We live in a divided world. I feel it more and more with every passing day.
We argue about heated topics such as politics, religion, and ever increasingly, public health policy.
But there is still one area where I believe we all have something in common, and that is our shared love of music. Whether you prefer live music or enjoy a vinyl album in complete solitude, most – if not all of us – have enjoyed music in some form or another.
Music has the incredible ability to inspire human emotions. It can change hearts and minds, provide emotional healing (even in some cases, according to The Power of Music, physical healing), and connect others in a way that can only be described as spiritual. I believe music is truly a gift from God.
No matter what genre(s) you prefer, music accompanies most of us in our day-to-day routine. We listen to it on our way to and from work, when we need motivation at the gym, consolation after a heartache, to celebrate life, or just because we feel like it.
I have always been partial to classic rock, or anything from the 1960s, '70s, and '80s. This can probably be attributed to the fact I grew up listening to my parents' favourite music. I have to admit I am less fond of contemporary music, but I have my favourite artists in genres such as electronic, hip hop, rap, and indie rock, too.
One artist that has stuck by me through the years, however far I strayed, is Fleetwood Mac. My first memory of Fleetwood Mac’s music was 30 years after the release of Rumours. I was 12 years old at the time and I thought I had discovered something groundbreaking.
In 2007, when all my peers were listening to Taylor Swift, Miley Cyrus, and the Jonas Brothers, Lindsey Buckingham’s guitar riffs and Stevie Nick’s raspy, yet ethereal, voice was where I found solace. Fleetwood Mac’s music accompanied and consoled me throughout my awkward teenage years, rocky relationships and subsequent break-ups. Somehow when Stevie sang about it, it didn’t feel so bad.
Fifteen years later, their music still resonates with me. I have been privileged to see Fleetwood Mac perform live several times in my life, and each time has been a wonderful and emotional experience.
I’m sure many of you reading, no matter your view on politics, religion, or public health policy, have also been swept away by a beautiful melody at some point or another. Or maybe you have a favourite artist or band that has stuck by you through the years.
I believe finding common ground in our tense political climate will help ease the divide. So, I hope you will all join me in turning up your radio or record player nice and loud, and letting the music inspire hope and healing.
Carmen Cundy, AirdrieToday.com
Follow me on Twitter @carmenrcundy
