As an self proclaimed music enthusiast, I enjoy listening to most all types of music. You name it, I've probably listened to it, or at least heard of it. A little musical history about myself: I play a few instruments and I sing, so exposing myself to all types of music has never been an issue for me. I like anywhere from pop to classic rock, although music from the 60's and 70's has a special place in my heart. Sometimes, I even think I was born in at the wrong time because I feel a strong compelling feeling to truly experience music of this time period.
I think that music has the ability to bring all sorts of people together in a world where we tend to be so divided. Music serves as a coping mechanism for many in times of trouble, but it also can serve as a casual topic of conversation between two strangers with the potential to bond over their similarities in music taste. I think perhaps one of the coolest thing music does is its ability to completely alter someone's mood. I think everyone has a personal list of songs that just get them feeling some type of way that is indescribable to another person. It's almost as if listening to these songs transports them back to a time when everything was once good, and we as humans long for what is familiar in order to make us feel comfortable. I too have this collection of songs that just get me feeling "some type of way", and I can remember exactly where I was when I first heard each song, and what happened to lead me to this longing for what was. In hopes of uniting people more in this world of separation we live in, I've compiled a list of my top 5 songs that just get me feeling "some type of way". Feel free to add your thoughts and comments if you too have these experiences, just so I know that I'm not completely insane.
1. "Landslide" by Fleetwood Mac:
When I was little, my parents loved to play the Rumours CD in the car. I think this track is such a thought provoking song. When I listen to it now, I really think about my life so far, and if I am making the right decisions to help me advance in the right direction. I also think about the problems I've faced that I once thought were life ending, but now they're just part of my past and have made me who I am today. Finally, I like to think about how fast life moves when I listen to this song. It's almost like Stevie Nicks is telling me to stop and take a break from the fast paced life I live most of the time, and to enjoy it while it lasts.2. "Going to California" by Led Zeppelin:
I really think that this gets to me because it's all about the way it is set up. It's mellow, and the acoustic guitar and mandolin mix eases the mind into bliss as you listen. It's hard to explain, but whenever I listen to this song, I get nostalgic for something I can't quite put my finger on.
3. "Born in the USA" by Bruce Springsteen
This song is a classic rock tune you can just drive down the highway to in the middle of summer, and everything just feels right. The windows are down, Springsteen's voice carries you through the turns of the wide open road.
4. "More Than a Feeling" by Boston:
With this song, I get similar vibes to the Springsteen tune. I feel like whenever I listen to this song, everything is just okay in the world. The driving guitar beat behind the chorus combined with the harmonies that just tie everything together and make car jam sessions with your best friends just that much better. Now who wants to sing the guitar solo part?
5. "Carry on My Wayward Son" by Kansas:
It's kind of hard to hate this almost six minutes long Kansas masterpiece. There's just something for everyone in this song. You can sing along to any of the harmonies, the guitar parts, or the legendary guitar solo about half way through the song.
So there you have it, the songs that really just get me going. I'd like to thank my parents for the introduction to this era of music. It's all truly inspiring. Agree or disagree, they're gems in someone's eyes.
