topic Re: Your Younger Brain and Music in Brain Health

Your Younger Brain and Music

AARPRachelA — Wed, 15 Dec 2021 19:49:59 GMT

In The Powerful Link Between Music and Memories, cognitive neuroscientist Daniel Levitin shares that our musical tastes form early, including a crucial period from around the age of 11 to 14. During that time, our musical tastes really take form and we hold onto those for the rest of our lives.

Music has always been a big part of my life, and it was especially important during my brooding teen years. Pop was a genre I embraced, and it's still one I adore today. One pop album I spent a lot of time with, learning the words and singing to myself in the mirror, was Michelle Branch's Hotel Paper, especially the song "Breathe." I recently relistened to the album and was transported back to my angsty, younger self.

What album or song did you love when you were younger?

Re: Your Younger Brain and Music

ReTiReD51 — Thu, 16 Dec 2021 13:49:34 GMT

My musical tastes were probably shaped during those ages of 11 to 14. I was 13 years old when Dylan recorded “Blowin In The Wind” and the Beatles first appeared on the Ed Sullivan show. And I’ve been a huge fan of classic rock all my life.

If I had to pick just one song to listen to the rest of my life, I couldn’t do it. I do appreciate all music across the spectrum. Whether playing or listening music is that elixir that improves my mood and makes me happier. But I do enjoy those blues too.

To paraphrase, someone once said the words used in songs make you think but the music makes you feel those thoughts. I agree.

Re: Your Younger Brain and Music

AARPRachelA — Thu, 16 Dec 2021 16:14:11 GMT

I also couldn't pick a single song to listen to for the rest of my life. That would make things quite dull! I've always loved to sing and learn the lyrics, so I can listen to the same song over and over in order to learn the words...but I always have to move on after a bit!

Music definitely is a conduit for my emotions. When I don't yet know how to verbalize what I'm feeling, music helps me say it.

Re: Your Younger Brain and Music

drlindamc — Tue, 11 Jan 2022 21:18:30 GMT

I was 11-14 from 1963-1966; therefore any Beatles album that came out during those years, or shortly before. Perhaps "Hard Days Night" was my favorite album; I just looked at the 13 songs on the album to see if I could pick a favorite and it is impossible; 10-11 home runs out of the 13!

Re: Your Younger Brain and Music

imaxgirl — Tue, 11 Jan 2022 22:27:11 GMT

I liked Broadway musical soundtracks at that age and I still do. I was so happy the Christmas that I received The Sound of Music, Fiddler on the Roof, and Annie albums.

Re: Your Younger Brain and Music

rockaria — Tue, 11 Jan 2022 22:35:12 GMT

First of all, I have to say I've been thoroughly enjoying the mini concerts that AARP has provided. Thank you for that entertainment.

Now.... don't laugh.... In my younger years, I listened to The Partridge Family and The Bay City Rollers on LP. I now have those gems on CD and listen to them in my 60s. Good, fun music.

Re: Your Younger Brain and Music

dn3371 — Tue, 11 Jan 2022 22:52:33 GMT

Ten Years After was a relatively obscure British band. They blew the doors off the place at Woodstock in 1969 when I was 11 years-old with "Goin Home", and the world got introduced to Alvin Lee, known as the "Fastest Guitarist in the West." My favorite rock band of all time, and I still listen to them to this day. Another favorite TYA song: "50,000 Miles Beneath My Brain." Psychedelic rock at its best.

Re: Your Younger Brain and Music

rufrt — Tue, 11 Jan 2022 22:53:28 GMT

Album wise: The Beatles Rubber Soul, and Fleetwood Mac Rumours." However, I would choose the second movement of Bach's Italian Concerto in F Major, if I had to choose just one piece to listen to for the rest of my life. It seems to have the remarkable capacity to elicit each type of my emotional responses. Also, because there are no words, it does not create the unfortunate sense (for me) of endless repetition.

Re: Your Younger Brain and Music

stevem3 — Tue, 11 Jan 2022 22:58:21 GMT

Hot Rocks, 12 x 5 by The Rolling Stones

Re: Your Younger Brain and Music

GinaG28321 — Wed, 12 Jan 2022 01:16:10 GMT

I memorized all the Christmas carols on a popular Christmas LP when I was 8-12. A group of us would go caroling ip and down our street every December. We challenged ourselves to learn all the words to all the verses of many carols. Every year we added a new song to our list..

Re: Your Younger Brain and Music

robertc526695 — Wed, 12 Jan 2022 02:15:00 GMT

I discovered my Dad's Beatles albums when I was in 8th grade (this was back in 1980). I have enjoyed listening to other albums and bands over the years but my deepest passion for music will always be The Beatles. They remind me of the heady days of my teenage years. Their songs never grow old. The Beatles are that one band that found a way to be timeless.

Re: Your Younger Brain and Music

2Papa — Wed, 12 Jan 2022 06:29:54 GMT

Bill Haley and the Comets, "Rock Around the Clock"!

Re: Your Younger Brain and Music

ss14147012 — Wed, 12 Jan 2022 13:13:26 GMT

Having been raised in the church, I find myself singing "How Great Thou Art" while driving to work, and I'm always amazed that I know every single word. Same for all of those amazing 50's songs that I played over and over on the 45!!

Re: Your Younger Brain and Music

JMCJONES4 — Thu, 13 Jan 2022 15:55:41 GMT

Goodbye Yellow Brick Road - Elton John

Re: Your Younger Brain and Music

AARPRachelA — Thu, 13 Jan 2022 16:02:08 GMT

You all are giving me great music suggestions to check out - there's so much to discover!

Re: Your Younger Brain and Music

AARPRachelA — Thu, 13 Jan 2022 16:03:04 GMT

I recently watched the "Get Back" documentary and it was really fascinating to see their creative process in the studio!

Re: Your Younger Brain and Music

AARPRachelA — Thu, 13 Jan 2022 16:04:12 GMT

I love Broadway soundtracks as well! The Sound of Music is my dad's favorite movie and the music always brings back lots of good memories 💜

Re: Your Younger Brain and Music

AARPRachelA — Thu, 13 Jan 2022 16:05:26 GMT

Don't judge, but I finally listened to Rumours for the first time last year! It really is a musical dance as depicted on the album cover.

Re: Your Younger Brain and Music

AARPRachelA — Thu, 13 Jan 2022 16:06:15 GMT

Watch the "Get Back" documentary if you haven't yet!

Re: Your Younger Brain and Music

wn32547663 — Thu, 13 Jan 2022 19:12:29 GMT

I remember always listening to Leroy Anderson's recording of "Blue Tango" on my aunt and uncle's fancy record player/radio console in the 1950s. Then Dean Martin's "Memories are made of This." I was fascinated by the sounds I heard. I grew up to be a musician/singer/pianist/vocal music teacher.