How much can you learn about a person by looking at the music they enjoy?
Can you learn more about yourself by looking at your favorite songs?

The Challenge:
List ten of your favorite songs or just some songs that you like.
Name three to five qualities in yourself that can be determined by the songs you listed.

It was difficult for me to choose absolute favorites because I like so many songs equally. It also depends on my mood.

Ten songs that I like:

1. Circle of Life (Elton John)


2. Have You Ever Been Mellow (Olivia Newton-John)


3. If (Bread)


4. (It's So Nice) To Be With You (Gallery)


5. Like A Prayer (Madonna)


6. One Tin Soldier (Coven)


7. The Shoop Shoop Song (It's in Her/His Kiss) (Cher)


8. Top of the World (The Carpenters)


9. Sing (The Carpenters)


10. Strangers In the Night (Frank Sinatra)

Five qualities I see in myself (or would like to have) as interpreted by the music I like:

• Contemplative


• Mellow


• Nostalgic


• Romantic


• Upbeat (Optimistic)

What do these songs say about me? Here are some explanations about the five qualities I've picked and why I believe the music I like reflect these qualities.

Contemplative

“The Circle of Life,” “One Tin Soldier” and to a lesser extent, “If,” all show how I tend to think about life and what it all means. I like songs that make me think. Sometimes, I may actually think too much, but I believe that all of this inner dialogue about life and how I fit in, make me a wiser person.

Mellow

“Have You Ever Been Mellow” reflects my desire for piece of mind. I may not be as calm inside as I sometimes appear, but I do want to be quite the mellow fellow. I think a lot of the music I listen to says this about me. I don't like noisy music. No hard rock; no punk; no rap... My music makes me feel good and calms me, so that I can deal with life.

Nostalgic

When people ask what kind of music I listen to, I usually say “Oldies.” Most of the songs are years old. I'll find a modern song I like every so often, but most of the music today just doesn't seem to have the feel that I like. I'm not saying there aren't exceptions, but my songs remind me of simpler times.

Romantic

What can I say? Most of the songs I enjoy seem to be about love. I listen to them and imaging singing them to and with my special someone (whomever that may end up being).

Upbeat (Optimistic)

Since depression has played a part in my life and family, I use music to help lift me up. I may not be as upbeat as the music, but it's better than moping around.

Please leave comments on how accurate you believe this to be. Also, if you like, you can list some of your favorite songs and try to determine what they say about you.