Few experiences are as transportive as listening to a really great album. If you’re lucky, every track offers something unique and even transcendent. Some people have said that the art of listening to a full-length album has become rather diluted in the past decade or so, given the industry’s turn towards highly marketable singles. However, lots of music lovers know that listening to music – especially a new album from beginning to end – has a lot to offer beyond the novelty aspect. If you’re obsessed with music and want to know the best ways to help you enjoy it like never before, then this article is for you.
Try Different Genres
When it comes to music, people have their preferences and can doggedly pursue those and forget that there’s a lot more to uncover. Listening to different kinds of music will not only open you up to new sounds and forms of storytelling, but it can also be great for your brain. According to recent studies, listening to a new song helps to trigger a hit of dopamine in your brain, which is the chemical that is associated with nearly all fun and feel-good activities out there. Trying different genres isn’t just good for your mental and emotional wellbeing, it will also make you more curious about other art forms out in the world, and increase your willingness to enjoy them.
Use Excellent Equipment
Some audiophiles take their consumption of music religiously. To fully immerse themselves into the experience, they recognize the importance of good equipment, especially a great pair of headphones.
CDs have been uncovered as the terrible scam they are years ago, and with that, most people have turned to vinyl. This isn’t only because people have nostalgia for anything retro, but because music genuinely sounds better on vinyl. So, music aficionados tend to be on the lookout for the best headphones for vinyl and try to find the model that best suits their needs. This equipment, just like any other there is, has different models and features. If you love vinyl, then it makes sense to take the time to research which ones work best for you.
Don’t Skip the Liner Notes
For lots of great albums, the artists don’t just think of making a beautiful song or two. They’re building a whole world around their work, and becoming fully immersed in that context can help you to enjoy music more fully. If you have invested in a physical record, then take the time to read the liner notes, and also review the lyrics as you listen. This seemingly simple act will help enhance your appreciation for the music you’re listening to and will make you understand your favorite artists in an entirely new way.
Use the Speakers
While headphones are great and can help you appreciate music more intimately and studiously, you can ditch them sometimes. Certain kinds were made to be listened to at a high volume, and not just as pleasantly mundane sound in the background. Cranking up the sound levels and giving yourself a chance to dance or sing out loud is a great release, while also giving you another opportunity to enjoy music in the same way as attending a concert. It’s also a great way to bond with your friends or spouse – singing along to your favorite tracks is an excellent way to enjoy music as well as someone else’s company.
Share with Others
A bit similar to the point listed above, music was made to share with other people. Another great way to help you enjoy it more than ever is to share a great song or artist you’ve stumbled upon with family or friends. You can create playlists online, and invite others to listen in, or even start a blog and write about the illuminating deep cut you discovered on that underground record from the 1970s. Spreading the love, while also learning about cool new bands from others is one of the simplest joys in life. At the end of the day, music is about community.
Play a Musical Instrument
If you really love music and want to continue flexing other parts of your brain that listening to music helps to exercise, then learn to play an instrument. The idea isn’t to uncover some kind of musical genius within you. It is meant to enhance your appreciation of a truly complex art form, and help you enjoy music on a different level.
Music is one of the more accessible art forms, and it has something for everyone. It’s fun to learn about different kinds of music, new bands, and sharing them with other people. You just need to create the proper environment for yourself to enjoy new music and license to not kill the enthusiastic and open child within.