Yes, music entertains, but it gives us other important benefits. For example, many people like to put some music on when settling down for an occasion, even if it is a serious occasion. This can be more than mere preference: As some research materials suggest, music can help with concentration and reduce anxiety, helping you relax.
This article will recommend five great contemporary albums for five occasions.
The Theory of Everything by Jóhann Jóhannsson for Poker Tournaments
Many expert poker players cannot sit down to a game without putting on their favorite playlists, which helps them get into a winning mood. It’s not hard to imagine why: poker is a game that requires serious concentration for an extended period. Especially online poker, with its fast pace and inevitable thrill. Although if you take a useful poker tournament guide by a gambling company you will not find a suggestion about listening to music, but that doesn’t mean anything. Are you a person who loves playing melodies in the background? Doesn’t it bother you? Then include this consideration in your personal poker tournament guide.
With online poker, millions of people worldwide connect to play in tournaments, which can be quite a challenge, as they might last for hours. In this case, music can help you relax and maintain a sharp and focused mind.
As with any other occasion, the best music to play depends largely on you. Poker players have responded positively to various music genres, from rock to jazz to classical music. Let’s pick classical music, for example. One great contemporary album to play on your stereo as you sit down at your computer is Johann Johannsson’s The Theory of Everything.
The Theory of Everything is an all-piano album released in 2014 as the score album for a 2014 film of the same title. Its gentle composition and minimalist style work perfectly as background music. The soft and simplified piano arrangement uses repeated patterns and subtle tempo variation to create a relaxed, reflective mood for a poker game.
Some of the best tracks to look out for include ‘Time,’ ‘Cambridge, 1967’, ‘The Theory of Everything,’ and ‘The Spelling Bee’.
When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? by Billie Eilish for Graduation Parties
A graduation party is an occasion for joy and laughter, singing and dancing with friends and family. It’s not the time to play Fur Elise. Instead, go for Billie Eilish’s When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?
Billie Eilish is an American pop artist generally considered a musical genius. Her 2019 best-selling album When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? was released to wide acclaim when she was only 18 years old.
The album is full of youthful zeal that makes it perfect for a college or high school graduation party. Its blend of pop and electronic influences creates a lively mood that goes well with wine and laughter. Tracks like ‘Bad Guy’ and ‘You Should See Me in a Crown’ will stay with you long after they finish playing.
Norman F*cking Rockwell by Lana Del Rey for Romantic Dinners
If you are preparing for a romantic dinner with your lover, food and lighting are not the only things to make plans for. What is a romantic dinner without some lovely music to fill the space between conversations? And if you’re looking for lovely music, look no further than this 2019 multi-genre album by Lana Del Rey.
On Norman F*cking Rockwell, you will encounter soft rock, pop, psychedelic pop, and so on. It was Del Rey’s sixth album and many consider it her best work up to that point. She moves listeners with her mix of lush orchestration and nostalgic themes, her heart-wrenching intimacy, and ethereal vocals.
You can hardly listen to tracks like ‘Happiness is a Butterfly’ and not feel a mix of pure love and nostalgia.
The Lion King: The Gift by Beyonce for Morning Workouts
Beyonce's The Lion King: The Gift album is a great choice if you want an album to accompany you on your morning workouts. Also released in 2019, it was the score album for the 2019 remake of the classic animation The Lion King.
Its upbeat tune and empowerment themes will give you all the motivation you need to complete your exercise routines. It blends Afrobeats with pop, R&B, and hip-hop, producing a high-energy album just right for your occasion.
Dark Sky Island by Enya for Bed
Some people need music to sleep. If you’re such a person, you should try listening to Enya’s 2015 album, Dark Sky Island. Released in 2015, after a three-year break by the artist, this dreamy, hypnotic album will send you to sleep faster than you know it. Enya is known for her breathy, calming voice and her spell-binding music. Tracks like ‘The Humming,’ ‘Echoes in the Rain,’ and ‘Even in the Shadows’ will put you out like a night’s light.
Final Thoughts
Music is a great friend to humans, staying with us even at our lowest points. It offers solace and reminds us of love and beauty. Additionally, it can soothe the mind and improve our mental health. No wonder many people always want something playing as they perform their tasks. If you’re one of them, feel free to explore any of the abovementioned albums.