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My Favourite Band

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I have always loved music since I was young . My favorite band is One Direction . I love One Direction because they are the most amazing band in the world . When I first heard their music, I knew that they were always going to be one of my favorites band. They song made me want to get up, dance, and sing . Their music is catchy ,fun to listen to and over all great. One Direction are a British-Irish boy band consisting of members Niall Horan, Zayn Malik, Liam Payne, Harry Styles and Louis Tomlinson . The cutest guys you could imagine . I like One Direction most because their voice is very nice and when they sings their voice comes from the heart and which is very touchy and tends the song listen many times. They competed on the seventh season of The X Factor . One Direction’s first single is “What Makes You Beautiful” . The first song of one direction that makes me feel crazy is What Makes You Beautiful . A catchy tune began to play, it made not only my body dance but my heart too.

A deep and sweet voice began to sing meaningful lyrics that made me smile so much it hurt my cheeks. One Direction’s song Little Things has the emotions kind of moving, with the lyrics that make you want to cry because they are so meaningful. One Directions voices are reason why I love them so much. Their singing voices and talking voices can catch anyone speechless . Their voices are so beautiful, in every single way possible. I mostly like Harry and Zayn voices . Each member has beautiful personalities as well, another reason I love them so very much. Liam has a sweet and caring personality.

The Homework on How Can You Love Someone And Make Them Cry

Throughout life we have heard many people repeat wise sayings. The majority of the time we don't stop to think about what these sayings really mean. For example, "Those who truly love you and care about you will make you cry." How can you love someone and make them cry? When I was younger and very rebellious, I would always be disciplined by my mother. She would make sure I was doing the right ...

Louis believes he will never grow up and thinks everything needs to be fun in a way. Zayn has a sweet, over protective, bad boy personality. Niall has an adorable, care free, special personality that makes everyone love him. Harry has the perfect kind of personality. He can be shy, but at the same time completely friendly. Harry is very sweet and seems to always make people feel special. One Direction is the most important thing in my life. I absolutely in love with One Direction. Especially, Zayn Malik! I hope that my dream to go to One Direction 2013 World Tour will come true .

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Describe your favourite music band

Describe your favourite music band.

You should say:

• what music band it is
• how do people react to the music of this band
• when you first heard their songs/music

and explain why this is your favourite music band.

Follow-up Questions:

• Why do people listen to music?
• Talk about the type of international music.
• What are some types of traditional music found in your country?
• How does the internet affect the sales of CV, DVD and Music Albums?
• What is more important: Traditional music or International Music? Why?

Sample Answer 1

I like to listen to all kinds of songs, whether they are taken from some solo albums or some famous music bands. Talking about music bands, of course, they usually have a different kind of appeal to music lovers, especially if they are some musical bands like “Air Supply”.

By the way, “Air Supply” is my favourite music band. I first heard their songs about 15 years ago, when I still was a college student, and since then, I have been hooked to their music.

This famous music band is a soft rock duo consisting of English singer-songwriter and guitarist Graham Russell and Australian lead vocalist Russell Hitchcock. Since starting its journey, Air Supply has had a succession of hits worldwide, including eight top-ten hits in the United States, in the early 1980s. Formed in Australia in 1975, this music band has included various accompanying musicians and singers to make some of the best music in the history of soft rock.

From the beginning, as a soft rock duo, Air Supply has been popular for their love songs, and people react to these love songs very strongly and passionately because of their romantic nature and mellow sound. Anyway, just like everybody else, I also love their acoustic music. These days, it seems to me that everyone is making acoustic versions of their old songs to make songs sound even better, but I don’t think their “remakes” sound as good as the original songs sung by Graham Russell and Russell Hitchcock.

Anyway, Air Supply is my favourite band, primarily because their songs are light, and their lyrics are relatively easygoing. Besides, I have heard very few voices as beautiful and lyrical as Russell Hitchcock’s. I would consider their songs as something I can hum to anytime and anywhere. However, the best thing which makes “Air Supply” my favourite music band is that when I listen to their songs, it makes me feel as if it’s just me in the room with them, and they are singing only for me.

