Like everything else in nature, music is a becoming, and it becomes its full self, when its sounds and laws are used by intelligent man for the production of harmony, and so made the vehicle of emotion and thought.
The above quotation quite appropriately sums up the indispensability of music in our life. And that comes undoubtedly from the cause and effect relationship between our prevailing moods & emotions at different points in space & time with the music that we hear or the music that we would desire to hear. And that’s exactly the objective of this review - to share those wonderful songs that stir my soul the most.
Commencing with those songs that transfix heart, mind and soul through their music and/or lyrics and simply leave you spellbound.
Dire Straits - Sultans of Swing
Mark Knopfler(Dire Straits’ lead guitarist and singer) weaves ABSOLUTE MAGIC with his magnificent guitar-play backed up by a splendid baritone in this five & half minute long score that would mesmerize one and all.
Led Zeppelin - Kashmir
This is one song that simply exudes power. The mind blowing music and the lyrics leave you totally enraptured. Hold me Thrill me Kiss me Kill me(U2 - Batman Theme) is another such song which I would describe as perfect in all aspects.
The witchy Frozen(Madonna) and thought-penetrating Clocks(Coldplay) with their mildly percussionist music carry this phenomena of hypnotism to a different plane altogether.
Rebel Heart(The Corrs), Dead Already(American Beauty OST) are sheer instrumental wonders that too could be classified into this gen’re.
And from charm, lets move on to those glorious songs that fill one with a sense of pleasure and contentment. This would be classified as the most enjoyable form of music.
Simon & Garfunkel - Mrs. Robinson
I’m not aware of any historical perspectives that might be associated with this song, but it’s easy & flippant listening style makes me feel really overjoyed. Another such glorious piece with a very soothing background music would be Boondein(Silk Route).
Taking the glory & pleasure a step further, here are some of those’Just Go Wild’ songs:
I’m a Believer(SmashMouth - Shrek OST)
This number, an original creation of `The Monkees’ carries this amazing capability of driving you instantly into the dance-floor-mood. And that overflowing enthusiasm compels you to join in shouting at top of your lungs while swinging your body. A few other such atmosphere-charging scores are Twist -N- Shout(The Beatles) and Top Gun Theme(Steve Stevens)
Switching from the wild side to the romantic side, here are the songs what I feel make a wonderful token of showing one’s love & affection for his/her beloved:
Fields of Gold(Sting)
I got hooked to Sting quite recently, and this slightly rustic but romantic song gets the topmost billing in this category. The song goes like’You remember me when the west wind moves.’ with a pleasent background music that beckons your imagination to roam in fields of ripe-golden barley & sunshine, hand-in-hand with your darling(*BTW, I hope this doesn’t arouse any misconceptions - I’m still a’lonely & looking for.’ guy!:-D *).
Kiss From A Rose - Seal, You Sang To Me - Marc Anthony, Isi Ko Pyaar Kehte Hain - Shaan belong to the same class. And yes, not to forget those naughtily romantic numbers; the extremely-hummable Mmm. Mmm. Mmm. My Sharona(The Knack) & Chori Chori Hum Gori Se(Guru) that catch the flippant aspect of love & romance quite well.
A coin may have two faces, but our life is multi-faceted. Now that the brighter aspects have been explored, so it’s time to welcome the dark, depressing and pervert world: where miseries abound and you are just another poor wretched soul. you’re just another brick in the wall. Yup, Pink Floyd’s brilliant psychedelic piece Comfortably Numb from the album `The Wall’ captures this feeling in a superlative manner. Sooni Hawa(Bollywood Hollywood), Tanha Dil(Shaan), Ain’t No Sunshine(Al Green), In The End(Linkin Park), Estranged and November Rain(Guns N’ Roses) reflect the entire spectrum of feelings of a dejected human being(mostly a lover), from a mere disappointment to stinging scorn.
But then, life is not a futility. And that’s why the endeavour must always go on. Music will always be there to accompany you - be it a joyous moment, be it a travail.
’Life is like music, it must be composed by ear, feeling and instinct, not by rule. Nevertheless one had better know the rules, for they sometimes guide in doubtful cases, though not often.’