Cuma 14 Eyl 2007, 17:57

I listen to a lot of music, and have heard probably thousands of hours worth over the years. There are songs I like, songs I love and then songs that touch me emotionally, whether I like them or not. Here a few of them.

Rocket Man (I Think It's Going To Be a Long, Long Time)
Rocket Man is really a tragic story masked as a timeless pop song with a catchy hook. This song is best listened to in the dark, without headphones… close your eyes and envision what you hear: a futuristic story of a man, isolated and alone as he works on the red planet. Yes, that's literal, but fitting. Listen to the weeping steel guitar, or the emotion in Elton's voice. The saddest line in the whole song is quite definitely "Rocket man, burning out his fuse up here alone…"

North Country Blues by Bob Dylan
Though enjoyable, this song is downright depressing, which makes it difficult to listen to often. He tells the story of a girl growing up in a mining town and the tragedies that befell her, in her own words. It's quite simple, honest and blunt: there is nothing fancy or pretentious about the song. It is simply Bob and his guitar, not even a harmonica I don't think. The song is well written and unforgettable, which is partly why it's so strongly emotional.

Hand in Hand by Dire Straits
"Hand in Hand" is Mark Knopfler's saddest song, I think. It's pure sadness and heartache, and you can really hear it in Mark's voice. If you just focus your attention on what he's saying and singing, I'm sure it will touch you, also. Its emotions are subtle and quiet, you must listen to the song intently which is why I appreciate it. It's just one of those great, great love songs that says"I love you – what happened to us?" He conveys depression, confusion, melancholy and anger all in the span of five minutes. The song is not an outright Kleenex moment, but it certainly moved me.

The Sound of Silence by Simon and Garfunkel
Ah, the song in my list that won't bring you tears, but will humble you emotionally. It is a perfect song, flawless in every way. The power that is hidden in the words is truly remarkable… the song moves with a rhythm of its own, it rolls along as the duo delivers the lyrics to one of the greatest songs ever written, in my opinion. But not to be forgotten is the chilling melody that Paul Simon composed, a melody that grabs your attention and never lets go. I can listen to this song at any time of the day and feel the same emotions that I felt when I heard it for the first time.

Sailing to Philadelphia by Mark Knopfler
"STP" is specifically touching to me for certain reasons that other probably won't feel in the same way, but besides that, Mark strikes again with a very melancholy melody intermingled with wonderfully and beautifully poetic words that are just… elegant to hear. And after that, we are treated to a lovely extended outro sprinkled with guitar playing reminiscent of Brothers in Arms or Ride Across the River, or Feel Like Going Home. A very beautiful song, one of his best.

I Dug Up A Diamond (Album Version) by Mark Knopfler and Emmylou Harris
I really relate to this song, but it's also a quintessential love song written in symbol with a wonderful melody. We all feel that when we find something when we least expect it, and it's something (or someone) special, we want to hold on to it forever. That is why this song is so incredibly true to life. Amazing song, and I really applaud Mark and Emmylou for this one.

Feel Like Going Home by The Notting Hillbillies
This song hits you in two parts: first with the incredibly moving, almost depressing words and second with the weepy guitar solo, played by none other than Mark Knopfler himself. Mark doesn't sing on this one, but he speaks through his guitar. It's just an incredible song in every way.

Anyways, that's my two cents.