Music is Good for The Soul

Written on November 30, 2014 this piece reflected my musical tastes at the time. Looking back on it and editing it again really brings back the memories from 5 years ago.

I don’t think I have ever met anyone who doesn’t like at least one genre of music. From Classical to Hip Hop, Top 40 to Show Tunes most people have a type of music they like and lyrics they can relate to. Music can be enjoyed from many countries, in many languages and rhythm styles.This cultural exchange seems to happen effortlessly and once one person discovers a new style of song, they love to share it.

I find that music is a healing tool as well. When I’m feeling down and blue I turn on the tunes and let the music take me away. It’s hard to feel bad when you are listening to upbeat or inspiring lyrics. Some people will play hard angry beats when they are mad or slow melodies when sad. We turn to music so we don’t feel alone. The artist is singing things we have felt and sharing similar situations to our own. By listening to the song we feel less alone and we know someone out there understands what we’ve been through.

Then you have songs where you may not relate at all, but the driving baseline and silly lyrics are fun to dance to or sing out loud with a group of friends. It makes you laugh or want to shake your booty which, not only is good exercise, but it releases endorphins that make you feel better.

I have my top 5 list of songs I listen to to make me feel better and the list can change depending on new songs or if I’ve listened to an older tunes and remembered how good it is. Here is my current list including the reasons behind my choices;

#5 The Climb: Sung by Miley Cyrus. Written by Jessi Alexander and Jon Mabe. This song is actually beautifully done and the lyrics are inspiring. Reminding us all to keep reaching for our goals because life is not about the destination but the journey. I just love the message and personally Miley back in her innocent days appeals to me more than the way she acts now.

#4 Walking on Sunshine: Sung by Katrina and The Waves. Written by Kimberly Rew. This song is upbeat, fun to dance to and great to sing along with. Belting out that you are walking on sunshine and it feels good can bring an instant smile to your face. This classic 80s hit is one I grew up with and still love to hear.

#3 Stronger: Sung by Kelly Clarkson. Written by Jörgen Elofsson, David Gamson, Greg Kurstin and Ali Tamposi. This one is a bit more personal to me. When the song was released my marriage was falling apart. We finally called things off and went our separate ways, (he’s in a completely different country now.) But I took this song as my anthem. I wasn’t going to let the turn of events get me down. I came out stronger and moved on with my life and I love that this song can help people feel like they can do it too. The beat is fun as well and the music video has its own little dance you can do along with the song. Fan participation is always fun.

#2 All About That Bass: Sung by Meghan Trainor. Written by Meghan Trainor and Kevin Kadish. If you’ve heard this song you know that the beat screams happy and upbeat. Not to mention the great lyrics telling girls and boys not to worry about their size, but to be happy with who they are. I struggled with weight from about age 12 and even today I’m still a little on the chunky side. I have lost 45 pounds in the last two years so I’m healthier and smaller then I’ve been in a long time, but as the song says “I ain’t no size 2.” With a beat to shake it to and a great message about being happy being yourself this song is almost my top song right now.

#1 Thank You for the Music: Sung by Abba. Written by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus. This song is a slow ballad for Abba, but is my number one cheer up song because it is really well sung. For me it is all about the music. “Without a song and a dance what are we? ” The song says it all about my passion for music and its ability to make you feel better and less alone. I love belting this one out and thinking to myself that without great songs like this life would seem a lot harder to deal with.

So now you’ve seen my current top 5, what are yours? Comment below and let me know what you listen to when you feel you need a music boost. I love finding new songs and what way would be better to do so then sharing songs with people all over the world?

Current songs I would add to this list Shake it Off by Taylor Swift, Head Above Water by Avril Lavigne and Bad Habits by Delaney Jane.

~The Incidental Scribe copy write January 2020