Every Moment ~ Joy Williams

Happy Listening!

What Makes A Song?

I thought it would be interesting to explore what makes a song so good. I'm going to be stating what makes a good song in my opinion, but I'd love to hear your thoughts, so please leave a comment!

For me, there are two elements that make or break a song: the music itself and the singer. I don't have a hard and fast rule for music, it really is random. Generally speaking, I prefer faster songs or songs that are more upbeat, but there are plenty of songs that are slow that I really, really like. The singer's voice is super important. Singers that have a very distinct voice I generally either really like, or really don't. Again though, there are no hard and fast rules. Even singers who I basically don't like to listen to have a song or two that I like. 

Lyrics are second for me. If I like the music and singer, then I look at lyrics. I'm talking in a Christian context here, so there are no bad songs. Lyrics uplift me and they can really speak to me. But if the music or singer don't work, it does not matter how great your lyrics are, I will not listen to it. Plus, Owl City and Relient K are two of my favorite bands and so many of their songs make no sense, but the music is SO COOL!

Case in point (please don't hate me!) - the song Oceans by Hillsong. I may be the only person in the world, or at least the States, who does not like this song. I don't like the music or the singer's voice. AT ALL! If a different person had originally sung it and/or the music was different, I might have liked it because I'm sure the lyrics are great! But alas, I cannot listen to that song at all because I can't get the original out of my head.

All that said, if we are talking about secular music, the reverse is true. Lyrics absolutely come first. I may really like your music and voice, but if your lyrics are bad, sorry. I'm out of there. It's been hard because there are songs that I really, REALLY like the music of, but the lyrics are either bad, or just not the best I could listen to, so I basically don't. Two examples are "Shut Up & Dance" and "Honey I'm Good". The music is so fun but the lyrics, while maybe not bad, I could fill my mind with better. 

Those are my thoughts. I really am fickle. There is no rhyme or reason sometimes as to why I like one song and not another, but you have a general idea now. How about you? Are you a lyrics person, a music person, a mix? Comment and let me know!

Halfway ~ 3FOR3

I don't know really anything about this band. I heard about them once, and then forgot about them until this song showed up in my Discover Weekly playlist. Even now, I haven't listened to any of their other stuff :) I just really like this song.

What stands out to me is how they used various styles in this song, yet it works all together. The first time I heard it, I thought it was kind of weird, but I very quickly came to like it and now I find it fun and unique!

Happy Listening!

The Dawn ~ Julianna Zobrist

I've know about Ben Zobrist because he's a baseball player :) I cannot remember where I found out his wife was Christians recording artist, but I knew that for a while. One day, this song showed up in my Discover Weekly playlist on Spotify. 

I really like songs that speak to going through something difficult but there is hope on the other side. I can get discouraged and fearful, so songs like "The Dawn" are just what I need to listen to when I forget that I'm not in control. 

Happy Listening!

 

What Are You Afraid of ~ Kerrie Roberts

That is the question isn't it? Why are we afraid? What is making us fearful? Are they stupid fears like being terrified to go to a college and take a class *this wouldn't be me talking to myself, no :)* or are they more founded fears like dealing with sever illness or joblessness? 

Ultimately, fear reveals a lack of trust in God. Ouch! I'm totally still working - and usually failing miserably - at this one. But I'm learning to do things and to push myself to do things, even if I'm doing it scared. I know it's good for me and will help me further my plans and dreams, so I push myself to do it. I talk myself into it. (No, seriously, I talk myself into things). 

I hope this song encourages you too, as you face and challenge your fears, big or small, rational or irrational. Happy Listening! 

You Redeem ~ Aaron Shust

Love, love, love this new song from Aaron Shust. Satan tries to get us to believe that our pasts are irredeemable, or divisions are final and unable to be bridged. Aaron's song speaks truth into our lives by reminding us that God can and does redeem, rebuild, and restore all things. He is greater than all the Devil can do. Happy Listening!