The Impact of Music Genre: Human Performance and Mood

illustration of people listen to music (Source: Photo by Nicholas Githiri from Pexels: https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-wearing-headphones-standing-beside-man-1350419/)

Music has always been a part of our lives, bringing joy, connection, and comfort. Whether it’s a traditional melody or a modern hit, music has the power to touch emotions and energize routines. But beyond entertainment, music plays a bigger role in shaping how we feel and perform in our daily lives.

Research shows that music can make a real difference. Karageorghis and Priest (2012) found that listening to music can boost physical endurance by helping us feel less tired—a useful trick during workouts. Schäfer et al. (2013) highlighted how music can lift our mood and help us process emotions better.

Fast-paced music, like rock, works wonders for motivation. Clark et al. (2016) explained that high-tempo beats can sync with body movements, making exercises feel easier and more enjoyable. On the other hand, Taruffi and Koelsch (2014) discovered that even sad music can provide emotional relief and reduce stress, as long as it’s not overused.

Music, in its many forms, offers a simple yet powerful way to improve our quality of life. The key is to use it wisely and match it to the moment.

Metal Music: Energizing and Motivating

When you hear the term “metal music,” what comes to mind? Probably intense drumming and powerful guitar riffs. But metal isn’t just about being loud—it’s a genre that has the power to boost energy and motivation, especially when working out.

Studies show that fast-tempo music like metal can help reduce feelings of fatigue and increase physical endurance. The rhythm of metal music syncs up with our movements, making activities like running or weightlifting feel less exhausting.

For example, songs from bands like Metallica, Avenged Sevenfold, or Slipknot are often go-to choices for heavy workout fans. From personal experience, listening to metal during weightlifting makes you feel more focused and energized, allowing you to push through limits.

However, there are some challenges when listening to metal. Due to its intensity, it can make you lose focus on your surroundings. So, if you’re jogging outdoors while blasting metal, be sure to stay aware of your environment.

Sad Music: A Comfort in Melancholy

Sad music often gets a bad rap, but it can have a surprisingly comforting effect. Research shows that sad songs can help us process difficult emotions. Songs like Someone Like You by Adele or All I Want by Kodaline are great examples of how sad music allows us to confront feelings of loss or disappointment.

Interestingly, sad music can also trigger nostalgia, making us feel understood in our sadness. It provides a sense of emotional validation, as if there’s someone who gets what we’re going through. However, it's important to be cautious. Overindulging in sad music can have negative effects—it can lower emotional energy and even trigger feelings of lethargy, especially for those prone to depression.

Instrumental Music: Focus and Relaxation

If you’re the type of person who likes to listen to music while working or studying, instrumental music might be the perfect choice for you. Without lyrics to distract you, instrumental music helps the brain stay focused on the task at hand.

Classical piano from Ludovico Einaudi, acoustic guitar melodies from Sungha Jung, or lo-fi hip hop are popular choices for creating a calm and productive environment. Studies have shown that instrumental music activates the brain’s reward centers, making work feel more enjoyable.

Additionally, instrumental music is great for relaxation. Its slower tempos help calm both the body and mind, making it ideal for winding down after a busy day. But be mindful of the tempo—slow instrumental music might make you too relaxed and even sleepy

How to Choose the Right Music?

illustration of people choosing music (Source: Photo by Diana Onfilm from Pexels: https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-woman-in-yellow-sweater-lying-on-the-bed-while-using-her-mobile-phone-7896558/)

Each music genre has its own unique effect, and the key is to match the music to your activity.

-For workouts: Choose fast-paced music like metal or EDM to energize you.

-For introspection or emotional healing: Sad music can be comforting, but make sure to switch it up after a while to avoid staying in a low mood.

-For studying or working: Instrumental music is perfect for boosting concentration and reducing distractions.

The most important thing is to use music wisely. It can be a powerful tool to enhance mood, improve productivity, and even boost quality of life. But if used excessively or in the wrong context, music can become a distraction.

Conclusion

Music is a versatile tool that can support nearly every aspect of our lives. Metal brings energy and motivation, sad music helps us process emotions, and instrumental music creates space for focus and relaxation.

By choosing the right genre for the right activity, we can make the most out of music. So next time you need a boost of energy or a moment of relaxation, don’t hesitate to pick the right soundtrack for your mood. Who knows, your playlist could turn an ordinary day into something extraordinary.

Reference

Lingham, J., & Theorell, T. (2009). Self-selected “sad” music in everyday life produces negative emotions and autobiographical memories but counteracts depression. The Arts in Psychotherapy,

Hallam, S., Price, J., & Katsarou, G. (2002). The effects of background music on primary school pupils’ task performance. Educational Studies, 28(2), 111–122.

Karageorghis, C. I., & Priest, D.-L. (2012). Music in the exercise domain: A review and synthesis (Part I). International Review of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 5(1), 44– 66.

Schäfer, T., Sedlmeier, P., Städtler, C., & Huron, D. (2013). The psychological functions of music listening. Frontiers in Psychology, 4, 511.

Taruffi, L., & Koelsch, S. (2014). The paradox of music-evoked sadness: An integrative review. Frontiers in Psychology, 5, 851.