Sample Answer 2

I like many music bands very much, but Pink Floyd is my favourite music band. This music band is a famous music band for their music which falls under the genres of progressive rock, psychedelic rock and art rock. Though the band is not active anymore yet, they are heard by millions of music lovers. They are an English rock band that was founded in 1965 and remained active till 1995, and reunited in 2005. I have become a big fan of this band primarily because of their distinguished philosophical lyrics, sonic experiment and mind-blowing music quality.

Pink Floyd is considered one of the most musically influential and commercially successful bands. Their albums have sold well over 250 million records worldwide. Regarding how people react to their music, it depends on the listener and their choice of music, but people with good music choices and quality lyrics choices are bound to love this band’s songs. Each of their albums got a high appraisal from the music critic, and their album “The Wall” is widely known worldwide.

I first listened to their music (most probably, songs from the album ‘Atom hearted mother’) when I was in my 10th grade in school, and after that, I listened to almost all of their songs countless times.

There are many reasons we should listen to music. It is considered to be the food of the soul. Music is refreshing and washes away the tiredness, boredom and monotonousness. Good lyrics help us brainstorm, understand things more deeply and from different perspectives, and help grow positive inspiration and motivation. Music inspires us deeply and eliminates our boredom and narrowness in life. It is one of the best entertainment and inspirational sources for human beings.

Sample Answer 3

I have heard the music of so many music bands over the years, since my high school years, and all of them quenched the musical thirst of my heart and mind in some capacity. But, there is one music band, which blows my mind away with its legendary sounds and lyrics, is called “Enigma”. And, I am certainly glad to have an opportunity today to tell something about this music band because it tops the list of all of my favourite music bands in the world.

Anyway, if I remember correctly, I listened to the songs of this world-famous music band for the first time in almost 15 years when one of my rich high school friends played them for me in his car on our way to a market. Back then, I didn’t own any audio cassette player at my home. Still, after listening to the songs of Enigma, I not only fell in love with their songs but also became very desperate to buy my cassette player despite my parents’ reluctance.

Apparently, my parents thought that having a cassette player at home would distract me from my regular study work. But, I wasn’t exactly ready to listen to any advice or warnings from my parents because I wanted to listen to the songs of my favourite music band to my heart’s content. Anyway, after buying my cassette player, only god knows how many times I had listened to their songs, which included the songs like “I love you, I’ll kill you”, “Age of loneliness” and “ Mea Culpa”.

Anyway, I like this music band mainly because their songs are uniquely sensual with a very calming effect on minds and bodies. I also like this music band because their songs tend to transcend the time and generation, because of their extraordinary musical appeal, unlike the discos of the 80s and the techno and hip-hop music of the 90s. Their music just takes me on a beautiful, emotional journey every time I listen to them.

Sample Answer 4

The Beatles is an English music band that was formed in England, and later on, the band gained unbelievable popularity worldwide. It was one of the hit music bands in the world after its inception in the 1960s in Liverpool. ‘The Beatles’ was formed by George Harrison, John Lennon, Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr. The band experimented with several types of music composition and became quite successful. It was widely popular for its unconventional types of music. This is an excellent candidate task card for me, and I am glad about this. Here are the remaining answers.

I have been listening to their songs since my childhood. Though the band is no longer available, I have a large collection of their songs. And often I love listening to their songs in my leisure hours. I cannot manage much time owing my business to listen to music, but when I was a student, I used to listen to music around the day. And the melodious songs of The Beatles entertained me much.

The Beatles have lots of famous songs. The band has reshaped different types of songs and initiated pop culture. Some of the most noted songs of this band are – ‘Tomorrow Never Knows, ‘The Ballad of John and Yoko’, ‘I Feel Fine, ‘Getting Better, ‘All My Loving’, ‘Hello Goodbye’, ‘All You Need is Love’ etc. All the songs were composed and tuned differently. So, they gained global popularity.

There are many reasons to like this group. The band has dominated the rock era of the world. And I am in love with the music style of The Beatles. The group has experimented with various types of music genre together, and the application of classical instruments have brought a change in style. The band was commercially successful as well, and each individual in this band is a legend, and this is quite rare for any music band in history. So, I like this band very, very much. Their music still inspires me and help me fight my stress.

