Here’s what your playlist says about you.
By: Mr. Curiosity
Tags: Self-awareness, Music, Love, Psychology, Self Improvement

Music maybe the most powerful way in which we express our personalities.

But how much can we really learn about ourselves based on just our favorite music?

Believe it or not our musical taste say more about who we really are than the clothes we wear or the friends we choose to hang out with. We can’t deny the fact that music speaks to us. We connect with music, we relate to its rhythm melodies, harmonies and lyrics. And the powerful tune can invoke magnificent emotions within us.

The psychological effect of music on the human brain has been studied extensively in 21st century. But what does our musical taste say about us? Why we like certain genres and can’t stand others? Why we listen to some music on repeat while just wanting to shut down the others?

Most people find themselves listening to one or two genres almost exclusively.

But have you ever wondered why you might be attracted to pop, metal, country or classical?

There’ve been a number of studies that examined this interesting subject with incredible results. Do you like heavy duty or complex music like jazz or classical?

According to some studies, People who like certain genre might be more creative or have a higher IQ. While people who love pop music tend to be more extroverted and honest than others.

If you like rap music, you probably are pretty outgoing and socially well connected. While, Country music fans are usually pretty conventional and hardworking. And how can we forget our metal heads? Metal heads tend to be more introverted and could even suffer from low self-esteem.

Every single music genre says something about our personalities. It is so much interesting these days, where new age psychologists are getting deeper into the impact of music in our lives. Now let’s dig even deeper into it.

Music can bring astonishing change in our moods with just some beats. From happy to suicidal and from sad to lively. And there’s one emotion that we have all been through is Nostalgia. Nostalgia is one of the most powerful emotions that music can evoke.

But why is certain music more nostalgic than others?

Suddenly, music flings us back in time to a forgotten moment in our lives.

But why does that happen? Why does some music seem more nostalgic than others?

An interesting study in 2010 found that autobiographical music was most likely to cause nostalgic emotions. Or in other words, music that involved a real-life story from the perspective of the singer.

Even more interesting was the fact that music with mixed emotions caused the most nostalgia.

Why does some music give us the shivers? Have you ever experienced a really powerful piece of music? Was it powerful enough that you found yourself getting the shivers? Did goosebumps start to appear on your body?

If so, you’re not the only one. This is a very common experience. But why does some music evokes such a powerful physical reaction in us?

An impressive study tried to answer this question, and it was found that the people who are more open to new experiences were more likely to experience shivers when listening to music. You’re also more likely to have this powerful reaction if you listen to tons of music throughout each day. But according to this study, It doesn’t really matter which genre you’re listening to.

Why do some people love bass?

The heavy booming nature of bass is a big part of popular music these days.

Some people absolutely love bass and this musical element seems to affect them in a deep way.

But why are some people so crazy about bass?

One study found that males are more likely to enjoy heavy bass in music.

There’s even more suggestion that those who enjoy bass are more likely to have anti social tendencies and borderline personality disorders.

But these are of course very rare cases and correlation doesn’t always equal causation. That means, just because we feel certain feelings simultaneously that doesn’t mean that one emotion causes another.

Why athletes love “pump up” music?

There’s definitely a very specific type of music we listen to at the gym; It’s usually vigorous pump up music with high BPM that gets us motivated and excited.

But why does this kind of music seem to be so fitting for athletic activity? One study found a link between our music preferences and our ideal self-image. Basically people prefer music that they think is most fitting to their own perception of themselves.

Athletes love vigorous music because they feel it fits with their dynamic lifestyle and persona.

Why teens love heavier music?

We’re all familiar with that one stereotype of the angsty teen who love heavy metal. And sometimes the stereotype is a reality for many teens. But have you ever wondered why some teens seemed drawn to heavy metal and heavier genres in general?

One study looked into this and found something very interesting. Apparently, teens with this music preference are more likely to feel rejected and have low self-esteem.

Although once again, this doesn’t mean that everyone who enjoys metal or heavy genres has these issues.

Why some people like repetitive music?

Most of the times repetitive music is generally seen as a bad thing, but some music with repetitive elements can be calming and in a kind, meditative as well. But why do some people prefer a repetitive music?

Some studies have suggested that those who are less open to new experiences might be more likely to enjoy repetitive music. I’m not saying there’s anything wrong with either repetitive music or being less open to new experiences.

Some people are just naturally more conservative and there’s nothing wrong with that, but it’s definitely an interesting tidbit of information that sheds light on the link between musical tastes and preferences.

Last few words:

Musical taste can really tell a lot about a person. Now how you can use that information is on you. One interesting idea would be to share your musical playlist with spouse or the one you are dating and find out if studies discussed above are Aye or Nay.