Music That Brings Me Joy

One of the most important things I have learned during my journey of grief has been the need to actively seek out sources of joy. For me, that joy has come from everything from coffee or cocktails with friends, to watching the birds in my backyard, to spending time with my children, to baking, to music. Music is especially precious, as I went through a long period when music did not bring me joy; a long period, in fact, when I couldn't even bear to listen to music at all. But now the music is back, and I am able to find joy in many different genres of music. 

If you need some joy in your life, try experimenting with these wildly varying pieces of music, each of which brings me joy. 

Song of the Blacksmith, from Holst's Second Suite in F
Genre: Classical (Instrumental)
Why I love it: As a French horn player who performed with various wind ensembles and bands over the years, this is one of my favorite pieces both to play and to listen to. From the crisp opening chords emphasized by the snare drum to the delicious horn lick (at about 0:14 in this recording) to the sound of the blacksmith's hammer (starting at 0:40) to the little hesitation after the "contrapuntal" section (at 0:50) to the chillbump-inducing resolution of the final chord, this piece is sheer musical brilliance. 

Sucker, by the Jonas Brothers
Genre: Pop
Why I love it: In a word, boomwhackers. In a few more words, a catchy melody, an irresistible beat, tight harmonies used sparingly, fun accents like clapping and a whistle break (and, you know, boomwhackers), and an actual ending instead of the typical fade out. Plus bonus points because I can understand all the lyrics without having to look them up. 

Uptown Funk, by Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars
Genre: Funk? Dance? R&B? Jazz Fusion? I have no idea. 
Why I love it: I cannot physically sit still while listening to this song - I have to dance and sing along. The lyrics are great statements of confidence, including gems like "Gotta kiss myself, I'm so pretty," "I'm too hot...Make a dragon wanna retire, man," and my favorite, "Smoother than a fresh jar of Skippy." That's smooth. And it's another song that ends instead of fading out. Nice. 

Alleluia, by Randall Thompson
Genre: Classical (Vocal)
Why I love it: With no lyrics other than the word "Alleluia" plus a final "Amen," this piece focuses on beautiful melody and harmonies. I love the sustained notes in the upper voices contrasting with the moving notes underneath, I love the passing dissonances, I love the expressive dynamics, especially the soaring dynamics and acceleration of the end section (starting at about 4:04 in this recording), I love the reverent hush of the final bars, and I love the way the closing "Amen" simply hangs in the air for a moment before evaporating like a wisp of smoke. 

You'll Be Back, from Hamilton 
Genre: Broadway
Why I love it: I am not a fan of Hamilton - it's simply not my style. But this song? I hit repeat every single time it comes up on my car playlist. The catchy tune, the harpsichord accompaniment, Groff's delightful received pronunciation and shameless pops from legit voice into falsetto in "you cahn't go ooooonnnn," and the final "Everybody! -- dah dah dah" section are all brilliant. I dare you to not sing along to this one. 

From the Start, by Laufey
Genre: Jazz
Why I love it: My daughter introduced me to this delightful Icelandic singer. Her smoky voice and mellow style is a throwback to jazz singers of the 1940s like Billie Holliday and Ella Fitzgerald. Her singing is so effortless and smooth that just hearing it relaxes me, body and soul. (Also, her name is pronounced something like "Leh-vay." You're welcome.)

Dance of the Hours, from La Gioconda
Genre: Opera (instrumental)
Why I love it: It stands on its own as a fun listen, but once you've seen Fantasia, you can't help but picture smarmy dancing crocodiles, hippos in tutus dancing en pointe, an ostrich kickline, and a recalcitrant elephant thrown in for good measure. If you can listen to this without smiling, you have a cold, cold heart. 

All Falls Down, by Kanye West ft. Sylveena Johnson (no, really)
Genre: Rap/Hip-Hop
Why I love it: "Love" might not be the right word for this one, but it does bring me joy, because I added this song to my playlist after my kids had a very serious discussion about "which of our songs Mom would like - or at least be willing to listen to." Yeah, I find it a little repetitive, and I'd like more of a melody, but I will admit to the cleverness (or at least hilarity) of blatantly forced rhymes like (just assume everything is [sic]) "Now tell me that ain't insecurr, the concept of school seems so securr, Sophomore, three yurrs, ain't picked a carurr, she like, 'I'll just stay down hurr...'" Bonus points for the bathroom acoustics change at 1:44 in the video. 

Higher, by Michael Buble
Genre: Jazz
Why I love it: The pulsing rhythms, the pounding timpani, the intense vocals, the Latin feel, it all pulls you in. And it tickles me to know how creatively the video was choreographed and directed by Derek Hough to hide the fact that Buble is a terrible dancer (check out this fun "making of" video). It's just plain fun, from the opening whoosh and string tremolos to the ending crashing chords. 

You're Welcome, from Moana
Genre: Broadway/rap
Why I love it: It's funny, it's witty, it's charming, and it combines a catchy tune with spoken word in a way that's closer to a musical theatre patter song than true rap. And the percussion underneath has a great island feel that's both in keeping with the setting and gives it a unique feel. Also, the Rock, well, rocks. 

Queen of the Night, from The Magic Flute
Genre: Opera (vocals)
Why I love it: Anyone who can sing this aria, I am convinced, is superhuman. These vocals come closest to the limit of what a human voice can do of any piece I've ever heard. In addition to the sheer technicality of the music, the overblown drama of the whole opera, and this piece in particular, is just scrumptious. Can't you just imagine yourself sweeping around a stage screeching out this number? Okay, maybe that's just me. 

Hey-Ya, by OutKast
Genre: Funk
Why I love it: The nasal falsetto in the repeated "Hey-yaaaa" refrain is fun, as is the marching band feel of the "boopy" little counterpoint going on under it, and the pulsing rhythm makes you bop your head to the beat. I can't understand most of the lyrics, but I did catch, "Y'all don't wanna hear me, you just wanna dance," and that about sums it up. 

Into the Unknown from Frozen, performed by Panic at the Disco
Genre: Broadway/Pop
Why I love it: The original version from the film, sung by Idina Menzel and Aurora, is great, but this cover featuring Brendan Urie's brilliant and powerful vocals gives the song even more impact. I can't belt like Urie, but I can't help but sing along anyway every time this comes up in my playlist. 

Mambo Number 5, by Lou Bega
Genre: Jazz
Why I love it: Rap has its roots in this style of jazz, with its mix of talk-singing, not-quite-monotone melody, and a rhythmic backup with multiple percussion instruments and a pulsing bass line. It even includes a little record scratch effect! Not only is it a fun listen, but it also reminds me of the musical connection between generations. What we love isn't really that different, after all. 

Walking on Sunshine, by Katrina and the Waves
Genre: '80s Pop
Why I love it: It's the sound of my teenage years, it's the sound of first love, and it's the sound of sheer happiness, the kind you only experience during the purity and innocence of your youth. How on earth can a monotone guitar break (2:16-2:28) be so much fun? I dunno, but it sure is. 

Lassus Trombone, by Henry Fillmore
Genre: Brass band/March
Why I love it: Trombones are innately funny, and this classic Fillmore march makes the most of their comedic swoopy abilities. If it's half as fun to play as it is to listen to, I might resurrect my short-lived career as a trombone player. 

Happy, by Pharrell Williams
Genre: Pop
Why I love it: The title says it all. It just makes me feel happy!

Find the music that makes you happy.