Walking Playlists: How Music Mirrors Who We Are

When taking a moment to stop and think, I discovered that music is the closest thing we have to actual magic. You can't touch it, but it moves you, literally! The way certain beats and frequencies influence different parts of your body is crazy. Club music? You feel it deep in your core, due to the fun rhythm and irrefutable beat. Whereas, Blues and indie music hits you right in the heart with those warm guitar strums and vocals. In comparison, Pop or alternative songs helps you feel alive, messing with your brain in the best way. It’s as if music was designed to sync with us.

And it’s not just sound. What we listen to says so much about who we are, and who we wish to be. We’re walking playlists, ask a person who their favourite artist is, and you are able to learn how they think and who they look up to.

Furthermore music is very beneficial at helping us to process our emotions, feel seen, and manipulate our mood. That’s why I love that there are so many different genres out nowadays, it means there really is something out there for everyone. And honestly, that’s why I really struggle to heavily dislike any particular type of music, just because I personally am unable to relate or enjoy listening to it, doesn’t mean it couldn’t be to someone else’s taste. 

I’ve realised that not only does who we are influence what we listen to but so does the time of year/ weather. Looking back on my ever changing self-made playlists I’ve noticed a consistent pattern that repeats yearly. During the early spring and I often find myself listening to more upbeat, uplifting songs that put me in a good mood. For instance, a personal spring favourite of mine would be “Dog days are over” by Florence and the Machine. It features new beginnings, particularly after murky waters, and im not alone in this opinion. A listener tagged as ‘woodbine’ left a personal review and I couldn’t describe the song better myself: 

“Very few songs have ever gotten to me like this one. There isn’t a single time I can listen to it without getting chills, and even with no reference to get emotional from, I have a really visceral reaction to this song’s hope, but also the pain it took to forge the hope. This song is truly one of the most powerful songs of all time.”

Whereas as I slowly progress into the more autumnal seasons, I find my music taste turning more emotional. I find myself listening to the same artists on repeat often featuring musicians such as Mitski, Radiohead and Laufey. However an irrefutable and notable favourite has Jeff Buckley. Although unfortunately diseased, Jeffs music is still a large part of peoples life, myself included. His music is a beautiful blend if vulnerability, power and transcendence. Listening to his songs is like stepping into a dream, both breath taking and unpredictable whilst remaining a little bit haunted. 

I could go on forever about how different artists work heavily influence my life but these are a few different artists who have played a large role in my day to day life.

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How Music Reflects the World

Music is more than melodies and lyrics—it’s an ongoing continuous reflection of the

world around it. The music of each decade captures the political climates, cultural shifts,

technological advances, and social moods of its time. Through examining and defining the key songs and genres, we are able to understand how music acts as a historical lens, giving us insight into the hopes, struggles, and aspirations of the people who made it.

1950s: The Beginnings of Youth Culture and Rock ‘n’ Roll

“Hound Dog” by Elvis Presley 

Post World War 2 society was full of both optimism and social conservatism during which a strong new youth culture was taking shape. Breaking away from traditional pop, Rock ‘n’ roll deviated from conventional music of its time by merging country and African American rhythm and blues. The person who embodied this change was Elvis Presley. Being the role model of the younger generations rebellion, Elvis was a large influence on those who were fighting against radical segregation and strict societal rules. When releasing his cover of ‘Hound Dog’ the rebellious, loud and aggressive beat and vocal delivery resonated with the younger generations eagerness to break free from societal rules.

1960’s: The Social Revolution

“Blowin’ in the wind” by Bob Dylan 

The 1960s was a decade of major social, political and cultural change, originating from the demand for civil rights, womens liberation and anti-war protests. During this time, songs with minimalistic melodies but powerful lyrics became a strong tool for activism. 

People who were striving for change resonated with “Blowin’ in the wind” by Bob Dylan as it raised rhetorical questions about jusice and freedom. This evolved music as a whole, taking it from simply being a form of entertainment, to a platform from which people are able to unite the public, expressing their views and opinions whilst challenging authority.

1970’s: Disco and Escapism

“Stayin Alive” by the Bee Gees

The 1970’s was a decade of political distrust, economic struggles and uncertainty. During this time people needed hope, which is when Disco emerged. Acting like a beacon of hope, disco help people escape their reality especially those of underrepresented groups including those of colour and the LGBTQ+ community. The upbeat, positive attitude was represented in “Stayin Alive” by the Bee Gees which was created an infectious rhythm with a message of perseverance. The disco era made the club a place were people could experience freedom and be themselves. 

1980’s: Pop Resurge and Technological Revolution

“Thriller” by Michael Jackson 

In the 1980’s the economy was thriving and society was gaining rapid technological advancements which helped to grow media and consumerism. In addition to this, MTV transformed music by improving graphics to the same level as audio.

 During this time Michael Jackson released the song ‘Thriller’ partnered with a highly dramatic music video, making himself a spectacle. Using the brand new innovative technology he was able to incorporate electronic beats and synths imitating and creating a computerised, futuristic video.

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