The rule growing up in our vehicles was whoever drove selected the music, which can certainly make or break a car ride –- and made you wish you could get your license earlier than 16. Tastes in music vary across the board, especially with the numerous amounts of genre that exist.

It’s surprising how such an innocent question of “what type of music do you like?” can turn into a heated argument and debate.

Music is a way to express oneself, to convey emotions and send a message that words can’t reveal. No one likes an insult, especially when someone offends you by stating that, “you don’t appreciate good music.” What exactly is “good” music? But moreover, who made that person the judge of all things music?

You could say that good music is measured by VMA awards, gold, platinum, multi-platinum albums or the number of hits on YouTube, but when it comes down to it all, it is based on an individual’s desire of tones, rhythms, beats and sounds.

Let me apologize in advance for omitting some of music’s finest –- which would compile a never ending list. It is improbable to win a debate over Bob Marley, Eminem, John Lennon, Dave Matthews Band, The Temptations, Willie Nelson, Frank Sinatra, Rolling Stones, The Beatles, Lady GaGa, Michael Jackson and Nicki Minaj.
If you were to gloss over my iTunes library it confirms my preference for country, rock and alternative genres. That is not to say I won’t listen to some tolerate other music.

Just like learning new information, I am an advocate of being introduced to new music. I am constantly searching for new artists, listening to an entire album instead of just downloading the number one hit on the album and of course taking suggestions from friends.

On the flip side of good music is of course, bad music, which some may refer to as Rebecca Black’s song “Friday.” This brings up the topic of catchy tunes: those songs and lyrics that for the life of you, you are not able to refrain yourself from constantly singing. If those songs were so bad, why does everyone feel the need to watch the YouTube music video, or spread the word to their friends of how awful a song is? Aren’t you only giving that singer/song writer the claim to fame he or she was hoping for? And so is born the one-hit-wonder, not to say that all one-hit-wonders arise solely from catchy tunes.

The next time you get to be the DJ, stick with some of your favorites but don’t shy away from something new. Rather, be open to a change of tune.