What are some songs/music genres I should listen to?

Dance into the Depth of Blues

First stop, we have the Blues genre. Oh, how I love the Blues. The rich legacy it carries, the soulfulness, the genuine emotion it evokes, it’s nothing short of magical. Born in the deep south of the United States, the roots of this genre are intertwined with passionate expression, the raw renditions of human experiences, the joys, the sorrow, the pains, the gains... a musical mirror that reflects life.

The Blues is where you'll find names like Muddy Waters, B.B. King, and my personal favourite, Stevie Ray Vaughan. Ever heard of a song called "Texas Flood"? That's Stevie right there for you. So, next time you're looking for some depth, dive into the world of Blues. Its beautiful imperfections carry a universe of emotions that can resonate with anyone's soul.

Riding High through Rock

Naturally, a conversation about music genres would be incomplete without Rock. Rock music has always been the rebel child of the music family. It's loud, outlandish, resilient, and often, rebellious. It emerged during the 1950s as Rock and Roll but has since fragmented into numerous sub-genres, from the hard-hitting Heavy Metal to the melodious Alternative Rock.

The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, AC/DC, Nirvana, the names are legendary! You've got slick guitar riffs, thundering drums, and lyrics that could ignite a revolution. Remember "Smells Like Teen Spirit"? Nirvana brought Grunge to the mainstream with that massive hit. So, if you fancy an adrenaline shot, put on some rock music and get ready to ride the wild waves of rebellion and excitement.

Grounding with Folk Music

Then, there's Folk music. The rustic charm, the raw authenticity, and the narratives rooted in culture, it's the epitome of musical storytelling. Folk music is like a time capsule preserving cultural narratives from different communities around the world, both universal and folk-specific subjects. It's a trip through time and geography that sometimes, surprisingly, feels pretty close to home.

Listen to Bob Dylan's "Blowin' in the Wind" or Simon and Garfunkel's "The Sound of Silence", timeless folk tunes that still carry relevance. Or, explore music from the world's far corners, like Irish Ballads, African Djembe rhythms or the Australian Indigenous music. The essence is similar, each song is a tale, and each tale can unmask a new perspective about us - bearing rich emotions, deep-rooted feels, and ageless wisdom. Go on, give Folk music a try and see where it takes you.

Jazzing Up the Jive

Jazz is another immense genre to explore. Born in the African-American communities of New Orleans, it is a complex blend of many music forms like Blues, Ragtime, and spirituals. Jazz is free, improvisational, and expressive - a metaphor for freedom and a language of resilience.

You'll discover the likes of Louis Armstrong or Duke Ellington, masters who could make their instruments sing, groan, laugh, or even talk. Listen to "What a Wonderful World" by Armstrong or Ellington's famous "It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)"; they take you onto a rollercoaster of emotions with their musical prowess. It's joyous, uplifting, and introspective at once, so if you're in a mood for something thought-provoking yet refreshing – the luscious flavours of Jazz might just hit your taste buds right.

Getting the Groove with Hip-Hop

Can we talk about music genres without touching upon Hip-Hop? Certainly not. Having grown exponentially in popularity, especially among the younger audience, Hip-hop is a complex marriage of MCing, DJing, breakdancing, and graffiti art.

Artists like Kendrick Lamar, Drake, and Jay-Z constantly cultivate this genre's diverse landscape. "Alright" by Lamar, signals hope amid despair, while Jay-Z's "99 Problems" is a sharp critique of societal issues. I remember driving Fletcher back from school one day and he asked to play "Sicko Mode" by Travis Scott. Let's just say that was one energetic car ride! Hip-hop can be bold, controversial, and thought-provoking, so why not give it a swing and explore its intriguing complexity?

Country Roads Taking You Home

About Country music. It's like a warm hug on a lonely night. It evokes this unique sense of comfort, nostalgia, and homesickness, painting vivid pictures of dusty rural landscapes, sunsets, and love stories enveloped in cowboy hats and boots.

Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, these are the gems of Country music. Play "Ring of Fire" by Cash or "Jolene" by Parton, and you'll instantly be transported to a cozy countryside setting. Don't be too surprised when you find yourself on a care-free, heartwarming journey, laden with melodious harmonies and uplifting ballads. So, when you're in a mood for a calming musical ride into the rural heartlands of the West, go Country.

Electrifying with Electronic Dance Music (EDM)

And finally, my kids' favourite, Electronic Dance Music (EDM). Welcome to the world of thrilling beats that make your heart match its rhythm. It's full of pulsating energy that can fill you with vigor and make you dance like no one's watching.

EDM packs a wide spectrum - from the house beats of Daft Punk’s “One More Time” to the Eclectic ventures of Avicii's "Wake Me Up". Eliza, my daughter, usually fills our Sundays with her EDM playlist and let me tell you, there's nothing like a family dance-off to "Marshmello – Alone". So, when you're ready to pump up the energy, let the waves of EDM electrify your spirit.

Whether you sway with the Blues, headbang to Rock, wander with Folk, groove with Jazz, ponder with Hip-Hop, warm with Country, or electrify with EDM, you're bound to find something that syncs with your heartbeat. Music is a vast landscape, teeming with splendid diversity, hidden surprises and with every genre, offering a unique taste. So, put on your headphones and embark on this incredible auditory journey because my friend, your perfect track is just around the corner.