Michelle George | Week 9: Power of Music
Photo Credit: Dailey, Hannah. “SZA Concert Features Cardi B & Phoebe Bridgers as Surprise Performers.” Billboard, 6 Mar. 2023, www.billboard.com/music/music-news/sza-cardi-b-phoebe-bridgers-concert-surprise-performers-1235280366/. Accessed 16 Jan. 2025.
When I think of a day full of relaxation, I picture waking up late in the morning, eating breakfast at almost noon and watching the hummingbirds drink the nectar from several flowers from the window across the dining table, all while listening to a variety of pop and R&B.
Music from my favorite artists always sets me in a good mood. Songs such as “Good Days” by SZA, “Growing Sideways” by Noah Kahan, and “Still Beating” by Mac DeMarco all scratch my brain the right way. Music helps me feel as if I am not alone in facing life’s obstacles and reassures me that every obstacle eventually will pass, meaning that there is no benefit stressing over something that cannot be controlled.
The power of music stems from lyrics from artists who have experienced potentially similar roadblocks in their life, and their melodic lyrics are words of advice on how they overcome these challenges. I almost feel as if they are somewhat unpaid therapists in my life.
Not only does music have the power to uplift anyone in times of trials and tribulations, but it also acts as a great conversation starter. Music has the power of building friendships in the sense that people can connect and fawn over different types of music, whether it is rap, rock music, or cultural music as well. Discussing favorite genres of music allows people to reflect on different cultural practices and backgrounds which can lead to conversations about the differences between each tradition and religion. Even discussing upcoming concerts from common artists between friends are some ways that build excitement and keeps a conversation flowing.
Concerts provide an environment where individuals can bond over their shared love for music which often sparks a spontaneous and unexpected friendship with those seated nearby. The collective experience of live music definitely creates a sense of community and open space where people feel an extensive sense of belonging.
Music’s powerful ability to heal and uplift those in pain as well as inspire others are various aspects that prove music’s significant impact. Whether through casual conversations about a new SZA album or the shared exhilaration that originates from a live performance, music continues to be a powerful medium that helps people connect with others and is also a mode of relaxation.
Hey Michelle! The second I saw the cover photo for your blog, I knew I had to comment. SZA is my favorite artist, and her music, as you said, has such an immense power over me. Whenever I’m having a bad day, I can count on a good SZA song to support me and echo my thoughts. I agree that “Good Days” has that, as you said, brain-scratching feeling to it.
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree that music can serve as an amazing conversation starter because I honestly think that we became better friends because of the music we listen to. Although our tastes have changed a bit since this moment, I still remember seeing your Taylor Swift sweater and thinking that we would probably get along well because of our similar music tastes. Your point about concerts is so true as well, although I’ve never been to one. I’m sure the environment of a concert allows you to really let loose and sing to your heart’s content.
Overall, I seriously enjoyed reading your blog and I agree with your perspective that music carries a tremendous amount of power, both individually and socially, helping to uplift and also being there with you in tough times. Thanks for sharing this blog on the true power of music!
Hey Michelle! I love listening to pop music as well! In fact, whenever I am doing mundane work, I love to put on my headphones and listen to some of the trending pop songs or go down memory lane by listening to some of my favorites from when I was much younger. Although I have listened to a few extremely popular songs by SZA such as “Kill Bill,” I have not explored her music further. But, I can still connect to your feeling of feeling heard and seen by music. In fact, if I feel down, I like to listen to soothing songs, which help me manage my feelings and these songs act like my “unpaid therapists,” too, like they do in yours. Music is definitely something that connects the world together because who doesn't love to listen to a good song? Who doesn't like to nod their head along or sway while tunes play in their head? Who doesn't like shutting their eyes and feeling the music flow around them? Music is a very powerful tool and it can make or break relationships due to its large effect on human emotions. I definitely agree with your final paragraph, music is immensely powerful and it can be used to help heal or sometimes hurt others.
ReplyDeleteHi Michelle! Music being a part of your ideal morning routine stuck out to me because it acknowledges how music really sets the tone! It has so much power over us and influences our interests and friends, like how you pointed out. I like listening to music that reflects my current mood, so I essentially listen to all genres! I like meeting other likeminded people since I can bond with them over a wide variety of music, from Lana del Rey to an energetic, obscure song. Music has the ability to reflect our feelings and provide a space to feel them, so I agree with your statement that it's almost like unpaid therapy. From singing along to my favorite songs, I've developed an appreciation for how hard these artists work to sound as good as they do, and music's widespread influence shows that their hard work paid off.
ReplyDeleteHi Michelle! Looks like you and I had the same idea when it came to writing about music! We wrote about a lot of similar things too.
ReplyDeleteOne thing that I've never yet experienced is going to a concert. I imagine that its an amazing experience, being able to enjoy the atmosphere with hundreds of people who share the same music taste as you. I hope to be able to go to one one day!
One thing that I didn't touch on in my own blog was music's connection with our emotion. I've found that the song blasting through my ears is both dependent on and effecting my mood. I remember seeing a post years ago when Joji first started trending. I don't remember it word for word but it went something like this, "He cured our depression with his comedy then made us depressed through his songs." If you've listened to Joji, then you definitely know what I'm talking about. If not, give it a try!