The Power of Music

Music has long been a way for people to express their thoughts, feelings and emotions when words alone just aren’t quite enough. The right tones, notes and rhythms can stir feelings of passion, joy and elation. Music brings us together, but what is it that makes music such a universal language?

Music’s impact on us

Music is an integral part of life, and some theories suggest it’s always been that way. Our ancestors may have relied on sounds around them to stay alert and safe. Even today, music has a powerful physical and emotional effect on us. The crescendo in a piece can raise your heart rate as the sound intensifies, or an increase in tempo might make you lean forward in your seat. Music doesn’t only evoke intensity, it can also stir feelings of passion, love and connection.

Music engages multiple areas of the brain, particularly the amygdala, which activates emotional responses that we associate with love. Studies have shown that listening to music can trigger the release of dopamine, stimulating feelings of pleasure and euphoria.

Music also engages our hippocampus which is responsible for memory. This brings back memories that are associated with certain melodies or lyrics, transporting the listener back to fond times with loved ones.

Love songs through history

Love’s story is a tale as old as time, and music has always been just one of the many ways we tell it. In fact, the oldest known love song comes from ancient Mesopotamia 4000 years ago, “The Love Song Shu-Sin.” The Medieval and Renaissance eras saw love ballads telling stories of love, honour and chivalry.

Shakespeare famously wrote, “if music be the food of love, play on,” and play on we have! Statistically, a majority of top hit songs since the 1960’s are about love and relationships, shaping generations of music lovers and plenty more songs that bring us together.

Music’s hold today

Love songs continue to dominate the music scene because, quite simply, we just love… well, love! Over time, love songs seem to follow a certain formula of familiar keys, major 6th and 7th chords, slower tempos to draw out lyrics, and syncopation to build suspense just at the right moment.

One thing is for certain, the artists and songwriters behind these melodies that draw us to one another, continue to fuel the music that conveys the strongest feelings of love, joy and happiness.