When someone asks you, “What’s your favorite kind of music?” you don’t really have an answer for them. If you’re anything like me, you don’t have a favorite genre. You love all music. What you’re listening to depends on your mood. Music has this amazing ability to tailor to any situation in life. For me, music is a release. My Spotify playlist has everything from Nirvana to G-Easy to Florida Georgia Line. The best part of being so versatile is that there are no limitations. I don’t understand how people listen to just one genre when there is so much more out there. There is no way I could label just one as my favorite. So I have decided to put together a list of genres I love and why I listen to them.
If you’re a music lover who matches your music to your mood, this list might sound extremely familiar to you.
Rap/Hip-hop: You turn the base setting on your speakers all the way up when you listen to rap or hip hop. The base vibrates through your whole body, and you truly feel the music. Personally, I can listen to rap and hip hop any time of the day except for early in the morning or if I have a headache. You know all of Drake’s lyrics and can rap them with no sweat.
Pop: If I’m in a peppy, happy mood, I listen to pop. Along with hip-hop, pop music is super fun to jam to in the car. Usually the lyrics are cheesy and repetitive, but they are very catchy and fun to dance and sing along to. Everyone needs a little Katy Perry in their life.
Country: The best time to listen to country is in the summer, driving down an open road with the windows down. FGL’s song “Cruise” is on repeat all summer. Country music goes two ways for me: either really happy and upbeat or really sad. If I need to cry, Rascal Flatts is my go-to. Also, country music goes well with sitting around with a group of friends and enjoying a cold beer and good company.
Rock: This is a broad category. Classic rock, modern rock, punk rock, and rock & roll all fall under this one. I listen to rock when I work out. Blink-182, Good Charlotte, and The Alkaline Trio are great artists to listen to while lifting or running. I also am a fan of classic rock bands like Motley Crue, Guns N’ Roses, and Aerosmith. They have a more “chill" feel to them. If you’re having a bad day and need someone to sympathize with you, Simple Plan or Green Day will do the trick.
Easy listening: If you’re not familiar with this, just listen to “John Mayer Radio” on Pandora. This music is relaxing, comforting, and light. It is perfect for background music while doing homework. Easy listening is so relaxing; I could fall asleep listening to it. It’s good for early mornings and cozy nights cuddled up on the couch with some hot tea or coffee. Some artists I enjoy are The Fray, Ed Sheeran, and Train. If you need to relax, wind down, or de-stress, this is the genre to listen to.
Techno/EDM:All I can say about EDM is that it makes me want to party. Like, go out and go hard. Ask anyone who has been to a rave or music festival, this genre is fun. The instruments are electronic and loud, there is limited vocals, and a significant drop in the base. If I’m going out, I love listening to some Skrillex to get me pumped up.
R&B/Soul: If you have never heard The Weeknd, I feel sorry for you. The vocals on that man are insane. R&B is a little slower than hip-hop and is very passionate. If you have ever heard “Ride” by SoMo, then you know what I mean. When I feel like belting out some powerful lyrics, I go to some soul and R&B.
So the next time someone asks you what you’re favorite type of music is, just tell them “I like a wide variety.” Being open to all music is a great quality to have. I am not defined by just one genre, so I can talk about all different kinds of music with all different kinds of people. People are passionate about their music tastes, so broaden your horizons and just ask. People will talk, and you will be surprised at what you learn. As I grow as a person, so does my playlist.
