Music has been around almost as long as humanity has. Like fire, stone tools, art, and clothing, humanity created music early into its life cycle. From the beginning, percussive slams and melodic hums have entertained and evolved to what they are now. Back then, music was made to celebrate. How has it changed since?

Well for one, cavemen didn’t have stereos and surround sound. More importantly, now music has lyricism and writing attached. Whether it’s upbeat pop or grungy rock, most every song has lyrics that convey a message and speak to the listener.

While not every song has lyrics, the ones that do tend to either highlight a story or create a vibe that the listener taps into. This vibe varies obviously, as I doubt anyone’s break dancing to The Sound of Silence by Simon and Garfunkel.

Suffice to say that music without lyrics can be just as impactful. After all, there’s something beautiful about hearing an array of stringed instruments create a powerful harmony. Sometimes lyrics don’t work for a song, like for example, EDM and Breakcore as both combine fast-paced and energetic beats that rival an anxious heart.

The whole point of these genres is to get the body moving and heart pumping. While lyrics can work for these genres, they’re often rarely used because they’re either too distracting or just don’t fit the vibe. However, for some genres, lyrics are a must.

Rap for example, is all about a lyricist putting their story on paper and telling the world. Without lyrics, you get an often generic beat with no impact. Yeah it may sound nice, but it lacks depth. When a rapper puts their words to a mic, they share a part of themselves that went through a journey. Unless they’re a mumble rapper. Mumble rap adds nothing.

Another genre that soars with lyrics is Doo-Wop/Classic Pop. This classic genre that dominated from the 1940s all the way to the 1960s, was all about punchy and catchy vocals with charismatic and charming singers. Doo-Wop specifically gets its name from the common vocal phrase that many songs in this time had. Typically, the songs were sung by a group of vocalists with matching outfits and haircuts.

Think 2000s boybands, but with fancy suits, pompadours, and slick backs. It wasn’t just about singing, it was about harmonizing. Everyone had a role, from the deep voiced bass singer, to the high pitched main singer. The members bounced off each other and created a masterful symphony of voices that would put you into a dancing groove.

Rock has a similar mission, but with a twist. Instead of multiple singers combining their musical talents, one singer merges their voice with the instruments of their cohorts. When a rock singer sings, the drums lay down a beat, the guitar adds some rhythm, and the bass gives the rhythm more impact. Together, they pack a punch that really pumps you up.

Despite all these genre’s differences, what’s the one thing they have in common? They all speak to us in some way. There are many more genres that haven’t been listed, yet this is true for all of them. Whether it’s a bouncy dance beat or a somber melody, music taps into who we are and shapes us.

In dark times, we listen to sad music because it makes us feel heard. In happy times, we play something fun to express ourselves. Powerful and heavy music plays in dramatic movie scenes, while light and soothing music plays during happy and romantic moments. Music is the perfect expression of what makes us human.

Every single aspect involves a person putting their soul on display, and I love that. So whether you listen while doing homework or while playing video games, you’re hearing someone else put their essence into their work. Isn’t that just grand?