So you've got free time, & you decide to spend some time listening to a song or two. You turn on your music system or iPod, & let the music flow..So out flows the music,with all it's glory & splendour....What happens then?
Music talks to your soul...
Listening to music is not like listening to a speech or lecture, is it? It's much more than that, because music communicates with your soul. It kinda opens up highways into your soul, from where pain,misery or sorrow can drive out. I'm reminded of the fact that African slaves, on slave ships bound for America used to sing songs, while rowing & being whipped by the Americans. How many times have you experienced music permeating every corner of your soul, & making you better?
Music keeps the flame of love alive...
Lovers know how aptly love songs describe what they feel. The melody, the lyrics all add up to increase the feeling of love that exists between two lovers. For ages TV & Radio shows have been flooded with requests of love songs, dedicated by one lover to the other. The Bard of Avon was right when he remarked 'that music is the food of love'...
Music keeps you charged & ready...
Music can keep your body & mind charged & ready to go. Sports men use music during training hours, to help push themselves a little further. A really good song before a game, can alter the performance of a player drastically. There was even an article which showed that exercising with music playing is better than exercising per se...
Music can heal your heart...
Music can heal your pain, & make you better. It can change your thoughts almost instantaneously. Don Henley of The Eagles said:"My happiest moments are when I sing my saddest songs.". Whether it's a heartbreak, or the death of a near one, listening to music can help you cope with sorrow....
Music can relieve stress....
Had a really stressed day?All wired up?? Lay back & listen to some songs, your stress levels will plummet for sure. Different people listen to different kindsa music to relieve stress. For some heavy metal music does the job, & for some relaxation music does it, while some prefer affirmations based music. One thing's for sure, music releases stress, & gives way to a lofty ataraxia...
Music can heal the mind & body...
'Music therapy' is a growing field of research, with a lot of scope. It has been shown that listening to certain symphonies by Mozart, causes an improvement in cognitive function. This effect has been described as 'The Mozart effect', & is used in hospitals the world over. Music has been shown to boost immunity & help tissue repair as well..More research is underway, to see if other beneficial effects accrue from listening to music..
Music can help deal with anger issues...
If you have anger based issues, listening to music can help curb angry outbursts. Some fans of Grunge rock( also known as 'angst ridden rock'), know exactly what I'm talking about. Not just Grunge rock works to this effect, different genres of music, work for different people, to free them from the clutches of anger...
Music helps you clean your room!!
Your room looks like it was hit by a hurricane, & you're in no mood to clean it. Admit it, cleaning your room is like the most boring chore out there!! But turn on the music, & all of a sudden, it becomes a bodacious experience. When you're done cleaning your room, your room looks tidy, & your spirits are high...
Music can make or break you....
Music communicates to your subconscious mind. This is a well known fact, & one you shouldn't take lightly. Lyrics which contain the words-'I' & 'you', can slowly change your subconscious mind, & hence alter who you are. So be choosy in the songs you listen to, or else there could be consequences...
Music can make this world a better place....
This world of our's is no Utopia!! There are loadsa issues which have to be addressed. Songs can help create awareness about important social issues, & hence make this world a better place to live in. Songs like 'We are the world', 'Heal the world', are typical examples of songs that made a huge impact in creating & spurring social change. Concerts like 'Live Aid', 'Help', & other music shows which help support social causes are legion now. So music definitely is a potent agent to bring about social change....
That's it for now...Hope you enjoyed reading this article....
The Beatles are undoubtedly the most popular rock band of all times... They took rock music to heights that could never be scaled by their contemporaries. This article tries to tap into the feeling of Beatlemania which was the buzz of the 60s....
When the Beatles first auditioned, they were not offered a record deal, & were advised to stop trying as 'the world was not looking for such a four piece'!! But eventually 'the Fab Four' did make music, & their records sold out like hot cake. John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, & George Harrison eventually went onto write epic songs & followed it up with mindblowing live performances. Their songs were contagious, so to speak, & gave them worldwide acceptance & fame. Every genre of Rock music that now exists was in one way or the other influenced by the Beatles.
The crowds went delirious with each hit spurned out by this quartet, & album sales by this band soared all over the world. The Beatles' songs were of all kinds- love ballads, feel good numbers, philosophical gems & what not!! In a short span of 8 years, the Beatles achieved a level of fame that no band has been able to surpass till now!!
