I've written posts before on favourite songs and their meaning to me but wanted to share my thoughts on music in general.
The music we like - bands, singers, genre - often says a lot about us and is something that helps define or group us. In school it oftens helps with the labelling process and determines which group of people you belong to. I never was very good at being grouped so didn't have a particular genre that I kept going back to. I've mentioned before that I have an obsessive nature which is often linked to music. The bands or singers I've obsessed over, over the last ten years probably tell you the rest of the story - I don't have one type of music. I've loved (and still love) various types of music and bands that don't fit in to certain categories. I will always have happy memories of bands like Take That, Boyzone, REM, Manic Street Preachers because they represent a part of my past that I never want to forget. Songs are the gateway to a wonderful memory. I remember listening to certain Red Hot Chilli Peppers and Coldplay albums at university; Take That classics while at primary school and Manic Street Preacher oldies while a teenager. Those songs remind me of the feelings, anxieties and worries I had at those particular times. They bring back memories much quicker than a photo can.
A friend I drove to New Wine with once commented on my eclectic taste of music - dance tunes, rap music, pop, indie, motown and bands he'd never heard of came on in the car and he was amazed that so many different kinds of music came out of my speakers. He loved it. I've often had people comment that they didn't think I was the kind of person to listen to Tupac and know all the words to rap songs. Music is constantly compartmentalised but it doesn't mean we should be. Songs are a great way to express emotion and that's what I use them for. There's nothing greater than shouting 'So What' by Pink when you're angry or admiring God's amazing creation whilst listening to Scandinavian folk bands. Life is all about change and music reflects that.
Programmes like 'Glee' are criticised for not producing much original work and copying, or as some believe, ruining already good songs but actually they encourage this appreciation of a wide range of music. They celebrate different genres including musical numbers and encourage people to step out of their comfort musical zone. They change classic songs and reinterpret them. I'm not ashamed to say I've bought whole albums of music based on one song that 'Glee' did and discovered some great music in the process. 'Glee' appeals to people much younger than me and I'm glad it encourages them to listen to music they perhaps wouldn't have heard of otherwise.
I love discovering new music and recently have spent a small fortune on buying albums of these artists on iTunes. Music expresses moods and emotions far better than I can, either speaking or writing. A writer (I think it was Michael Mayne) has written that music is the closest we humans can get to Heaven and I fully believe that. Music frequently brings me to tears, either happy or sad ones and I feel much closer to God through music. Music truly is the key to life.
