Whether it’s the pounding of catchy drums, the shredding of electric guitars, or the mellow, deep aching sound of a bow drawn across a cello, no one is immune to the power of music. Music is the universal language, the common denominator, and as Victor Hugo says, “Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent.”
However, one of the unique quirks of the human condition is the fact that because every single person is inexplicably and infinitely different from one another, everyone finds different experiences that touch the soul or hit more directly. Which is why when you find someone with a similar music taste, especially if it’s more niche, you light up inside because suddenly both of you are being touched by the same thing.
I’m not picky when it comes to my taste in music: alternative, pop, rap, R&B, and indie are frequently jammed to. But my favorite music is the songs that make me feel more alive. The kind that you already know are going to be special from the first chords you hear, the first time you stumble across them. The kind where every single lyric seems to be written just for you. The kind where it doesn’t matter if there’s a music video because you already have a better one in your head. The kind where each time you play them, they just get better, and you almost have to stop and breathe and thank God you’re alive right here, right now when you can listen to the best song in the universe on this tiny electric box that is smarter than you are.
Most songs are only three to four minutes. That’s it. When you think about it, it’s incredible that noise synchronized in just the right way can change a person’s perspective or feelings or paint a story in about twice the time it takes to brush one’s teeth. The point is, three or four minutes is not a big investment in terms of the time in your day. I’ve been conducting a musical experiment for the past couple months. Every day, no matter how busy I am, I turn on one of the songs I’ve deemed makes me feel alive at that time and listen. Some days I blast it over a speaker and belt it in the shower, some days I dance to it in my room, head-banging and air-guitaring. Some days I just put my earphones in and absorb every note, chord, and harmony, picking out every instrument and feeling what I feel. But no matter how it happens, the conclusion I’ve come to is that I am happier after I listen every time. And sometimes “happier” doesn’t mean ecstatic and excited and smiling. Sometimes “happier” just means better, and that’s enough.
I encourage you to find your “feel alive” songs and take the small amount of time each day to listen to them, whatever that looks like for you. If you need some suggestions, I’ve listed some of my favorite “feel alive” songs below:
- Honest – The Band CAMINO
- Animal – Neon Trees
- Beloved – Mumford and Sons
- Everybody Wants to Rule the World – Tears for Fears
- Falling Back – Vacation Manor
- Ophelia – The Lumineers
- Cold War – Cautious Clay
This is really cool! You described music in a really powerful and emotional way, so thank you for being so open. Music is always a response to a kairotic moment, and this post in particular definitely gained my attention. I really like your recommendations too!