Medical Mysteries of MusicOngoing History of New Music

Ongoing History Daily: What does your taste in music say about you?

We all have our preferences when it comes to music. But what do those preferences say about us? Researchers love looking at stuff like this. Here are some recent general findings.

If you like mainstream pop music, chances are you’re an agreeable person. If metal is your thing—especially the violent material—you’re more likely to find joy in music and are no more likely to be violent than the next person. But check this out. People who love a lot of big, deep bass in your music could be psychotic. Those are the findings from a 1997 study published in the Journal Personality and Individual Differences.

Getting specific, Eminem’s “Lose Yourself” was cited as a favourite by people who scored high for psychopathy. The least psychopathic people in this study was “My Sharona” by The Knack. Thoughts?

Alan Cross

is an internationally known broadcaster, interviewer, writer, consultant, blogger and speaker. In his 40+ years in the music business, Alan has interviewed the biggest names in rock, from David Bowie and U2 to Pearl Jam and the Foo Fighters. He’s also known as a musicologist and documentarian through programs like The Ongoing History of New Music.

Alan Cross has 39502 posts and counting. See all posts by Alan Cross

2 thoughts on “Ongoing History Daily: What does your taste in music say about you?

  • Interesting. I found that article. I always knew music and emotions were linked, but now you can actively make a quick judgment of a person based on their music choice. Hmm. I also, have an update from a comment on this article.
    https://www.ajournalofmusicalthings.com/get-the-feeling-somethings-off-about-this-years-crop-of-music-festivals-youre-not-alone-thoughts/
    I thought of a name for that idea I mentioned. Call it The Ultimate Download of Legacy Music. Listen. Do you want to save rock music? Think about Nandi Bushnell. She has downloaded the most Legacy Music of any person I can think of, directly from the source. That’s the important part. Legacy Musicians could pass the torch per se to the new generation, by allowing licensing of songs to new musicians. The problem with that of course is the MGs, if you know what I mean… I love new music, but I love the music I grew up with, made memories with, and am completely and emotionally attached to, even more. If I can’t hear those songs live, relive those memories, and feel those emotions, I might just pass on the festival/music venue.

    Reply
  • Phew! Lose Yourself & My Sharona have never really been my favourites. Here’s to being only averagely psychopathic.

    Reply

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