What is the impact of music on our lives?
This is a question I’ve been pondering lately. Here are a few thoughts, works in progress, if you will:
Music with Restraint
Had to talk with two of my kids about how we need to tone it down on the rap music. We can only listen to clean rap in the car as a family. Especially with a precocious two year old listening and parroting almost every word he hears.
Is there a time for some edited Kendrick Lamar and Eminem? Don’t get me wrong. But even edited, there are some things a 2-year old or 14-year old shouldn’t be singing along to. Sad day to hit pause.
New Music with Wordplay
This new shift came at an opportune time! This week I’ve listened to two new albums from two of my favorite clean rappers, Connor Price and NF. Amazed at their abilities. Marveling at their wordplays.
Timeless Music with Harmonicas and Solos
In my early adult years, I fell in love with Bob Dylan’s music. So raw, so honest, so edgy. The harmonica plus the guitar. Wow!
I also enjoyed John Mayer, Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds with their wild guitar solos, electric or acoustic didn’t matter to me. I air-guitared all of it!
Old Music with a Mood
Over the weekend, I was the DJ for a hockey game. The playlist was set up for me by the team manager. It had some great hockey jams and throwbacks. The refs commented how much they liked it and I saw people in the stands dancing, all ages.
Ancient Music with a Mood
Just read about David in the Bible and how he had such a vibe on the harp. He was recruited, recommended, known throughout the land as a great performer. So much so that the royal officials brought him into the palace to play for King Saul. How soothing the best harpists are! Mmm, mmm, good.
And how about a few of those Psalms he wrote? I can’t imagine some of those on harp or lyre.
Study Music
Then there’s Chopin, Beethoven, Mozart, and all the great symphony style masters. Hans Zimmer and movie soundtracks. Explosions in the Sky. I listen to that music on the daily as I work.
Other-Worldly Music
Then I came across this work called Quartet for the End of Time by Messiaen. Such a wild ride. Bizarre. Beautiful. Awe-inspiring. It’s 50+ minutes long and I haven’t even finished it all yet. The story behind it, though — it will blow your mind.
The Role of The Performer
I know a few people who have tried to start a band or start a music career, only to end it a couple years later.
I know another who has played for 20+ years, toured the US and beyond, and just recently retired.
I know a couple others who still play “recreationally” into their 70s and 80s.
Some guys and gals have ghostwriters, but do such an incredible job performing it, you’d never know unless you dig for it.
Others write all their own lyrics and music, and you can feel it.
The Role of The Listener
I’ve barely scratched the surface of all the music I listen to.
Music is such an amazing gift.
Whatever your style, whatever your vibe, whatever the occasion calls for…
Enjoy it, embrace it, get more of this good stuff in your life!
It heals the soul.
Omer Redden 