Showing posts with label Justin Bieber. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Justin Bieber. Show all posts

Sunday, October 13, 2024

Stendhal Syndrome: Why Songs Make Us Emotional

 












Some songs tug at your heartstrings, sometimes at first listen, and most times, the familiar music holds a different meaning when you are vulnerable or just because the song resonates with you profoundly, from earlier memories, happy and sad. Other music touches you because of the hauntingly beautiful melody, even transcending language barriers.

The sheer beauty of music brings tears to my eyes. Stendhal Syndrome, Florence Syndrome, or hyperkulturemia is an emotional response to music and art that triggers a physiological response that activates the parasympathetic nervous system. Some complain of rapid heartbeat, fainting, confusion, and even hallucinations. In my case, it might just be a mild case of being teary-eyed and nostalgic.

That might explain a nine-year-old boy’s spontaneous awe-struck exclamation of “WOW” after a classical performance by the Handel and Haydn Society. Ronan Mattin’s one-word praise after the last note of Mozart’s piece was so genuine and wondrous that the audience erupted in laughter and applause. It turned out that Ronan was an autistic child who barely spoke, but his appreciation of the music brought out the Wow, which was heard around the classical world.

www.https://wfacebook.com/watch/?v=1239206220856774

 





Justin Bieber- “Lonely”


What if you had it all

But nobody to call?

Maybe then you'd know me

'Cause I've had everything

But no one's listening

And that's just lonely

I'm so lonely

Lonely

With recent bombshell news about Sean “Puff” Diddy’s arrest related to criminal wrongdoings, I learned about Justin’s unfortunate experience with those who should have protected him. Drawn by the lure of Hollywood, Justin, at 15 years old, descended into a life of drugs and a perverse lifestyle. Thankfully, he came out of it and found a new life with his wife and a new baby.

“Lonely” is a plaintive plea for help from a tortured soul.

 

 


Celine Dion-  "Hymne A L'Amour", July 2024            


Celine Dion is a fighter. Stiff-person Disease kept her out of the limelight for four years. Still, she triumphantly returned to close the 2024 Olympics Opening Ceremony in Paris, France, with a stunning tour de force performance of Edith Piaf’s "Hymne A L'Amour". Singing on the balcony of the Eiffel Tower with the giant Olympic rings framing the scene and the rain pouring down, Celine showed the world what courage and perseverance look like. Incroyable!

“If the sky should fall into the sea, and the stars fade all around me …”

 

 


Young Forever fancam - London Wembley Stadium (Army surprise BTS!), 2019


The BTS fans known as the “Army” had a secret mission to surprise the BTS supergroup by singing 'Young Forever' during their concert at the London Wembley Stadium. The song made the boys tear up!

 

 


Andre Rieu- “The Rose”, 2014


Tender, melancholic rendition of the Amanda McBroom composition, made famous by Bette Midler in her 1979 film.

 



Josh Turner- “How Great Thou Art”

This song started as a traditional Swedish melody and a poem. It was translated from Russian to English and is now considered the second-favorite hymn after "Amazing Grace" of all time.

 


Carol Banawa- “Iingatan Ka”


My song for my mom. I miss her. So much.


I’ll take care of you

I’ll watch over you

In my heart, you are my greatest dream.

In this world

There’s no one else but you

I live my life for you forevermore.

Monday, May 30, 2016

I Like These Songs. Period!



Just a disclaimer. I. Am. Not. A. Belieber. I actually surprised myself that I like Justin Bieber’s latest song, “Love Yourself”. The song is in constant rotation on lite-fm radio during my hour-long drive. I liked the song before I knew who sang it. Justin can sing, after all.

Those who think that I only listen to oldies singers would be totally wrong. I am not just of the easy-listening genre. Somehow, this song from the millennial generation managed to amuse me. I can’t explain it. I like the song. Period.




I also liked Britney Spear’s “Oops, I did it again”. Perhaps it’s the goofiness or just my desire to be contrary. Oops, am I just getting to the point where I don’t care what anyone thinks of my choices?






Over the years, I have been totally won over by songs that did not fit my usual playlist. The novelty songs are out of character. I loved these songs for the simple pleasures they gave, for the catchy beat, and for the emotional connection. These songs were not belted by Dion or Houston, but they were a lot of fun to sing or dance to. I am still adding to my burgeoning list of guilty-pleasure songs.
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Psy- Gangnam Style. I don’t understand the song, but who can argue against 2,582,183,790 views as of today (5/30/16) making it the most-viewed youtube video of all time since it was uploaded in 2012? I still cannot understand the horse trot dance moves, but there is something quite enjoyable in swinging those arms in wild abandon. "Oppa gangnam style", indeed.




Papaya Dance was sung by a Polish singer in the 1970s. In 2007, this song was popularized by game show host Edu Manzano in the Philippines. The dance moves swept throughout the country until it was featured in Good Morning America. I prefer the Papaya dance moves to the Macarena and the Asereje.




Pusong Bato means Heart of Stone. A man’s heartbreak due to his loved one’s treachery. It has become an angsty anthem for the broken-hearted, some kind of cathartic release. Maybe we can all relate.