social status influence aesthetic preferences. The investigation extends beyond Dion to examine the nature of taste itself, including perspectives from philosophers, critics, and scholars. The book challenges readers to question their own cultural prejudices and the hierarchies that shape opinions about art and music. Through this lens, it becomes an exploration of how humans relate to each other across boundaries of taste and judgment.

Readers value this book's exploration of taste, criticism, and cultural judgment through the lens of Celine Dion's music. Many appreciate how Wilson challenges his own musical prejudices and examines why people dismiss certain artists. Liked: - Deep analysis of how class, culture, and background shape musical preferences - Balance of personal narrative and academic theory - Made readers question their own artistic biases Disliked: - Second half becomes too academic and theoretical - Too much focus on Wilson's personal journey - Some found the Celine Dion analysis thin compared to broader cultural discussions Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (2,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (90+ ratings) Reader quote: "Changed how I think about not just music but all art criticism" - Goodreads reviewer Critical quote: "Gets lost in academic jargon halfway through, losing the engaging tone of the early chapters" - Amazon reviewer

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🎵 While the book analyzes Céline Dion's music, author Carl Wilson openly admits he initially disliked her work, making his deep dive into her appeal a journey of challenging his own cultural biases. 📚 The book was originally published in 2007 as part of Continuum's 33⅓ series, which features short books about specific albums, but was later expanded and republished in 2014 with additional essays from other critics and cultural commentators. 🌎 The title "Let's Talk About Love" comes from Céline Dion's 1997 album of the same name, which included "My Heart Will Go On," the theme from Titanic that became one of the best-selling singles of all time. 💭 Wilson explores the concept of "schmaltz" - deliberately sentimental art - and how cultural taste is often more about social status and identity than inherent artistic quality. 🎭 The book has become required reading in many university courses on cultural criticism and music journalism, praised for its examination of how people form their aesthetic preferences and judge others' tastes.