Power of pop music

When you don't know the lyrics, but you still groove along like a boss.

Picture this: a house party, pulsating neon LEDs, the air is thick with the energy of upbeat music, drowning the laughter and chatter of friends. As the music pumped through the room, that electrifying rhythm was making me dance like nobody's watching.

Choreography? Who needs it? From mimicking the iconic "Lungi Dance" step to crafting my own funky moves, I was basking in the freedom that the catchy music granted. A few of my new friends were surprised to see this side of me- the normally calm and composed guy wreaking a havoc on the dance floor. The excitement and the adrenaline coursing through my veins left me pumped. Only pop music has that effect on me.

My love for pop goes back to my childhood and the influence of Bollywood songs. Growing up, there was no Apple Music or Spotify, but there was the radio. And the radio stations were always playing the most upbeat songs from the latest Bollywood movie. These songs became my gateway into the world of addictive, dance-worthy songs.

90% of the time, I have no idea about the lyrics of these songs. The tunes move me more than the words. I can hum to whole song knowing exactly where the highs and the lows are. But ask me to sing the lyrics along and it will all be gibberish.

It's ironic that as a writer, I enjoy words, but when it comes to music, it’s about the beats. For example, Starboy by the Weekend goes like “nanana na na ahh na na na … I'm a Starboy." I’ve listened to it a 500 times, and still don’t know the words. I’m pretty sure I’m not the only one with this condition.

Despite knowing English, I can only pickup a few lines of the song. But I’m not biased, I can’t speak and understand Tamil or Telugu but can totally experience the emotions in those songs. Some of my favourites like Vaseegara, Thai Kelavi in Tamil or ButtaBomma in Telugu, move my being.

But pop music is not just about upbeats dance tune. It wields the power to stir emotions. Whether nursing a broken heart or celebrating a personal triumph, there is always going to be a pop song that will mirror emotions to make them relatable. Pop stars have mastered the art of pulling the strings of emotions with their beats.

If you look at my playlists, you will find a mosaic of artists from Taylor Swift's romantic melodies to Billie Eilish’s heart break bangers. Charlie Puth, Post Malone, Sigrid, Ber all come to my rescue depending on the chaos or the calm I need that day.

For me, pop music represents the emotional mirror. It frees up the soul to connect every emotion it feels. It's not about perfection or intellectual analysis; it's about expression and enjoying every moment.

It gives the freedom to let go of any dancing inhibitions, to sing at the top of our lungs on a roadtrip, or to sit on a park bench and share your favourite song with your crush. A pop song is always there when you need it.

So, the next time you find yourself lost in the captivating beats of a pop anthem, know that it's not just music to the ears, but a companion on your emotional journey. It's a reminder that sometimes, all we need is a catchy tune and a rhythm that moves us to truly feel alive.

Photo by Daniel Schludi on Unsplash