Peace of Music

Barry Dwork
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Music Commentary
  • Updated Semiweekly

Barry Dwork is a writer and music lover who shares his passion for music. For him, music has the potential power to bring peace to all people and promote a universal language of harmony and commonality in such a complex world. Music soothes the savage beast.

Episodes

  1. May 11

    U2 Part 3: The Joshua Tree - Inside God's Country

    Our series on U2 continues with a look at the band's 5th album The Joshua Tree (1987). Barry journeys into the personal meaning, political messaging, and reaction to some of the most iconic lyrics within this Grammy award-winning album. Get a full history of the thought and care that U2 put into crafting The Joshua Tree as well as how their experiences within the United States heavily influenced the overall themes of the record.

    29 min

  2. 12/07/2025

    U2 Part 2: The Early Years - The Unforgettable Fire of 1984

    On this edition of U2: The Early Years, Barry dives into the 1984 album, The Unforgettable Fire. Learn the stories behind how the band came up with some of the most iconic songs from the record, why this was a deeply personal record for the band, and how these songs influenced and touched U2's fans around the world. Barry also gives his take on five of the most impactful tracks from this, U2's fourth studio album.

    29 min

  3. 08/02/2025

    U2 Part I: The Early Years (1980-1983)

    Welcome to the first installment of our series on U2! In this episode, Barry dives into U2's early albums, including the lyrical intentionality Bono established for the band right out of the gates. Learn all about the history behind some of U2's earliest hits, as well as the deep meaning behind some of their lesser played tracks on those first few albums. As always, Barry shares some personal stories and connections he has to U2 and their massively prolific catalogue. Albums Mentioned: Boy (1980)October (1981)War (1983) Topics: U2 early albums, U2 Boy album analysis, U2 October album meaning, U2 War album review, Bono’s lyrics about grief, U2 songs about loss, New Year’s Day U2 meaning, Spiritual themes in U2 music, U2 and punk rock influence, Like a Song U2 lyrics, Two Hearts Beat as One U2, U2 and social justice, Red Light U2 analysis, Drowning Man U2 meaning, Peace of Music podcast

    26 min

  4. 05/10/2025

    The Winds of Change: Part 3, Issue 3: How I Evolved Musically from an Innocent Six-Year Old Feeling Patriotic Songs During the Mid-1960’s, to a Practical-Minded Adult by the Time of 9/11

    On this episode, Barry Dwork shares the music and stories behind the evolution of his own feelings toward patriotism over the course of his life. From the mid-1960s through the events of 9/11, music has seen its fair share of hopeful anthems, protest songs, and moments that accurately captured the cultural feeling of the times. On this edition of The Winds of Change series, Barry dives into the music that he connected to the most. Whether it was as a grade school student hearing My Country Tis of Thee or as an adult trying to cope with the horrors of a national tragedy, Barry gives a thorough account of these historic moments in U.S. and music history. Artists Mentioned in This Episode: Grand Funk Railroad U2 Bruce Springsteen The Highwaymen Elton John Styx Kansas Topics: patriotic music history, Vietnam War songs, American patriotism evolution, post 9/11 reflections, Bruce Springsteen The Rising, 60s patriotic songs, America the Beautiful history, My Country Tis of Thee meaning, Michael Row the Boat Ashore spiritual, Grand Funk Railroad patriotism, Elton John Daniel meaning, Kansas Song for America lyrics, Styx Suite Madame Blue meaning, U2 In God’s Country analysis, musical evolution and patriotism, songs about American history, Civil Rights era music, emotional impact of 9/11 music, generational views on patriotism, America in classic rock

    27 min

  5. 01/18/2025

    The Winds of Change Part 2 - How Music Helps Me Cope with the New Normal in the United States: Race Relations/Civil Rights

    On this episode, Barry dives into songs of peace, unity, and freedom. From the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in the 1960s right up to the current climate around social justice, Barry explains how and why some of these iconic songs impacted him, as they did so many. Some artists Barry examines within this episode are Bob Dylan, Pete Seeger, Three Dog Night, Marian Anderson, Joan Baez, and many more.

    26 min

  6. 08/11/2024

    The Winds of Change Part 1 - How Music Helps Me Cope with the New Normal in the United States: Environment/Climate Change

    On this first part of the Winds of Change series, highlighting the many changes we have seen in U.S. since the 1960s, Barry dives into some of the most inspirational, informative, and inspiring music that has helped him understand and cope with the many environmental issues we face as a planet. From early activist anthems by bands of the 1970s to modern protest songs from legendary musicians, this episode puts a spotlight on how the music surrounding climate change has both changed and, in many ways, stayed similar over the course of the last 50 years.

    19 min

  7. 05/20/2024

    From the Jackson 5 to Bad Company: How Music Helped Me Evolve from Pre-Teen Innocence to Adolescent Rebelliousness

    Barry Dwork gives a glimpse at what it was like growing up in the 60s and 70s, to discuss the music, messages, and bands that had the most impact on him. From songs about unity to hard rock that just makes you feel free, this episode goes through the gamut of some of the sounds that not only sparked cultural revolutions, but also, lit a fire in a young Barry just finding his way through a rapidly changing world.

    22 min

  8. 02/18/2024

    The Who

    On this inaugural episode, Barry Dwork takes us on a heartfelt journey through the impact of The Who on his life. Like so many of "his generation," The Who impacted Barry profoundly. Why was this band so important? Well, listen as Barry reflects on their profound influence, exploring pivotal songs and albums that shaped him from childhood to adulthood. Divided into segments discussing the generational impact, love songs, the band's resilience, and the resonance of the rock opera Tommy, Barry delves into how The Who became a source of emotional strength and identity, helping him navigate many challenges he has faced. Discover the transformative power of The Who's music as Barry shares his personal connection with this iconic band!

    40 min
  • 8 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Barry Dwork is a writer and music lover who shares his passion for music. For him, music has the potential power to bring peace to all people and promote a universal language of harmony and commonality in such a complex world. Music soothes the savage beast.

Information

  • Creator
    Barry Dwork
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    8
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Barry Dwork
  • Show Website
    Peace of Music