7 Songs for 7 Moods
“Music can evoke the deepest emotions in people and help us process fear, grief, sadness, and resentment…” — Barry Goldstein
As human beings, we experience a range of moods each and every day. From happiness to sadness, anger to stress, we always find ourselves in some sort of mood. We often turn to music to find ways to express these emotions. Studies show that there is a direct correlation between music and mood and that “the music we listen to affects our psychology”. Knowing this, it becomes clear that music is the perfect way to demonstrate our feelings when we are in certain moods. To prove this point, I have compiled a list of 7 songs for 7 moods. However, these songs contain no lyrics, which further proves the powerful point that music, in and of itself, truly expresses and impacts mood. So without further ado, here is a list of 7 songs for 7 different moods:
1. Happy — “Toucans” by Tatono.
For those days when you are smiling ear to ear and need something to keep the positivity flowing, “Toucans” by Tatono is the song for you. The soft,“bouncy” sounds of the xylophone, calming background harmonies, and “easy to bop to” beat, all paint a picture of warmth and paradise, which heightens your sense of happiness. Also, the added layer of the shakers really enhances the fun and light undertones of the song. This song will have you imagining you are relaxing on the shores of Hawaii without a care in the world and a smile on your face.
2. Sad — “River Flows In You” by Yiruma
We all have our down days when things just don’t seem to be going our way. It is during these times when we look to music to help express and deal with our sadness. The beautiful composition, “River Flows In You” by Yiruma helps us do just that. Yiruma’s passion can be seen through the song’s changing tempo and dynamic levels, from slow to quick, piano (soft) to forte (loud). Also, by having one instrument, the piano, there is a sense of intimacy, which better connects with listeners and their emotions. The overall slow tempo of the piece is also an indication of the song’s more saddened feel. This song’s beauty hits you right in the heart, and eliminates a degree of sadness.
3. Angry — “Look Down (from Les Miserable)” (Cover) by Ditto Orchestra
For those times when you are so angry with the world, and want to scream into a pillow, listening to some music might be more effective in improving your mood. The first minute and 51 seconds of this video shows the piece “Look Down” from the musical, Les Miserable. This piece includes many moments at forte dynamics and very staccato (strict, pointed, non-flowing) notes. The instrumentation emphasized — the brass section and heavy use of percussion — shows great intensity, which relates to anger. It is also very march like, in the way that the notes are played so sternly. Finally, at the end, when all the instruments play in unison (all together as one), with staccato notes, and forte level dynamics, you feel a sense of anger being released through the music. The short length of the piece also resembles somewhat of a “quick-tempered” frustration that the musicians are playing out. By listening to this song, your angered mood will have been expressed through the song, leaving you feeling more cooled off.
4. Stressed — “Vibes of the Harp” by Cameron, Yoga Music & Meditation Spa
Whether you are stressed out from work or school or life in general, “Vibes of the Harp” by Cameron, Yoga Music and Meditation Spa, will undoubtedly mellow you out. The very soothing, consistent bass line of the drone resembles the word “om”, (the mantra that is chanted during yoga or meditation sessions), which paints a peaceful picture in the mind. The simple yet beautiful melody played by the slow, light plucking of the harp really puts the mind at ease and takes away stressful thoughts, even if for just that minute and 44 seconds. But hey, that’s what replay is for, right?
5. Focused — “Nocturne op. 9 №2” by Frederic Chopin
Studies show that listening to classical music enhances concentration and focus, especially among students who are studying. “Researchers speculate that the music puts students in a heightened emotional state, making them more receptive to information.” This shows that classical music can aid students with focusing. “Nocturne op. 9 №2” by Frederic Chopin is a prime example of classical music that can put truly help with concentration. While there is a great deal of syncopation (off-beat notes), there is still an overall flow from phrase to phrase, which keeps the song moving. Also with the tempo changing from sluggish to quick, it keeps us on our toes. The ornamentation, the trills, for example, enhances the music and keeps us sharp. This great deal of movement — in tempo, octave (from low to high), and ornamented notes — all creates interest and excitement, putting us in a “heightened emotional state”, which of course, allows for better focus.
6. Workout (Determined)— “Boomerang” by Brooks and GRX
Although “workout” is not technically a mood, there is absolutely no doubt that music still becomes a must-have as an expression of our feelings. “Boomerang” by Brooks and GRX is the perfect electronic, hard core beat to get you crushing your workout. It includes the necessary “beat drop” any good workout song must have. It elevates your heart rate and gets the blood pumping with its fast paced tempo. It is also at a forte dynamic, which drones out all other possible noises and distractions from your work out. Your mind will be solely focused on working out when listening to this fast, percussion heavy song.
7. Sleepy/Tired — “Starlight” by Michel Simone
When it’s 2 am and you just can’t seem to fall asleep, “Starlight” by Michel Simone will be sure to knock you right out. The piano’s slow tempo combined with being played in a high octave is the perfect equation for sleep. Its soothing, soft, and peaceful qualities put you almost immediately in a trance. So beautiful and calming — this song will absolutely help you “chill out” when you’re sleepy and exhausted. Lastly, the sounds of a drum brush lightly playing against a snare head, add another layer to this song that keeps it moving and flowing. For five minutes straight, your mind is will be completely entranced in the legato (flowing), lyrical music.
Music is related to mood and emotion, and certain songs better fit certain moods. If you would like to find other music that follows these same guidelines, here are an additional 7 songs!
Additional Recommendations:
- Happy— “I Feel It Coming” (Cover) by DSharp
- Sad— “9 Crimes” (Cover) by Jenny Kaufmann
- Angry — “He’s a Pirate” by Klaus Badelt
- Stressed — “The Greenhouse” by Out Of Gravity
- Focused — “Gymnopedie №1” by Erik Satie
- Workout (Determined) — “Pizza” by Martin Garrix
- Sleepy/Tired — “I See You From The Clouds” by Big Score Audio