Most of the Beatles' songs were written by John Lennon & Paul Mc Cartney.... Their songs were exceptionally well structured & were real earworms. Their live performances were the most sought after, in the 60s. Though most of the live sets by this band was only around 30 minutes long, they earned more than their contemporary bands. Fans thronged concert venues just to get a glimpse of the Fab Four!! The Beatles toured heavily, & all concert tickets were sold out in hours. With an evergrowing fan base, this phenomenon, later termed Beatlemania engulfed the whole world!! What followed was interviews, documentaries, more offers for live performances & all the other joys of superstardom. The main rivals of the Beatles were the Rolling Stones & the Kinks, who did churn out a few hits, but couldn't come on par to the Beatles, either in album sales or fan following.
Though every album by The Beatles was a gem in itself, the best albums, according to most critics are-'Revolver','Abbey Road' & 'Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band'.....'Revolver' was voted by Rolling Stone magazine as the best album of the 20th century. 'Abbey Road' is one of the highest selling albums of all time. The cover work of this album(Abbey Road) is also voted as one of the best ever. 'Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band' is a landmark album in rock history. Many bands have since tried to emulate the perfection of this album(& some like Pink Floyd who came out with 'Dark side of the moon' have succeeded too).
Listing just a handful of songs by this band wouldn't do justice to them, because this band has belted out way too many hit songs. 'Hey Jude' is one gem of a song, which was voted by Rolling Stone magazine as the best rock song of the 20th century. 'Yesterday' a song about heartbreak is a killer song which was written by McCartney. 'Strawberry fields' is a crowd favorite, & is also a song that has been covered, scores of times, by other bands. 'Let it be' is a song that was hugely popular, & was even eventually sung by church choirs (because of the lyrics- "When I find myself in times of trouble, Mother Mary comes to me, speaking words of wisdom let it be.."). 'Lucy in the sky with diamonds', is one mother of a song, based actually on a drawing by Lennon's son. 'Hard day's night' was another bodacious rock song, which also appeared on the soundtrack of a movie of the same name, which was based on the life of the Fab Four. 'Yellow submarine' & 'I am the walrus' are really popular songs, again extensively covered by other bands. One of my favorites is a song called 'Not guilty', which was written by George Harrison. George Harrison was the Silent Beatle, who didn't like the limelight all that much & was an ardent follower of the ISKCON movement. For a novice, a compilation of number one songs by The Beatles was released around 2000 & this will give an idea of the talent possessed by this juggernaut.
Beatlemania reached dizzying heights in the 60s & there was once even a situation where 'Beatle breath' was sold for 20$ per container. This was basically the air around the stage that was trapped in plastic containers & then sold. No other band would have achieved this feat. But eventually the Beatles split up & the world saw the Punk Rock revolution picking speed. Lennon, Harrison & McCartney pursued successful solo careers. Though the band slowly faded out of the public eye, their indelible influence in Rock n Roll cannot be denied..
Rock music has diversified a lot in the last few decades, & there are far too many genres under rock music currently. So now there are ardent fans of punk rock, alternative rock, rap rock, goth rock, grunge rock & what not!!! I started savouring the various flavours of rock music since the 90s. I've listened to many of the so called 'staple rock songs', which any self avowed rock fan must listen to(songs like-"Smoke on the water ", " Hey Jude", "Smells like teen spirit", " Rock you like a hurricane "). Many claim that the title of 'rock fan/fanatic' is ill fitting, if you don't know 'the great ones/the staple rock songs'!! But in the process of trying out new sub genres of rock music, I discovered many rare gems, songs that are mindblowingly beautiful. This post will see me discussing a few such bodacious songs...
Goddess on a highway by Mercury Rev
Taken off the album 'Deserter's songs', this track is too good to be true. The album was critically acclaimed, but did not match up as far as commercial success was concerned. This track is a true gem, & I'd give it a five star rating on anyday..
If you're thinking of me by Dodgy
Dodgy achieved commercial success in the UK, with this track. But outside of the UK, the response was just lukewarm. I believe it's an underrated song, & is definitely deserving more airplay & downloads..
You by Switchfoot
Being an alternative rock band, Switchfoot hasn't received the kinda attention they deserve. Their most romantic number (according to me), is this killer track, which appeared on the soundtrack of 'A walk to remember'. If you haven't checked it out yet, by all means please do...
The light pours out of me by The Fall
The Fall is a highly underrated band. Ardent fans know that they are one of the best Mancunian rock bands ever(some claim that they're the best band to ever come out of Manchester). This song will definitely give you eargasms... Do try it out..
Gin soaked boy by Divine comedy
Awesome lyrics & a simple song structure make this song an instant earworm. I haven't heard too many Divine comedy songs, but this one's always on my playlist. Love the lyrics-"I'm the why not in the why... I'm the catcher in the rye..."
