eighteen years in the making...

1. "Hey Soul Sister" by Train

"Hey Soul Sister" by Train symbolizes my sisters birth. My sister was born in 1996 and this was a very special moment for my family and I. My sister is one of the most loving, caring, and energetic young women I know. She has taught me to be a leader and positive role model as her older sister. 

2. "Family" by Anika Noni Rose

"Family" by Anika Noni Rose symbolizes my family. They are a  huge part of my life and I don't know where I would be without them, they have shaped me to always strive to fulfill my fullest potential and I am so thankful to have them there supporting me. 

3. "You've Got a Friend in Me" by Randy Newman 

"You've Got a Friend in Me" by Randy Newman symbolizes most of my best friends that I have known since Kindergarden. I am very thankful to have had such supportive, nice, and genuine friends all these years.  

4. " I want to Dance with Somebody" by Whitney Huston

"I want to Dance with Somebody" by Whitney Huston symbolizes my love for dance. I have been dancing ever since I was little and my passion for dance has always brought me happiness. As well, I love to entertain people and share my passion of dance with others. 

5. " Do you know the way to San Jose" by Dionne Warwick 

" Do you know the way to San Jose" by Dionne Warwick symbolizes this fall when I came to San Jose State University. Majoring in Communications with an emphasis in Public Relations. I have made many new friends here in San Jose and cherish all the memories we have made so far. 

ASU and Fever Moments

One thing I found particularly interesting within reading the epilogue of the novel "All Shook Up", was Woodstock's influence upon the society within the late 60's and teenagers fascination towards the festival, although parents disproved of such an event. Woodstock is noted by the author as a way for teens to share music with one another, however it was strongly discouraged and frowned upon by parents due to their children, " attending what turned out to be a chaotic, toiletless, muddy drug filled festival." As well, relating back to the authors points within previous chapters,  teens rebellion towards their parents within the rock and roll era caused hostile behavior. Moreover, This event within history was just one other way for teens to defy adults and their control causing Woodstock to be an event that transformed American society and culture. 

Another pivotal moment I found interesting within rock and roll's history is seen through the novel "Fever". Noted in Chapter 7, rock music within the mid 70's changed the societies perspective upon love, as well as long term relationships and intimacy. As the author states," Rock had changed men and women for the better, but they also faced new challenges as intimate partners." Music's influence and meaning upon sexual ideas completely contradicted real life. Concluding, many of these songs of the era gave people a new perspective upon love, however relationships could never be the way people imagined due to music and singers or songwriters false ideas of true love.          

Opinionator #2:“Rocking My Life Away: Why Music Matters”

Reflecting upon September 11th’s tragedy to our country in 2001, author Anthony Decurtis wrote the article, “Rocking My Life Away: Why Music Matters” in Rolling Stone magazine, illustrating popular music’s impact and purpose within our society. Written on September 28th, 2011, he reflects upon the week before the attacks on the twin towers by vividly describing his wedding and the popular music’s portrayal on emotions. Listening to the Stevie Wonder songs "I Believe When I Fall in Love It Will Be Forever," and "Signed, Sealed, Delivered I'm Yours" he sates, “It was a moment of sheer physical joy, uncomplicated, free and ecstatic.” The songs at this moment managed to capture the possibilities of love and connection within the family oriented group. But only two days after the wedding, the al queda bombings changed our societies feelings and reactions to a devastating event in which many mourned the lives of loved ones. The author suggests, that during these sad, confusing days we allowed music to help restore us to the full range of our feelings. 

Trying to bring pleasure into our lives through music, I believe one can see music’s meaning and importance upon a society. Whether they may be violent lyrics and aggressive sounds or pleasant lyrics and tranquil sounds, Decurtis identifies what popular music means and the benefits it has upon our society at large. Expression can also come through these types of songs, for one to not only think of these as just a typical pop song. Reflecting upon the article, I believe music is truly meant to represent a society or culture and be inspirational in even the most tragic, terrifying, or threatening times. Concluding, Decurtis thoroughly illustrates the importance of music and why it matters today within our society more than ever.