I think it’s safe to say everyone enjoys some type of music. And if you are reading this and you’re saying, “Well I don’t!” then it doesn’t quite make much sense why you clicked on this post anyway now does it? So that one’s on you.
But if you enjoy certain types of music or specific songs, have you ever reflected on why you like it? Does it remind you of your childhood? Maybe you can directly relate with the song that’s being played. Does it calm you down when you’re feeling anxious or overwhelmed? Or maybe it just sounds cool and you like the way it shakes your speakers in your car. Everyone has their own opinions, and many opinions are different. Without different opinions, we would only have one style of music. And that’s just a world I don’t want to live in. “Oh my gosh Andy, I’m dying to hear what style of music you listen to” said no one ever. I’m going to tell you anyway, though.
I like just about any kind of music, but I listen to specific styles at specific times for specific reasons. I love country music because it’s fun to sing and it’s pretty laid back, which I like to be. I’m also on a Sam Smith Pandora station kick right now from the recommendation of a good friend (you should listen to it). But hey, if I’m feeling like I want to feel all the feels, I’ll listen to some Ed Sheeran or some other songs that make ya feel like your momma is choppin’ onions in the other room. Then again, if I’m trying to get pumped up for somethin’ I might listen to Someday by Flipsyde or some Skillet or somethin’. Regardless, my mood often determines what music I listen to. But also, the music I listen to often determines my mood (woah! mind blown!).
Here are some of my favorite songs and the reasons behind them:
“Background” by Lecrae: First of all, this song is fun to sing (which is the case of basically all the songs on this list). But this song really speaks to my heart and helps me conceptualize how I should be perceiving God and my relationship with Him. It helps me understand that I should be in the background and God should be taking the lead in my life. This is probably my favorite song overall.
“Lead Me” by Sanctus Real: This song speaks to how I want to think when I have a family. I want to look to God to lead me so that I can be a leader for my family. I know that I’m not strong enough and I can’t do it on my own, so I need His strength with me always (see Philippians 4:13).
“Supermarket Flowers” by Ed Sheeran: This song just flicks ya right in the soul. If you aren’t familiar, it’s about Mr. Sheeran’s grandmother passing away from his mother’s point of view. It is such a meaningful song, and he sings it in such a way that you can sense his passion, his hurt, all of his emotions surrounding the story. It’s a doozy. And it makes me think of how my mom is an angel to me, but that’s beside the point (just kidding, that is the point).
“You Should Be Here” by Cole Swindell: This one makes me think about my father and how important he is to me. It helps me appreciate who he is, what he’s done, and how badly I want him around to support me and to help me celebrate my accomplishments. Another one that just cuts straight to the core.
“You Can’t Stop Me” by Andy Mineo: If I want to run through a brick wall, this is the jam to help me do it. This is another one that makes me feel like I can do anything through Christ (again, see Philippians 4:13, it’s pretty good). All of my strength and power and confidence and determination is in Him. And I feel all of that in this song.
Music is fascinating to me. To have the ability to be so moving, to tell a story, to impact so many people’s lives in just 3-5 minutes is mind-blowing. It’s such a talent and an art. Have you ever tried to take a beat or music or something and tried to create your own song? Well if you’re reading this and you’re actually a musician, I’m sure you have, so humor me. But for me, it’s extremely difficult. It just doesn’t sound right. It’s not good. To have the ability to write music and to reach the souls of hundreds or thousands or millions of people is so astounding to me, and I have the utmost respect and admiration for those who possess that skill. Because a world without music is just not somewhere I want to be.