An Escape

Music often serves as a method to temporarily escape the troubles faced in the real world. When life starts to become stressful, many people reach for their iPod or other music device and place his or her headphones into each ear, drowning out the world in the process. There are several different genres of music, each used to achieve different feelings. In this essay I will elaborate on different kinds of music along with their characteristics and purposes. Three of the most commonly listened to types of music are pop, rap, and hard rock/metal.
Pop music, short for “popular” music, is listened to mainly to release emotions. Several pop songs have a deep message behind the beat. For example, “Wrecking Ball” by Miley Cyrus, although the music video is risqué, has deep lyrics. Near the end of the songs, Cyrus sings, “I never meant to start a war; I just wanted you to let me in. And instead of using force, I guess I should have let you win.” In this line, she is saying that she simply wanted to have further communication with a loved one. Perhaps she pushed too far, and she lost the loved one in the process. Pop songs are often relatable to everyday life. The lyrics speak of stress, love, loss, or even death. And because they are so relatable, people often listen to it in order to release their negative feelings. I often listen to sad songs when I am feeling sad in order to realize that I am not the only person who has felt sad about something specific. Taylor Swift writes several songs about horribly depressing break-ups and, because of the subject matter, many people can relate to the lyrics. Whether the song ends with Swift remaining sad or being enlightened, listeners often feel some sense of relief when the song ends. As a resul...

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...iss a Thing” by Aerosmith. The song features raspy vocals and strong beats that cause people to release their anger. The song is strong, but not full of hate. Many Alice in Chains and Korn songs have similar features. Because they have a strong beat, the strength of which helps facilitate the release of anger rather than suppression. Hard rock or metal music helps release anger and makes people become happier as a result.
Music allows one to temporarily escape from the stress that runs rampant throughout the world. Whether it be pop, rap, rock, or any other genre, it allows people to become happier and slightly more stress-free. Music can not only provide entertainment, but it can also create a sense of equality, positivity, and happiness. Throughout the years, music has drastically evolved. However, one thing will always be the same—music is good for one’s health.