I am timid to use the word "magic" in any publication or major writing I do as it tends to give off a sense of 'unknowingness,' if you will, that eases readers into being complicit with not knowing. Literally speaking, there is no such thing as magic; it's simply a word we have used to metaphorically articulate that we do not (yet) know how something works. Though with the understanding from the reader, you, that when I say 'magic' in accordance with music, I am acknowledging the complex science of the brain (chemistry, organic circuitry and transmitters, etc.) along with the beauty that is biochemistry. There is no "ghost in the machine" as Gilbert Ryle would say.

Humans are generally social beings, so it makes sense that we are so driven towards music. It has been around for all of recorded history and we've even found crude instruments dated back from before anything was written down or preserved. Although many may think that our musical propensity is unique to humans, research has found that animals are musically inclined as well.

The magic of music is multi-layered. In certain instances, it can provide healing effects (music therapy), trigger emotional responses in us, and lead us all together. Music has a great power to bring us together as a community through shared interests, life experiences, or worldviews.

Sometimes, music just makes you feel great!

Sometimes, music makes you want to calm down and sway

Many of us have playlists for different moods that we are feeling or that we want to feel. Through music, we can express ourselves completely separate and more intimately than traditional language can.

Something I have recently discovered and thought deserved recognition is an attempt to make an all-new narrative out of a conglomeration of existing songs through playlists. Nathan Zed (@NathanZed/ thethirdpew ) has done just that in a series he calls "Good Enough". While it consists of four parts, I think the narrative is best left on the third playlist. The conclusion on Logic's "1-800-273-8255" is one of paramount emotional distress, yet left in the light of closure to come.

(Note: Playlists include explicit content)

HONEY: [GOOD ENOUGH] PART I

THORNS: [GOOD ENOUGH] PART II

SPIRAL: [GOOD ENOUGH] PART III

While I am always careful of my use of 'magic', I believe music possesses the perfect mixture of mystery and beauty worthy of such a mythical description.