Hey guys!
Erin again. This post is going to be a bit different. Rather than taking the time to review and give feedback on a particular artist/album/song, I thought I'd take a stab at dissecting the importance of music and the affect it has on us personally and as a society.
How many times have you heard a song that changed your day? For that matter, how many times can we attribute a significant life change to the impact made by a song? Personally I can point back to several times that hearing a particular tune has drastically changed my perspective and view of God, life and people. Music has the power to exhale life or inhale death. It can influence the way people dress, think, speak. It can change affect their religious views, make them aware of a social problem, soften a heart... harden a heart. People melt when they hear a sentimental song that touches their soul. They can be empowered by music. Music can draw people together for a common cause, or separate them to stand out amongst a crowd. It can drive people to suicide leaps or pull them away from them.
And in spite of all that, we are still so flippant and casual about what we choose to listen to. I say this coming from the stand point of one who doesn't often filter what I listen to as much as maybe I should.
I would like to be clear on a couple of things. What I am not saying here is that we shouldn't listen to secular music or any specific genre of music. I am also not telling you what you should listen to. I think it will be different for each person. Only you know how what you listen to affects you.
That being said, I'd like to make some observations on how a few different styles of music affect me and how, I believe, this could be something that is a bit more universal than typically thought.
Worship music - Generally understood to be the music you sing before the preacher gets up to talk.
I believe that this is probably the most powerful type of music. However, I believe we tend to have too narrow a view of what "worship music" actually is. If a song is centered around glorifying our Lord, it's worship music. Whether the artist is singing to the typical 4/4 time signature or is screaming his lungs out to a hard metal melody, if the purpose, lyrics and heart of the singer glorify God, it is a worship song.
That being said, I don't think it is anything about the music specifically that makes it so potent and life-changing. I believe that it is because where man glorifies God, God meets man. And there is nothing more powerful than the work of God in the life of one who is open to Him.
Screamo/Metal - Generally understood as the music that your mom wishes you didn't listen to.
This type of music, I've found, can have a surprising effect on people. The people I know who primarily listen to this genre are not the angry, brooding type, but rather they tend to be some of the nicest and most mellow people I know. Also, the people I know who most strongly object to this style of music tend to be more outgoing (while those who listen to it tend to be a bit more introverted).
I personally enjoy a bit of screamo/metal music occasionally. It is definitely soothing to listen to when I'm frustrated. (I also find it amusing that I find this kind of music soothing).
Acoustic/Folk - Generally understood as the music that hipsters and coffee house geeks listen to.
The cool thing about acoustic/folk music is its versatility. Because of its more chilled out sound, it has the ability to communicate serenity but also to express sorrow. It can be used to celebrate but also to mourn. Regardless of anything, it is relaxing to listen to. A large portion of my "Sleep" playlist on my iPod is made up of this. It has a calming effect on the soul.
Pop Music - Generally understood as the crap that is played on the radio.
As best as I can tell, this music, while it is good for "pumping people up" has a primary purpose of just sucking. :P That aside, I do enjoy a few "pop" songs on occasion. But like fast food, its ok if consumed occasionally, however, in large amounts it tends to dull the senses. And it is speculated that it may give you gas.
And that my friends is my view of music and what it can do to you :p
Me off.
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