The Transformative Power of a Diverse Music Playlist
Music has been my refuge, my therapist, my escape, and my fuel. As I’ve grown older and (hopefully) wiser, I’ve come to realize that my peace of mind is closely tied to the variety of sounds that fill my ears.
The world can be overwhelming—violence, chaos, deceit, and suffering are constant fixtures. I’ve seen it all, felt it all, and survived more than my fair share. Yet, instead of allowing these harsh realities to consume me, I’ve found solace in music. Not just in one genre or era, but in a vast spectrum of sounds that nourish my soul.
A Soundtrack for Every Mood
Once upon a time, I might have limited myself to a single genre—the music of my youth, the classics that shaped me. But now? Now, I crave variety like a painter craves new colors. Soft rock eases my mind, classic rock reignites my energy, jazz sparks my imagination, and gospel lifts my spirit. R&B and soul remain my foundation, the slow jams and old-school favorites taking me back to moments that still resonate.
Beyoncé reminded me how much I enjoy a good country tune, leading me to rediscover legends like Glen Campbell, John Denver, and The Oak Ridge Boys. Their raw storytelling and stripped-down melodies are a refreshing departure from today’s hyper-produced sounds. Meanwhile, the timeless mastery of Miles Davis and John Coltrane offers me moments of reflection, while Etta James and Billy Joel take me on emotional journeys that feel both familiar and revelatory.
More recently, my love for music has expanded further. The Guess Who have become a new favorite, while “Stormy” by The Classics IV has found its way into my playlist rotation. A deep dive into Breaking Bad left me obsessed with “Crystal Blue Persuasion,” “Horse With No Name,” and “Sharing The Night Together.” Nostalgia in sonic form, these songs remind me of simpler times, moments when music carried me through.
Music Fuels Creativity and Expression
Music is more than entertainment—it’s a creative catalyst. The rhythms, melodies, and lyrics I absorb influence my thoughts, emotions, and the way I process the world. On some days, I need the gut-wrenching passion of Etta James to remind me of love’s depth. On others, I turn to Billy Joel’s storytelling, which reassures me that life—messy, unpredictable, and bittersweet—is still a ride worth taking.
When I feel stuck, creatively or emotionally, I change the soundtrack. The same sounds can lull me into routine, but a new song or genre can spark an idea, shift my mood, and take me somewhere unexpected. It’s a journey through time, culture, and emotion, without ever leaving my space.
And then there’s Elton John and Barry Manilow—two artists who can have me belting out tunes at the top of my lungs. (OMG!) Their music isn’t just meant to be heard—it’s meant to be felt, experienced, and sung like you’re performing to a sold-out crowd.
Music: A Lifeline for the Soul
As Colonel Abrams once sang, “Music is the answer.” In a world that never stops throwing curveballs, it remains my anchor, my safe place, my ultimate coping mechanism. When life becomes too much—when the weight of reality starts pressing down—music rescues me. It offers an escape, a moment to breathe, a chance to reset.
So I’ll keep diversifying my playlist. I’ll keep exploring new sounds, revisiting old favorites, and embracing every musical discovery along the way. Because if there’s one thing I know for certain, it’s that the right song, at the right moment, has the power to change everything.
