I once spoke with a revered Islamic Imam in Damascus. Although he was a priest of Islam, he was also an educated theologian and philosopher at heart. So captivating were his views on life, that morning turned to night as if under an eclipse.
One issue that had plagued me was the spiritual dichotomy between humans and animals. And so I asked him, “what makes humans so different from animals? Aside from being self aware, everything we do seems to be based in survival. “
His response was exceedingly simple but attractive. He said, “Music! We are the only creatures on earth that can feel and create music. And we do this in an attempt to recreate the music of the universe, the music that we once heard in heaven.“
He then proceeded to tell me about how Bob Marely, with his songs of peace and love, was a modern prophet. I don’t know if he was trying to appeal to my youthful taste in music in order to convert me to Islam, but I really liked his ideas none the less.
Today when I listen to great music, I often think wow, this band is really good at recreating the sounds of heaven. Though it sounds corny, I try to let the music invoke a kind of nostalgia, in order to remember that place from which we all came.
Admittedly, music is subjective and so you may not like some or even all of the songs below. However, I believe that there is some music with beats and melodies that are universally attractive. Regardless, below are 10 of my favourite songs that help me chill out and remember the good ole days in heaven.
I’d like to add Hallelujah by Jeff Buckley
That’s a good one too!
Pantha Du Prince – Saturn Strobe
M83 – My Tears Are Becoming A Sea
Moby – Porcelain
TV On The Radio – Killer Crane
Nice, thanks for the recommendations. Good songs.
Haha I love the expression on Paco De Lucia’s face when he hits certain notes. Thank you for posting this :)
Hahah, I just checked. Excellent! :)
Great music selection!!! :) some of my favorite songs that aren’t here are skinny love and for emma by bon iver and rise by eddie vedder
Hey Caitlin,
THanks :) Those are definitely good songs/artists. I dig Bon Iver.