More Ideas to help you prepare your answer:

Cue card topic: describe your favourite music band..

1. I love to listen to rock music, and Broadcast is my favourite music band. It was formed in 1995 in the UK with the participation of original members, including James Cargill, Steve Perkins, Trish Keenan, Roj Stevens, Tim Felton and others. I have been listening to their songs for the past couple of years. The band has some popular tracks like “The Book Lovers”, “Echo’s Answer”, and “Lights Out”. I love the band for its special types of music composition.

2. The Band is my preferred music band, and despite being a Canadian majority, it has some special blends of country and folk music and also performs blues. I have been familiar with the band for the past seven years, and it has a remarkable number of famous tracks like “Ain’t No More Cane”, Atlantic City, “Chest Forever”, and “Go-Go Liza Jane”. “I Shall Be Released”, “Life Is A Carnival”. I liked the band for its enriched music and superb lyrics.

3. I prefer to listen to band music from AC/DC – the Australian band based in Sydney. The band is run by Angus Young, Stevie Young, Chris Slade and Axl Rose. I have been listening to the band for the past five years. “Back in Black”, “Highway to Hell”, “T.N.T”, “Shoot to Thrill” – are some of its popular tracks. Since I love to listen to rock music, this band goes with my demand. Besides, I also like the unique types of lyrics of this band.

4. Headless Chickens is my favourite band in New Zealand. The band is famous for using electronic musical instruments. The band members were Chris Matthews, Fiona McDonald, Johnny Pierce, Michael Lawry, Grant Fell, Bevan Sweeney, and Anthony Nevison. I have been listening to the band since my teenage. Some of its popular tracks are “In Love With These Times”, “Collision”, “Give It a Whirl” etc. I love the band, particularly for the superb music composition.

5. The number of bands in Indonesia is fewer, and Hightime Rebellion is one of them. the band got fans within a short time after its formation. Ready Surindrapati, Reza Arafat, Miyane Soemitro, Pulung Wahyuaji and Jason Sutrisn are the current band members. F Song, Walking Hour, Hum, Winter in the Window, Crest of Mind, Sail, Left-Right etc., are some of the famous tracks of the band. I mostly love the psychedelic beats, tone, and female voice.

Tips for answering this Cue Card Speaking topic:

This should be an easy cue card topic as it allows you to talk about any music band you like from your country or internationally renowned music bands.

First name the music band and say what type of music band it is (Genre, music style, lyrics style and member(s) of this music band).

Now talk about the reasons you like this music band. This part is a bit tricky as this is the part when you need to convince the examiner about your style and topic of speaking. Try to give some compelling reasons why you like this music band.

Some of the common reasons for liking a music band could be:

The music is touchy/ contemporary

This is a famous band for their extraordinary works on music.

Their music and lyrics are perfect.

They have a large fan base, and their works are critically acclaimed.

They have made a revolution in music.

All of this music band’s members are famous for their contribution to the music.

They have some hit songs that are heard by many people worldwide.

They have created a new style and music.

Their lyrics speak of your unspoken words.

You enjoy listening to their music.

The songs of this music band have good themes, and the lyrics are of high class.

The music is heart soothing, and you always love to listen to their music.

For the question “ How do people react to the music of this band ” you should mention that the fans of this music band revere the songs. You should also mention that people have different tastes in music, and tastes vary primarily based on age group and geographical location. People with different music choices or people who do not have a taste for this band sometimes criticise this music band, but yet this is a famous music band with a good number of hit songs.

For the question “ When you first heard their song ”, mention your first memory of the songs by this music band. If a friend or relative recommended this, mention it or say that you heard it on the radio or all of a sudden like this music. Also, mention that later on, you explored the songs of this music band from your interest.

The final question asks you to explain the necessity of listening to music. This answer should reflect your point of view of listening to music. In general terms, music is considered like food for the soul. Music is relaxing, washes away our sorrow and opens new dimensions. Good music relates us to the memory we have and can inspire us. Music is also helpful when we pass through depressed and challenging times as music helps us to heal our wounds.

