BellaOnline Forums Books and Music Latin Music Music and Emotion

do you pick the music you listen to at any given moment based on the mood you're in? or does the music you listen to influence your mood?

for example, i like latin and christian music to feel upbeat but in general i am more of a pop and contemporary kind of person

what about you?

I think both - I have quite a variety of different musical styles in my ipod, and I either listen to the music that fits my mood, or hit "shuffle" and allow the music to move me.

Latin music in general is very uplifting (and always makes me want to DANCE!), but even within Latin music there are a variety of emotions. Bachata can be very romantic and soothing, while salsa is very stimulating and upbeat. Maná has some tracks on his Revolución de Amor CD that have that longing feeling to them, almost spiritual, even though it is Latin rock. Reggaetón, being Latin urban music, is rebellious and strong.

But though Latin music is my favorite, I also listen to R&B, oldies, soul, pop, a little bit of rap or hip-hop, a dash of country once in a blue moon, and some classical and international music as well. There is a degree of nostalgia involved in each of these types of music. The Beatles and Garth Brooks remind me of specific times in my childhood, even though rock and country do not fit my personality as much as other types of music do. It is amazing to me how many different emotions music can express, and how many different types and styles of music there are to fit people of different backgrounds, personalities, tastes, and cultures.

I mostly listen to classic rock and some oldies, but I also like to listen to salsa or bachata sometimes and when I go out. I like listening to classic rock and other oldies that I listened to growing up, it is that feeling of nostalgia. It reminds me of a good time in my life. I sometimes like to listen to celtic music, it is very relaxing and peaceful.

I have a bunch of playlists set up in my iPod and iTunes which are done by mood, so depending on the mood I'm in I click on the playlist and enjoy it

I really like tango music!

I listen to classic R&B it gets me moving, yet the only time i listen to music is if i had a few drinks ;o) or im walking on the treadmill. have to have music to walk to

That's interesting, when I exercise I want an actual movie to watch or something to read, I don't think I would "space out" enough just listening to music so that the time fled by. I need something more distracting

I often choose the music based on my mood. Also when I want to lose myself in my imagination there's music for that too. The rest of the time I listen to whatever. I do not listen on music based on the genre so I listen to what I like no matter the genre it is and it can be in any order so I can go from a Rammstein song to a Britney Spears song to a Eminem song to a Hans Zimmer song.