Do you remember when soundtracks were just as popular as the films and theatrical plays themselves? Some were even more popular than their visual subjects. Soundtracks can cause you to remember specific events in your life, as well as classic scenes from the movie or play it accompanied. Songs speak to you, evoke vivid memories, and take you outside of yourself. Sounds epic, right? Here is how you can create the perfect soundtrack for your life.
Wake Up Call
Image via Flickr by Rulia Joberts
Getting up in the morning can be a drag, but not when you have lively music selections. Some days you need more than a cup of coffee to get going. The emotional energy from songs such as “Downtown” by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis can do the trick. According to Business Insider, Cambridge music psychologist David M. Greenberg has the right formula.
He suggests you start with a song that builds gradually, so you can wake up slowly. Once you are up and moving, the motivation of positive lyrics can shift your attitude. Finally, strong beats from the bass or drums will complete the task. Greenberg has collaborated with Spotify to test this theory. Need more suggestions? Try “Lovely Day” by Bill Withers or “Viva La Vida” by Coldplay.
All Work and No Play
Are you a more productive worker with music or with absolute silence? Workplace music can be tricky. For some, songs with lyrics can be counterproductive in comparison to instrumentals or white noise. Your work environment might limit what you can listen to and how. A happy medium might be a classical or ambient playlist.
Many people subscribe to the theory of the Mozart Effect as it relates to music and productivity. A 1950s study showed improved reasoning and productivity after participants listened to Mozart compositions. The study continues to be repeated all over the world to test its authenticity. Other good work tunes include “Spring” by Vivaldi and Enya’s “Greatest Hits” album.
Working it Out
Music and exercise go hand in hand. Whether you work out at a large gym facility or run in your neighborhood, an applicable soundtrack is necessary. The essential selections could follow suit with the strong beats of your morning music, but a notch higher. This is your time to sweat out aggression, stress, and your day-to-day issues. A set of sturdy, comfortable headphones such as Beats by Dre offered by T-Mobile is ideal for your workout.
When cooling down, you might want something inspirational or nostalgic such as “See You Again” by Wiz Khalifa featuring Charlie Puth. Steady beats and off-the-cuff songs bring out your best during vigorous activity. “I’m Shipping Up to Boston” by Dropkick Murphys, “Fight Song” by Rachel Platten, and “Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson featuring Bruno Mars might also get you moving.
Winding Down
After a long day, everyone needs to decompress. You’re ready to relax but not quite ready for bed. Perhaps a glass of wine or a cup of chamomile tea starts the process for you. Now, what do you listen to? Gospel, easy listening, ’80s pop? All of the above is good if it helps you unwind and settle down for the night.
Popular movie soundtracks are the go-to for many listeners in the evening. Try a healthy dose of the “Pretty in Pink” soundtrack album. Maybe you’ll finally figure out what Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark is really singing about. You might also try the “City of Angels” soundtrack, selections from “The Phantom of the Opera,” “The Preacher’s Wife” soundtrack, and the title song from Prince’s “Purple Rain” soundtrack.
A well-crafted playlist can make all the difference in the world. Don’t forget to create soundtracks for other pivotal moments such as commuting to and from work, date nights, and road trips.
Music can take you to places you’ve been before and places you’d like to go to. I talked about my favorite soundtracks a few months ago. Those are Calgon moments.