Emotion in Listening

Blivy (not sure who that is, I guess my blog is already so popular that it just attracts everyone) poses an interesting question: when we listen to music, are there certain songs that we strongly react to emotionally? Or do we listen to music just because it sounds good to our ears? Although this question strays slightly from how music helps the brain, it’s still an important thing to look at. 

But first, lets separate it into two separate parts: there is the type of music, or a specific song, that we react strongly to because it reminds us of something; maybe a time in our life that no longer is present, or a person, ect. Then, there are the songs that really just “hit us in the gut”, as Blivy has stated. 

I have songs in both of those categories. For example, every time I hear a specific song, I’ll be reminded of a time during my Freshman year when I would listen to that song all the time. Regarding the other category, let me put it this way: if there were no songs I knew of that evoked certain emotions in me, emotions that I might not feel otherwise, I would not listen to music. Sure, I listen to some songs for fun, without intently focusing on what I'm actually hearing; but then, there are just some songs... that when I listen, I feel the need to stop 

everything 

I’m 

doing

to listen to it, in order to fully appreciate it. There is a song by Phish like that. I’m not sure I’ve ever met someone who has appreciated this song, or at least the second half of the song as much as I do. The first half is composed, and while that part is great, it does not come close to when they start improvising. It’s such a simple chord progression, just a I-V-IV, but there is something about the way they play it that just stirs my soul, so to speak. It makes me feel unexplainably happy; it’s hard to describe.


My loyal followers: What are specific songs that affect you emotionally? Post links to them in the comments!