How does music have an affect on your lives?

For me, music has been around me my whole life. I didn’t choose it growing up, but it has definitely influenced my taste. I choose it based on if the rhythm and melody attract me, and secondarily if I like the lyrics. I guess the main thing is how it makes me feel. I like all kinds, for different reasons, but am less tolerant to country and jazz.

Classical music is what I listen to about 95% of the time. No matter what era it comes from, Telemann to Bartok, it operates according to rules consistently. These rules might change according to era or composer but they exist nonetheless. It appeals to higher emotions. If I’m wasted enough I can listen to certain rock groups from the 60s and 70s, but higher emotions are not reigning at that time.

Country music and rap trigger an automatic gag reflex with me. +GQ

May I add: I don’t mind classical music either. I guess it just depends on what mood I’m in. Sometimes I just need to hear really loud rock music! Other times, I need something calming, steady and less arresting. My mood dictates my music.

@Siren I need Doors, Moody Blues and Blue Oyster Cult when wasted. That is mood dictating music. Otherwise I use classical music to direct and channel my mood. Works both ways. +GA

@stranger_in_a_strange_land: Not that I’m condoning the use of drugs or anything, but isn’t/wasn’t Pink Floyd the band of choice for drug users?

@Siren It supposedly is, but acid was never my drug of choice. Glad it’s not, too, seeing what the stuff did to Syd Barrett.

i listen to everything. if i’m in a bad mood and put something on usally it lightens me up. i love everything from eric slow hands clapton to t-pain to jackson and g-love. music is a big part of my life

@lovemypits86 Until very recently it was a very important part of my life too. Now I’m into silence, even when wasted.

For centuries, music has made the world go round. no matter if its China, Austrailia or the United States. a song can put you in a good mood. a song can put you in a bad mood. most music is about emotions and how it effects humans. i can listen to one or two of my fast beat favorite songs in the morning and i am ready to fight the world. it gets my motor to running. love songs are just that, love songs and good for that purpose. if humans did not directly connect to music, then why do you think we have so many radio stations and so many different recording artists. there is a need for musice and these outlets fill that bill. music makes the world go round.

What I love about music is the motivation it gives me. Theres certain songs that just rev me up where I feel like I can do anything. Especially when i’m working out or running, if i’m listening to the right song I can somehow work so much harder. Or, if i’m trying to calm myself I can listen to an instrumental song or a slow song and I can relax and clear my mind. It amazes me how much of an impact it can have!

@john65pennington Great assessment John. +GA

really?

@Jharty89 Echo my comment to John. +GA

I think we are hard wired for it. Watch a baby start to dance and sing. No teaching required.

check out some of my brothers:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXm0vYHggOs

Jeez, I feel sort of all excited all over. Woof.

It sensuously strokes the Soul.

It is good for whatever mood I am in. If I am happy I can listen to happy music that I can relate to at the time, same thing goes with when I am sad or upset at something.

”...hath charms to soothe the savage breast…” but some of what passes for “music” tends to have the opposite effect.