No, it's not the title of one of those classical CD's with the
thunderstorm in the background, yet it does have to do, partly, with one
of those compact discs. Why is it that listening to the sounds of a
rainforest off to the slow melody of Beethoven's "Moonlight Sonata" has
the ability to relax a person? Music tends to have that effect on
people whether they realize it or not; the ability to create a mood
swing in the listener. The three types of music discussed here can
create the most basic moods: relaxation, hyperactivity, sadness, and
happiness.
Music such as classical, some forms of "New Age", or even a really slow
pop song, have the tendency to create a rather peaceful, sleepy mind
frame in the listener. Perhaps it's the slow rhythm of the music,
becoming a lullaby to the listener or maybe there isn't quite so much to
pay attention to in the music, no guitar solos to startle one out of
their near-sleep. This is not the best music to study to, especially
considering that some subjects can create a feeling like this on their
own.
Admit it: you've done it before. Cruising down the road, listening to
the radio, when your favorite rock song hits the airwaves. Before you
know it, you're no longer going a reasonable 45 MPH; your hitting 60 MPH
with the radio blaring so loud, the only way you know you're being
pulled over is from the blue lights flashing in the rear view since you
can't hear the sirens. (Not that that's ever personally happened to the
author of this …well, the finding herself at 60 MPH, but not the blue
lights.) A fast tempo and loud instruments makes a person feel rather
reckless. Movies portray scenes of fights with a hard core rock
soundtrack in the background (unless it's in a bar or western; then it's
a hard core country soundtrack, which will be discussed later), while
most any large, live rock performance (be it alternative, electronic,
punk, etc.) will manage to create some form of physical movement,
largely in the form of mosh pits, "head banging", or dancing.
The one type of music that can create the most diverse moods is that of
country music. The first feeling that's possible when listening to
country is that of depression. The artist's significant other has had
an affair or has left the singer, while taking the car and leaving the
artist with only the trailer (yes, the author has heard a country song
that had to do with the trailer bit). The next form of emotion that can
be felt is happiness; the song may have a quicker pace, enough to line
dance to or the lyrics may be happier (the artist is now living in a
mansion and has married the significant other who realized that they
really were happier with the artist).
Of course, this is only a sampling of the ways that music can affect
one's moods. And these are only the more common reactions; there are
probably other reactions as well depending on the individual. And
always be aware that there are whole areas of other types of music to be
considered, so be wary of the music you choose to listen to. 'Cause who
knows what you might decide to do. After all, disco could cause the
urge to wear 100% polyester