...Music Followed Me Around Everywhere Like in the Movies

"I think music in itself is healing. It's an explosive exression of humanity. It's something we are all touched by. No matter what culture we're from, everyone loves music."
- Billy Joel

Sometimes when I'm walking in between classes I get this sudden urge to just start dancing and singing like an extra on Glee. Thankfully campus has yet to be graced with the nightmarish sound of me singing. It's amazing, though, how a simple song can make you want to burst into song. Or, how a song can help you get through the tough times in life. Music has certainly helped me. It is also what inspires me when I'm writing. Sometimes in a movie it is the song that really makes the scene. Case in point, the scene in which Victoria is being chased by werewolves in New Moon. Granted, the movies are not the best ,but usually the songs are pretty amazing. And in that scene the song "Hearing Damage" by Thom Yorke works perfectly. So, I thought that I would write about music.

When it comes to music I'm not going to lie and say I'm a hipster, or only listen to old school rock. I admit it, I love me some mainstream music. Ke$ha? Yes, she's on my iPod. But, to keep people from throwing food at me, I also have The Beatles. I think that people shouldn't be snobby about music. If it sounds good to you, then listen to it. I proudly listen to Taylor Swift and Britney Spears.

These, though, are my top favorite bands. Hopefully, I will spread their music to even more people.

First is Snow Patrol. They are an Irish band who have been together since 1994. It wasn't until their album Final Straw that they really made it big. I remember seeing the music video for the song "Run" and literally falling in love with it. The thing that captures me is their lyrics. "These words are said to much, but not enough" from the song "Chasing Cars" really struck a chord with me. Their music can range from the eerily haunting ("Set Fire to the Third Bard") and to the more upbeat ("Take Back the City").

Snow Patrol, "Chasing Cars" off of the album Eyes Open



I should probably mention that I have a tendency to fall in love with music from the United Kingdom, specifically Britain. It's like I'm drawn to their bands or something. Like a magnetic pull.

So, my next favorite would be the folk rock band Mumford and Sons. If I ever have the urge to feel like I'm sitting in the middle of a pub, their music is what I listen to. The amazing thing with them is that they sound just as good live as they do on their CD. While I haven't had the chance to actually see them live, I have used YouTube in order to do so. And, their music is just as raw and amazing as when I listen to their first, and only one so far, CD Sigh No More. The first time I listened to their music I felt like the songs were literally reaching into me. The sound of Marcus Mumford's voice as he sings "White Blank Page" is filled with such emotion. I'm not sure if any other band has done that to me, as if I could feel the music. And, that is why they are one of my favorites. Their emotion, music, and lyrics will fill you.

An acoustic version of "White Blank Page" by Mumford and Songs off of their CD Sigh No More



Okay, to detour away from my obsession with all that is the UK, here's a band from the States: OneRepublic. When it comes to mainstream music, OneRepublic are definitely in that category. But, that doesn't make them bad. That just makes everyone else in the category pale in comparison to their amazing talent. If there was a moment when I felt like I needed to overcome an obstacle, then OneRepublic's "Marchin On" off of the CD Waking Up would be that song. The song has that I-Can-Do-Anything feel to it because the song lets you know that you aren't alone. The song "Stop and Stare" off of the album Dreaming Out Loud is a wonderful example of the band's poetic lyrics. And, it's no wonder that they have such popular lyrics. Ryan Tedder, the lead singer, has worked with artists from Adele to Ashley Tisdale. It's only right that he has his own band to work with and to spread his genius.

OneRepublic's "Stop and Stare" off the album Dreaming Out Loud

To me there is only one man who could make me want to quit school and move to Hawaii to do nothing but live and surf. That musician is Jack Johnson. His music is typically upbeat and perfect for driving with your window down. However, Jack's music isn't always the sunny side up style. The song "Sleep Through the Static" is clearly his opinion on war. And, "Cookie Jar" is a song about the media and society. His acoustic guitar and craft lyrics make Jack Johnson a very talented musician. And, to top it off? He really can surf. He's not just pretending to me the surfer type of person. His music is laid back and relaxing. Next time you're driving and the weather's nice, put on some Jack Johnson. You won't regret it.

Jack Johnson's "Sitting, Waiting, Wishing" off of the album In Between Dreams

All right, one more musician. Adele. To me she's the next Aretha Franklin. This British singer has some serious pipes. Adele brilliantly turns her heartbreak into hit songs, ones that I think Taylor Swift would be jealous of. Adele is the artist you want to listen to when you're having difficulty with a relationship. "Rolling in the Deep" has that kick assness about it that is perfect for a post-breakup. Her voice conveys her emotions beautifully. I wish that I could sing like her! If I could, her songs are the ones I'd be belting out while walking around campus. Between her albums 19 and 21, you can tell that she has grown up musically. Her first album, 19, is brilliant, but the 2011 follow-up really demonstrates her vocal talent, in my opinion.

"Rolling in the Deep" by Adele off of the album 21