Exercise #7 Part 2

            I am somebody who loves to listen to all kinds of music in every genre imaginable. One of my favorite things to do besides listening to my own songs is listening to new songs recommended to me by my friends. Every time I hear a new song that I love, it is like discovering a hidden treasure: I become overwhelmed with happiness and joy not only by the discovery itself, but also by the emotions the song brings to me each time I listen to it.

For this assignment, I asked my friend Rachel to recommend some songs to listen to. Rachel is a self acclaimed connoisseur of music, knowing the ins and outs of what music is good and what is bad. When I asked her what are some songs worth listening to, without hesitation she automatically said Green Day’s album, American Idiot. Every song on there, she claimed, is perfection. Back in the day when this album first came out, I actually went to the concert, believe it or not. But since then, I have not really listened to any of Green Day’s music. For this assignment, I gave the album a shot, and began listening to the songs.  Right away I understood what Rachel was talking about. The lyrics to Green Day’s songs are extremely powerful, with clever messages and good beats. Usually this is not the type of music that I would listen to, but I’m glad that she recommended it, for the songs were truly great!

The reason Rachel loves this album so much, is because of the great lyrics and beats. She likes how the songs actually have some meaning to them besides your typical “let’s just dance” and “put your hands up” radio songs. I would have to agree with her on that. I do enjoy those catchy radio songs, but the reason I am fond of this album is because Green Day has artistically mixed clever lyrics with catchy rhythms, creating a musical masterpiece. Rachel also likes how on this album, there is a song for every mood. If she needs to be fired up and energized she puts on Holiday, if she is in a somewhat somber mood, she puts on Boulevard of Broken Dreams. Each song compliments her mood, and enhances her emotions for each situation. I totally agree with that. The album is complex and diverse, which is extremely refreshing.

After listening to the album and Rachel’s explanation as to why she is so fond of this CD, I have become more aware of the powerful influence music has on our lives. Music can take any emotion and either highlight it or change it, depending on the song you are listening to and the mood to which you are feeling. There is no other art form, in my opinion, that has this much control over our emotions. By simply listening to a great song, we are instantaneously put into a better mood. The reason why music has such an impact on our lives is because there is a song for everyone and for every emotion. Where some people may not be fond of a particular type of art form or theatrical presentation, everyone enjoys music. Because all humans let music into their lives with open arms, it is the single most powerful art form out there, in my opinion. Music has a strong influential force on people worldwide, swaying people’s emotions by its moving melodies and lyrics.