Pick a part that's new by The Stereophonics
The Stereophonics have a big fan following in UK, but again, they haven't got the acceptance they deserve. I am a die hard fan of the band. If you like this song, do check out-"Just looking ", " Movie star", "Have a nice day"...
Come back to what you know by Embrace
The McNamara brothers are really popular in the UK. Their debut album-'The Goodwill out', was compared to Oasis' mammoth debut 'Definitely maybe'. I loved every single song from the album. My other favorite songs from the album include-'Fireworks', 'Higher sights'... Do check out this band, & thank me later...
Macy's day parade by Green Day
The punk rock giants need no introduction. They have belted out way too many platinum singles & albums. Try this song out, you may not instantly like it, but it will kinda grow on you...
Toothpaste kisses by Maccabees
An Indie rock band with a sizeable fan base, Maccabees recently declared that they are calling it quits. This song is short & simple & uber mushy. Honestly speaking, I haven't checked out any other song by this band, but this one goes on loop on my mp3 player every single freaking day. It will grow on you, trust me, it will..
Love is blind by Mansun
Another British alternative rock giant, Mansun has ruled the radio airwaves in the UK, during the 90s. I listened to this track only about 3 years ago. The track is a genuine eargasm, to say the least. If you're a fan of the band, you must be familiar with other songs by them. Again this song will grow on you, so give it some time...
Where angels fear to tread by Bryan Adams
Now Bryan Adams is one hell of a rockstar, & is remembered for way too many platinum songs. I love this song by him, because of it's BEA-U-TIFUL lyrics. You'll love it too..."Never knew I'd find someone who'd move me, someone who could see right through me.."
Sanwal by Junoon
Junoon went to dizzying heights of stardom with their album 'Azaadi'. Their tracks like 'Sayonee', 'Khudi', 'Yaar Bina' are all cult classics. This beautiful song is guaranteed to give you a 7 minute eargasm. Try it out, you'll luuurrrrvvve it...
These are songs that grew on me, & now they're a part of my regular playlist. Some of them may not suite your tastes. Try them out if you're sick & tired of your usual playlist.....ENJOY...
Well I don't think there's a better way to express your love for someone, than through songs. Cards, or the well planned 'unexpected gift at an unexpected time', all pale in comparison. In life, all you need is love, uhhh, & chocolate, & a good bank balance, & high speed internet!! Ok, jokes apart, I'm now gonna share my favorite love songs with you...
"I've found a reason for me
To change who I used to be
A reason to start over new
and the reason is you.."
'Hoobastank' from the song-The Reason
The song topped the charts globally, & it's no surprise. The vocals, lyrics & song structure are bodacious. Change is usually difficult, but when spurred by love, it's smooth & easy( or atleast it seems so!!)...
"Yours is the first face that I saw
I think I was blind before I met you
Now I don't know where I am
I don't know where I've been
But I know where I want to go.."
'Brighty Eyes' from the song-First day of my life
Though I'm not into this band all that much, I absolutely luuurrrvvve this song. The song lines are too good to be true. And anyone who's been in love knows that your life begins anew, from the moment you fall in love...Right??!!
"If the love that I got for you is gone
If the river I cried ain't that long
Then I'm wrong, yeah I'm wrong, this ain't a love song..."
'Bon Jovi' from the song-This ain't a love song
Though most people consider 'Always', as the best love ballad by Bon Jovi, this is my pick. This song is taken from the album 'These days. The lyrics & the song structure give you an instant eargasm. For those of you who haven't checked it out yet, it's high time you did.....
"Lying close to you feeling your heart beating
And I'm wondering what you're dreaming,
Wondering if it's me you're seeing
Then I kiss your eyes and thank God we're together
And I just wanna stay with you
In this moment forever, forever and ever..."
'Aerosmith' from the song-I don't want to miss a thing
The soundtrack of the movie Armageddon, was filled with awesome rock songs, but all of them paled in comparison to this gem of a love song. The song climbed upto number one on the global charts, in a jiffy...
"You fill up my senses like a night in the forest,
like the mountains in springtime, like a walk in the rain,
like a storm in the desert, like a sleepy blue ocean.
You fill up my senses, come fill me again..."
'John Denver' from the song-Annie's song
This song by Country rock giant John Denver is simply mindblowing. The lyrics & music are nothing short of perfect. After listening to this song, you'll feel like you just walked out of a Monet painting...
"I can't deny what I believe
I can't be what I'm not
I know our love forever
I know, no matter what.."
'Boyzone' from the song-No matter what
Though the boyband has belted out way too many perfect love ballads, this is my favorite. Love the simple lyrics & the awesome music. If you've been in love, you know that nothing else really matters, & you'll do anything to make it last forever....
