Part Two in an August 2013 Series on Music

Here is part two of my series on music. I hope you enjoy my selections for today's blog. Each song, it seems, is a part of my history. Music brings out feelings and emotions and can paint a day a million different colors, where once there was merely gray. Music is art; instead of using paints, the artists use words and melodies. How does music make you feel? What is your favorite song and why?

 

1. Johann Pachelbel- Canon

I discovered this brilliant piece by Pachelbel on Grandma Mary's keyboard in the summer of 2000 while working at Enchanted Forest--between my sophomore and junior years of high school. This is the type of music I think would be similar to what is played in heaven. From my perspective, 'Canon' is best when played on a harp, but the whole orchestra version sounds is good, too. When I listen to Canon by Pachelbel, it reminds me of that summer when I was in high school with my whole life ahead of  me with the sun shining brightly. It reminds me of love, happiness and adventures galore. How does Canon make YOU feel?

 2. Buddy Holly- Words of Love

I just want to throw this out there: Buddy Holly was a genius. He was truly a pioneer in modern music and provided many other bands and artists with inspiration for their sounds and style. Buddy Holly and the Crickets had many hits before that fateful night of February 3rd, 1959 when the plane he was flying in crashed and killed Holly, along with other notable musicians Richie Valens and J.P. Richardson AKA the Big Bopper. Don McClean wrote a song about "the day the music died" in his 1971 song "American Pie." In any case "Words of Love" is my favorite Buddy Holly song followed closely by "Maybe Baby."

3. The Beatles- Words of Love

Speaking of bands that were influenced by Buddy Holly and The Crickets, The Beatles were wildly popular during the sixties when they came on the scene and remain popular to this day. They put together their own rendition of "Words of Love" which is actually really good, but still doesn't beat the original by Buddy Holly. The Beatles remain one of my all time favorite bands and I'm sure many people include them in the top ten bands of all time.

4. The Beatles- I Want to Hold Your Hand

While we're talking about The Beatles, the song that really introduced me to The Beatles was "I Want to Hold Your Hand." Its upbeat tune and lyrics of hopeful young love really appealed to me at the time and described how I felt when I was around a gal that I liked. The teenage years were quite topsy-turvy for me, but I look back on them now and smile.

5. Sonicflood- Everyday 

This is a quick Christian song with a good tune and excellent lyrics. It seems to motivate me regardless of what kind of mood I am in. It's hard to listen to this song with a frown and I can't help but smile when it comes on. It's a good song to workout to, and just makes a person happy.


Music has always had a prominent place in my life, as I'm sure it holds that same respect in the lives of millions of others. Music can make us motivated, can make us move, can make us happy, can make us calm, can make us inspired and can even enhance an enjoyable experience.

Can you think of any accomplishments music has helped you attain? I know music has helped me during exercising, writing and spurring creativity. What music, band or song most inspires you?

Five Inspiring Songs for Today- Part One of a Series on Music

I supremely enjoy listening to music. There's music for every occasion; when you're happy, when you're sad, when you're thoughtful, when you're tired, when you need to get pumped up or basically anything you can think of. I personally believe that music is powerful and there's no denying the fact that it is moving.

I would like to now move on to share some of my favorite songs. They are in no particular order.

1. Antonio Vivaldi-The Four Seasons Concerto (Spring)

I enjoy classical music like this, especially because it is lively and elegant. Besides that, who hasn't dreamed of owning a mansion with this blasting through the house? The Four Seasons in total has a play time of about 42 minutes, but the Spring Concerto is my favorite and doesn't require such a time commitment. Spring is also the most well-known. I think you will notice the tune right away.

2. The Vogues-You're the One

I discovered this song while I was in high school when listening to the now defunct local oldies radio station 97.1 KISN. It has a quick tune and back then it appealed to my romantic little teenage heart. I remember being inspired and blissful while listening to this song back in the early 2000's. I hope you enjoy it, too.

3. Matt Redman-10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord Oh My Soul)

I am sure that if Matt Redman was not a multimillionaire before he came out with this song, he must be now. Tons of churches and Christian organizations are now in-love with this song and so am I. It seems to combine the strength and steadfastness of the old hymns with the emotion and catchiness of modern Christian music for an overall incredible effect.

4. Chris Tomlin-Our God

This song worshiping the Creator really appeals to me. The verses are slow, but the chorus picks up. It reminds me of the confidence we can have trusting in God.

5. Mozart- Sonata No. 16 K. 545

I don't doubt that many of you will recognize this fun, plucky little tune by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. I have found that listening to it makes me think better afterwards. Mozart really was a great composer and I recommend his work enthusiastically.

My tastes in music are quite eclectic and I think you will enjoy more songs on my playlist in the future when I continue my series on music. In the meantime, enjoy this link I was required to do an assignment on when I was pursuing my MBA:

What kind of music do you enjoy? Do you like classical, oldies or modern? Music improves the quality of your life, so make sure you listen to music you love at least once daily.