Of all the astounding and efficacious things in this vast world, I cannot think of anything that toys with one's emotions more than music does. When I say music, I am speaking in incredibly broad terms. This definition can encompass almost any genre of the art,from rock to rap, country to classical, and disco to Latin. Heck, music can be anything you want, as long as it is harmonious to the ear. You are given seven notes and a handful of rhythms, and how you mix them up is your call. Of course, a grooving dance beat can cause you to shake your body, but shaking up your mind relies more heavily upon the melodious aspects of the form.
The effect that a certain piece of music has is unique to each individual. Some listeners may experience a flood of sensation, while others let out a yawn and glance at their watch. However, you know that a musician has accomplished his task when you find that his or her work has touched your soul. Only the best pieces of music can take you on an "emotional roller-coaster" and send your mind drifting in all directions. Music can raise your spirits like bubbles in champagne, or bring you down like a "cement bath" in the middle of a metropolitan river.
The most effective pieces will also make you contemplate your life, both past and present and even future. In fact, music can justly be touted as the "soundtrack of your life." How many times have you listened to the radio and heard an old song which brought back memories of when you first heard that single? Most likely, you even remember what you were doing when you initially heard that song, right? Since music is strongly correlated with our memories, a distinguished song will help that memory stay with you all your life.
Music also motivates us to think and act in candid ways. Certain songs will prompt you to long for your girlfriend more than usual, play harder at a football game, or even regret the manner in which you treated a peer the day before. A soft song can smooth even the most hardened criminals. Why not throw them in a pink room and toss "Unchained Melody" on the turntable? A disk jockey on a Los Angeles radio station termed one contemporary track as "therapy for the soul." The beautifully crafted song "Crush" by Dave Matthew's Band had such an emotional impact on him, he deemed it appropriate to play the single twice in a row at rush hour!
Anyhow, the deeper you listen into a song, that more meaningful it will become. It is not necessary for the entire piece to grab you by the heart; sometimes a segment that catches your ear will only be a second or two long. When done properly, that split second of musical revelation will grapple your soul, pull you into the moment, and temporarily place you in a state of genuine, musical euphoria.