"Please forgive me
I know not what I do.
Please forgive me
I can't stop lovin' you
Don't deny me.
This pain I'm going through...
Please forgive me if I need you like I do..."
'Bryan Adams' from the song-Please forgive me
Sandpaper voiced Rock icon Bryan Adams has been revered for his unbelievably mushy love songs. This mother of a love ballad, is one of my favorite love songs ever...Love the lyrics & the perfect song structure..
"My love throws me like a rubber ball
Oh oh oh, the sweetest thing
She won't catch me or break my fall
Oh oh oh, the sweetest thing
Baby's got blue skies up ahead
But in this I'm a rain cloud
You know she likes a dry kind of love
Oh oh oh, the sweetest thing.."
'U2' from the song-The sweetest thing
Bono & gang are considered to be the best Rock band ever. They have more than their share of uber mushy love ballads, to their credit. This short sweet love song, is my favorite by this band....
"Nothing you can know that isn't known
Nothing you can see that isn't shown
Nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be
It's easy
All you need is love
All you need is love
All you need is love, love
Love is all you need...."
'The Beatles' from the song-All you need is love
The list of Rock love ballads, will never be complete without the quartet that started off writing mushy love ballads. The lyrics & song structure are simple yet strong & soothing. Trust me it'll give you an instant eargasm!!
That's all for now.....
If you're a Rock fan, you'll be aware that Rock music helps to raise your energy levels quickly. It creates a buzz, that re-energizes you. In this post I'd like to share songs that help me to get the buzz back into the day...
Walk by Pantera
Pantera was hailed as one of the pioneers of Thrash metal. This song is one of the heaviest metal songs, & one of the most popular ones as well. The commercial success of this song was of gargantuan proportions. Just one listen to this song takes your energy levels higher...
Seven Nation Army by The White Stripes
Jack & Meg White came out with this killer song, which is supposed to have the third catchiest guitar riff of all times( the catchiest guitar riff was from 'Smoke on the water' by Deep Purple, & the second catchiest was from 'Smells like teen spirit' by Nirvana). From the opening lyrics:"I'm gonna fight em' off, a seven nation army couldn't hold me back...", & the awesome guitar work, one easily get's transported to a higher energy level....
Acquiesce by Oasis
"I don't know what it is that makes me feel alive, I don't know how to wake the things that sleep inside..." sings Liam Gallagher at the opening of this killer of a song. The song appeared on the album 'Master plan', a B sides compilation. Often referred to as the best friendship song by the Mancunian Rock band, it definitely takes you to a higher energy plane...
Fuel by Metallica
The most commercially successful Heavy metal band in history has been well known for belting out high energy track after track. My personal favorite energy upper is this track. With James Hetfield shouting:" Gimme fuel, gimme fire, gimme that which I desire...", the song explodes, & keeps the energy level at gargantuan proportions....
Song 2 by Blur
This is the 2nd song from the album 'Blur', it reached number 2 position on the UK charts, & is 2 minutes long- couldn't be more aptly named right?!. Damon Albarn & crew have umpteen platinum singles & albums to their credit, but none are as power packed as this song..."Wooo Hooo..."
Tub thumper by Chumba Wumba
This song gained cult following, because of the powerpacked lyrics & awesome music. Played at stadiums before Cricket & Football matches, the song definitely takes you to a highly charged energy zone. The chorus-"I get knocked down, but I get up again...You're never gonna keep me down...", is highly addictive, to say the least...
Rock you like a hurricane by The Scorpions
The Scorpions have way too many platinum singles & albums to their credit. But my favorite 'Rock hurricane', is this track. This hurricane of a track only takes your energy levels higher, & causes absolutely no damage to your house, car or pets, I assure you!!
Machinehead by Bush
Though Gavin Rossdale & his band were often considered as Nirvana wannabes for long, this is one mother of a track. The lyrics & music are brutally energetic & addictive...
Smells Like Teen Spirit by Nirvana
The song that catapulted Nirvana to superstardom & kicked off the 90s Grunge Rock revolution of the 90s was inspired by a deodorant brand called 'Teen spirit'. With an uber addictive guitar riffage, & Cobain's graty vocals, this song does take your energy levels higher each time...If only Nirvana wasn't this negative & self destructive...
Asche zu asche by Rammstein
The German Rock outfit most remembered for their unbelievable guitar riffs, & pyrotechnics on stage, came out with this gem of a song. Till Lindemann's vocals and the music stucture are breath taking & energizing......
Though music helps to take your energy levels higher, I would like to advise the youth of today to avoid using drugs to get higher....The damage caused by these so called 'uppers' is severe & often irreversible....
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