The above paragraph explains why we should listen to music, but you certainly have your own reasons and mention that logically and convincingly in your answer.

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Write About A Band/Artist You Love - English Essay

Write about a Band / Artist you Love

I have always liked music since I was young, but one of many bands I like, my favourite at the moment has to be Skillet; a Christian rock band. But even if you’re not religious, they are still an incredible band to listen to. By playing hard rock music and incorporating “Christian” lyrics into their work really makes them stand apart from other groups in that industry.

Skillet was formed in Memphis, Tennessee in 1996 and based in the United States. The band currently consists of: husband and wife John (lead vocals, bass) and Korey Cooper (rhythm guitar, keyboards, backing vocals); Jen Ledger (drums, vocals) and Seth Morrison (lead guitar). The female singers also set them apart from other rock bands as most are just male. They have sold over 2 million albums in the U.S. alone, which just shows how good they really are! The band has released 8 albums; including Comatose, Rise and my favourite; Awake.

I first heard their song ‘Monster’ and it was so good I just had to listen to some others. But unlike most rock bands, they don’t swear in their songs (so it’s okay to play around my parents…)

This is a preview of the whole essay

Unlike most repetitive, unoriginal, and pretty vulgar chart music, this band’s music has a meaning to every song, but also has a great beat. Not only does the song ‘Hero’ have a catchy beat, but it also has a meaning behind it. A lyric from this song is “I’ve got a hero living in me”, saying that’s even though he’s not ‘Superman’ he – and anyone else – can be a hero and a part of them will always be a hero to someone. Alternatively, Skillet is a Christian rock band so “a hero’s not afraid to give His life” could be a biblical reference to Jesus.

I feel like they have helped me get through things in a way through their music more than people have.

Last year I had the pleasure to see them live in concert. The Benedum Center was sold out with fans that were all very excited and anxious for the show to begin. Skillet came out with a driving, rock n' roll hit of theirs that has been very popular over this past year. My first reaction to this was very emotional as all of the fans were pumped up and into them playing their music. I am always very critical when a band plays. I tend to judge the band on how well they can play live. This is a very general subject. It incorporates sound production. Can I hear specific instruments and each person’s voice? I judge the overall “wow” factor and entertainment value. Was I really satisfied after leaving the show and will I look forward to come seeing them live again? I believe Skillet met these expectations of mine for the most part. With the combination of skilled musicians and quality sound engineering, they really put on a fantastic show that I would gladly re-live.

Overall, due to the catchy beat, meaningful lyrics and original style, Skillet is my favourite band and one that I love.

Document Details

• Author Type Student
• Word Count 525
• Page Count 1
• Subject English

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Ielts cue card sample 61 - describe your favourite music band, describe your favourite music band..

• what music band it is
• how do people react to the music of this band
• when you first heard their songs/music
• Why do people listen to music?
• Talk about the type of international music.
• What are some types of traditional music found in your country?
• How does the internet affect the sales of CV, DVD and Music Albums?
• What is more important: Traditional music or International Music? Why?

Tips for answering this Cue Card Speaking topic:

• IELTS Cue Card
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Describe your Favourite Singer [IELTS Speaking]

Posted by David S. Wills | Dec 14, 2021 | IELTS Tips , Speaking | 0

In part two of the IELTS speaking test, you will be asked to describe something or someone. It is impossible to predict who or what this might be, but one possibility is a cue card that says “ describe your favourite singer .”

In today’s lesson, I am going to show you how to do that by giving you some useful language to use and also my own sample band 9 answer.

Cue Card: Describe your Favourite Singer

Obviously, there are many different possible cue cards and even one that asks about your favourite singer may have many possible variations. It could say “describe your favourite singer” or “describe your favourite musician.” You need to read the cue card closely before making a choice and preparing an answer.

Here is one possibility:

Describe your favourite singer. You should say: – who this singer is – what type of songs he/she sings – what type of people listen to his/her songs and explain why he/she is your favourite singer.

