Everyone has their own opinion on what is considered “good” music. Different people listen to different kinds of music. But at the same time, two people who are very different from each other could both have a similar taste in music. This is what makes music special. Music is one of the broadest subjects. The type of music that someone listens to could seem dreadful to someone else; however, the reasons why one listens to music or likes a certain kind of music can be quite similar.

I can say with great certainty that I listen to music every day. Whether it’s through headphones at school, my speakers at home or while I’m driving in the car, there is almost always music playing. I have a certain genre or two of music that I really enjoy and for the most part, can tolerate any kind of music. But when I am choosing a song to listen, it’s not just a random pick. Just like anyone else would, I am going to play something I like. The question is, why do I like certain songs? Why do I prefer a certain album or artist or genre over others?

For me, there are a few answers to that question. The first one is memory. I’ve found that when I am doing something that I am enjoying or having a good time and I hear a song for the first time, I usually have a positive first impression of the song. When I listen to the same song again at a later time, it brings back memories of the good time I was having and that creates a good feeling inside of me or puts me in a good mood.

Another reason why I like the music I do is because it’s “new.” I’ll define “new” as a song or artist that isn’t popular yet or is still “underground,” but I think it has the potential to be much more. I like the feeling of finding something new and giving it a listen and immediately thinking about who I can share it with. Everyone loves being the first to find the “next big thing,” and I think this applies to music in a big way. Ask anyone who considers themselves an avid music listener, and they will agree. This process of discovering a new sound is a satisfying achievement.

The third main reason why I like music is for the creativity. For instance, in hip-hop or rap, I may like a song because of the rhyme scheme it has in one of the verses. I think it’s fascinating how some artists have the ability to do these types of tricks and have their own unique style of delivery, all over a beat or instrumental. I am intrigued by the way some artists have the ability to tell a gripping story in just a three- or four-minute song.

All that being said, some who may read this might not agree with any of the reasons why I like music. Some may like music because it is mechanically sound or because it was well produced. Some may listen to music just because everyone else listens to it, and they want to see what all the hype is about. The fact is, we all choose to listen to a certain kind of music because of the feeling it creates. When a person hears one of their favorite songs, their body releases dopamine into their brain. This gives them that “feel good,” feeling which is what makes music so unique and so special. Music is something special to me. Regardless of whether you like music for the same reasons I do, we all should appreciate the positive impact music creates.