Music & Me
On
the musical side of things, I took piano classes all throughout middle school,
however, I no longer practice. My musical preference stays mainly with lyrical
music because I love to listen to the stories that the singers tell. Most of
the music I listen to does have some form of dark or melancholic undertone
whether it is in the lyrics or in the musical composition.
1. Share with us an example of music that is your current
go-to. For the longest time, I have been obsessed with the
sounds of 80s music. Something about it is filled with happiness, but the
messages are sometimes sad in nature. I love the way that the songs tell a
story not only through the lyrics but also with the instruments. Because of
this, I have to share one of my all-time favorite 80s jams!
To start off, "Somebody's Watching Me" by Rockwell featuring Michael Jackson is a Halloween favorite at my house. I especially love the small eerie sounds heard around the 2:20 mark that brings the feeling of paranoia into the listener. I also love how later in the song, the pauses between verses get longer to make the feeling of discomfort settle in! The lyrics tell of a man who is paranoid that someone (or something) is constantly observing his every move. It causes him discomfort in daily life. Please tell me someone also enjoys songs similar to this!
2. Share with us an example of music that is personally
meaningful, and has been for a while. Moving away from
one 80's hit to another… "Last Christmas" by WHAM. This is a song
that resonates with me on a calming level. Whenever I hear it, no matter how I
am feeling, my mood brightens. I listen to Last Christmas all the time, no
matter the season. I understand many people don't listen to Christmas songs
outside of December, but this one I keep to myself and save for a rainy day.
My
favorite part of the song has to be the final verse. I just love when the tempo
picks up and all the small melodies come together at once. It is a perfect
ending to a perfect song. So, if you're ever feeling under the weather try out
some Christmas music. It just might help.
3. Share with us an example of music that, for whatever
reason, you just don't really connect with or understand. It's only right to
end this off with a third and final '80s jam. Electric Avenue is a song I have
a difficult time sitting through without changing the channel. This may be
because I was involved in a car accident while this song was on the radio or
possibly just because the world told me I couldn't love all the music that came
out of the 80s. Either way; here we are.
Eddy
Grant sings the song, and it is a very relaxed reggae. There is a lot going on
in this song, and it never fails to give me a headache after listening to it. The
background is filled with small electrical quips and drum cymbals, so the
energy is always high. The melody of the song is calming, and it beautifully
contradicts the contents of the lyrics. All in all, it's an all-right song.
However, I won't be adding it to any playlists in the near future.
I think that older music rhythms are cool. They didn't have the technology like we do today and to hear the different sounds that the instruments make is cool.
ReplyDeleteCecilia,
ReplyDeleteI have heard of the Rockwell and Michael Jackson song, but have never put much thought into how the pauses and spooky sounds in the background add to the song. Definitely, the pauses add so much suspense!
Hey Cecilia! I am so so so happy I read your blog. It has made me feel like I have gone back in time. The song "Somebody's watching me" was a song I got on a CD from Wendys, I think my mom still has it somewhere in our house. But we would blast this song every time she would take me to school in the morning. I am so happy that I am not the only person to listen to Christmas music outside of December. I tend to have to listen to it alone during January-October, but just hearing them makes me so happy on the inside!
ReplyDelete"Somebodys watching me" will always be a favorite 80's song of mine. Im so happy you mentioned "Last Christmas" by Wham because thats my favorite christmas song and I listen to it on repeat every year!
ReplyDeleteI’m a huge fan of 80s music too! I love how distinctive it is. You can really tell when a song is from the 1980s based on the general feel of it. I love “Somebody’s Watching Me” and “Last Christmas” is fantastic too, I totally understand why you listen to it year-round.
ReplyDeleteI can agree with you on 80s music. I love the way the music is and the way it makes me feel. I do not listen to it often, but when I hear it, I can understand why you listen to it year-round!
ReplyDelete