Here are the key things to note:

• It must be a singer (ie not a guitarist or pianist)
• You must describe the person a little
• You must describe their music a little
• The bullet points also ask about their fans
• You must explain your reasoning

This is a lot to include, but that’s ok – it will help you to speak for at least one minute. Try to view it as a bonus and don’t worry if you run out of time before you have said everything. It really doesn’t matter as long as you use good English and your answer is coherent.

Planning your Answer

When you get the cue card, you need to immediately begin thinking about your response. The best idea is to quickly choose a singer to describe, then note down some ideas of things to talk about. Don’t waste time choosing between good singers and instead utilise your time carefully.

I would pick the singer Bob Dylan because his name is the first that comes to mind. Perhaps there are people who are easier to talk about, but with just one minute to prepare, you really don’t have time to debate it.

I would quickly make a few notes about things to talk about based upon the cue card and also anything else that seems relevant to me:

• protest songs

Those are just a few words that would help me to provide a good answer. They might not make much sense to you… but the important thing is that your notes guide you through the response by reminding you of ideas and vocabulary.

Vocabulary About Singers

Let’s now look at some vocabulary to help you describe your favourite singer. For a more general lesson on IELTS and music, you can click here .

First of all, here are some ways to talk about singers so that you don’t repeat that word over and over. Note that these are not always direct synonyms and so you must think carefully before choosing:

Note that “frontman” is only used for men and thus could not be applied to a female singer, whilst a “crooner” is a specific type of singer. It is also not typically viewed as flattering, so it may not be appropriate for your “favourite” one.

Other words that could be useful:

There are of course many more words you could use and it honestly depends on the singer and the genre of music. You would use different language for describing a heavy metal singer and a rapper, for example.

Here are a few examples of famous singers, with useful phrases highlighted.

• Kurt Cobain was the lead singer of Nirvana, a Seattle grunge band that was immensely important in the 1990s. He was famous for his raspy voice and deep lyrics . His angsty songs conveyed a depth of emotion that resonated across generations but were often misunderstood.
• Bruce Springsteen is one of the greatest American songwriters , whose work has remained popular for nearly half a century. His inimitable voice shines through despite his work in different musical genres and his songs explore an array of themes that explore contemporary American life.
• Rihanna has a beautiful but powerful singing voice with an impressive vocal range . She manages to infuse her songs with deep and throaty notes yet also hit the high notes when needed. Most importantly, though, her songs convey strong emotions that appeal to her fanbase.
• Amy Winehouse was famous for her unique singing style. Her voice was incredibly deep for a woman and she used this to craft immensely powerful songs. She fused soul and jazz styles into her own brilliant form on many iconic hits .

Ok, now let’s see how I would answer the above cue card:

Sample Band 9 Answer

Many years ago, a friend introduced me to the music of Bob Dylan and I instantly fell in love with it. It was not just the music, but the enigmatic character of the singer himself that captivated me. Despite having been one of the world’s most famous musicians for more than a half century, it seems that almost no one knows anything about him. The man is a mystery to all but those closest to him.

Dylan shot to fame in the 1960s as a folk singer whose protest songs captured the imagination of a generation. He put out record after record, constantly baffling listeners with his confusing lyrics. His music has such depth that there are now legions of “ Dylanologists ”* devoted to deciphering his songs, but no one definitely knows what they mean because he never explains them. He lets his art stand on its own, which is rare nowadays.

Through the decades, Dylan has released songs and even albums that span genres and defy expectations, with his most unusual perhaps being a collection of Christmas songs. He is beloved by millions of people around the world and has penned more hits than almost anyone else in history, with even covers of his songs becoming classics in their own right.

For his musical brilliance, the range of his style, his personal integrity, and the sense of mystery he has shrouded himself in, I am constantly in awe at this man and that is why he is my favourite singer.

*This word means people who study Dylan’s lyrics. The “-ologist” part means it is treated like a science.

You can listen to my answer in this video:

As usual, I decided to start this answer with a personal note rather than a formulaic introduction. This helped me to move naturally into a description that covered everything in the cue card but in an organic way.

