What’s a song that changed your life?
I can’t think of a single song that has changed my life. But I can think of several musicians whose work has accompanied me through different stages of it.
As a university student, I often listened to Jackson Browne in the university music room. His album For Everyman seemed to be playing continuously. Then, as I was finishing university, The Pretender was released. I loved his music, but it was his insightful lyrics that stayed with me. He was probably the defining artist of my late teens.
In my twenties, it was Midnight Oil. Their album 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 remains one of my favourites. I loved the raw energy, the passion and the social conscience. Their music resonated with the idealism and convictions of those years.
In my thirties, Peter Gabriel’s So made a significant impression, particularly the song Big Time. It challenged me to think about ambition, success and what really matters. I was establishing my career, and Gabriel’s music raised some uncomfortable questions about the values that shape our lives.
In my forties, a friend lent us Loreena McKennitt’s The Mask and Mirror. Her eclectic blend of Celtic influences, world music and spirituality was captivating. There was something about the beauty and mystery of her music that drew me in.
Then came Anouar Brahem, the Tunisian oud player. I discovered his album Le pas du chat noir by accident. I was in a music shop picking up a CD when I heard something extraordinary playing in the background. I asked what it was and left with another CD. I’ve played it regularly ever since. There are no lyrics to ponder, just beautiful, contemplative music that creates space for reflection.
More recently, I’ve been deeply moved by Compassion, a collaboration between Lior and Nigel Westlake. Born out of personal tragedy in Westlake’s life, it draws on Hebrew and Arabic texts to explore our shared humanity. It has become even more meaningful to me as the horrors of the war in Gaza have unfolded. Music composed in response to one experience of suffering has found profound relevance in another.
Looking back, I can see something of my own journey reflected in the music I’ve loved. The idealism of youth, questions about success, an appreciation of beauty and mystery, and an increasing awareness of the suffering of others.
My musical tastes are eclectic, but perhaps there is more continuity than I first realised. I’ve always been drawn to music that engages with life, whether through thoughtful lyrics, passionate conviction or simply the beauty of the music itself.
I don’t know whether the music shaped those changes in me or whether those changes shaped my musical tastes. Probably a bit of both. Either way, I’m curious about what I’ll be listening to ten years from now.
What’s a song that changed your life?
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