Mood Music

I’d like to think that I am not ruled by my emotions. For the most part, I think this is true. The one notable exception to this is my taste in music. I have noticed as I drive to the church in Beverly where I work and worship, I flip through radio stations until a song resonates with me. Lately, I have noticed a correlation between the music and my mood. I don’t think this is out of the ordinary, but I began to notice the type of music I listened happened to like at the moment, and that, in turn, told me something about how I was feeling. Sometimes I can’t pinpoint my emotions, so this little experiment has been helpful at different times.

Below I have listed some of the emotions and the music that appeals to me while I am feeling those certain emotions or am in certain situations. I would love to know if any of you experience this same phenomenon and what music appeals to you.

Angry/Frustrated: Linkin Park (anything from the first 2 albums)

Homesick: Country Music (usually Alabama or Randy Travis, but also Josh Turner)

Energetic: Top 40 music (anything with a good beat – Gwen Stefani, Timbaland)

Need Motivation: “Carry on Wayward Son” by Kansas

Studious: Movie Soundtracks (Current favorites: Pirates of the Carribean 3, Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, Chronicles of Narnia)

Romantic: Standards, Big Band, Michael Buble (This normally happens after watching a romantic comedy or something.)

Missing College: Praise and Worship music (esp. “Never Let Go”)

Excited/Really Happy: Broadway Musicals (Wicked, Hairspray, Jersey Boys, etc)

Missing my Brother: Metallica, Poison, Bon Jovi (anything 80’s metal)

Exercise Motivation: Tower of Power (just can’t help myself)

I like a lot of other music, but this music serves a specific purpose. Just thought it might be something interesting to share!