I have used some challenging vocabulary but nothing outrageous or obscure. Remember that it is important to be accurate in your word use and using random words from the dictionary will never help you. Words like “enigmatic” helped me to describe Dylan but they do not apply to everyone.

Importantly, I captured his style and personality and dealt with his musical range. I talked about folk and protest songs, as well as his confusing lyrics. All of this is more interesting than just saying “he’s a good songwriter” over and over, which many IELTS candidates tend to do.

Nothing here was particularly “advanced” except that it was specific and relevant, which is the most important thing. I’ve also avoided repeating myself and given my answer a natural introduction and conclusion, which is really helpful.

About The Author

David S. Wills

David S. Wills is the author of Scientologist! William S. Burroughs and the 'Weird Cult' and the founder/editor of Beatdom literary journal. He lives and works in rural Cambodia and loves to travel. He has worked as an IELTS tutor since 2010, has completed both TEFL and CELTA courses, and has a certificate from Cambridge for Teaching Writing. David has worked in many different countries, and for several years designed a writing course for the University of Worcester. In 2018, he wrote the popular IELTS handbook, Grammar for IELTS Writing and he has since written two other books about IELTS. His other IELTS website is called IELTS Teaching.

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100, 300, 400 & 1500 Word Essay on My Favorite Music

Table of Contents

My Favorite Music Essay 100 Words

There are many kinds of music such as pop music, country music, rock music, and the list goes on. However, my favorite music is piano music. Some people might not be familiar with piano music, but they prefer other kinds of music more. But to me, piano music is the finest of all music types.

I like piano music for two reasons. One is that music is played on a piano. The piano is my favorite musical instrument. I have a special liking for it, as I play piano for six years.

Moreover, the piano has its own elegance and dignity. Secondly, its melody relaxes and soothes me. After studying, I listen to the piano, for it reduces my stress and relaxes me. I enjoy piano music. It is also a way for me to be happy.

My Favorite Music Essay 300 Words

Music in the modern world is present everywhere. Around so many different musical styles: pop music, rap, alternative, rock, disco, techno, drum and bass, and, of course, immortal classics. Different people, depending on their tastes and preferences, like a variety of music.

Scientists say that by knowing a person’s musical preferences can determine their character. With this statement, I agree, because I think music can show nature and soul. For example, they believe that rock listeners are smart and sensible.

As for me, I like “Mill”. This group sings folk rock. Their repertoire includes Norwegian, Scandinavian, English, and other ballads. I like this band because of the unusual music and engaging lyrics. Each of their songs has a deep meaning and tells a story. They create a magical world populated by knights, Vikings, Valkyries, and many magical creatures. In addition, their soloist has an extraordinary voice. It seems to me that such a talent is born rarely.

I admire people who create music themselves. I, unfortunately, lack this talent. In my understanding, such people can show feelings, and draw pictures with their songs. They can make the listener laugh or cry, and think about the significance and eternal.

It is imperative that the music is good. I do not like it when it does not convey any meaning, except for primitive instincts. Unfortunately, modern pop music has gone along this path.

I think you cannot live without music. It is everywhere. I always listen to music regardless of my mood. She often helps me in everyday life. Dull household chores become easier and more fun under the right music track. A long road is brightened up by your favorite band. One contemporary poet wrote: “The world would be meaningless if the music were not present” – and I fully agree with him.

My Favorite Music Essay 400 Words

Out of all the various types of music we have studied, I would have to say my favorite type of music is from the mid to late 60s, 70s, and 80s eras. My favorite music style is rock & roll. To be specific I am talking about some of the music we studied in units 12, 13, and 18 of our textbook.

I like this style of music the highest because it represents who I am and what I enjoy. The lyrics to songs during these times were fun and easily understood. This was compared to other genres of early music that seemed very dark, depressing, or hard for me to understand or relate to.

In my opinion, rock and roll is easier to listen to and dance to, than other genres of music before the 1950s. This was mainly because the lyrics and the music prior to the ’50s were boring and very difficult to dance to. I am sure my opinion of this type of music before the 50s is based on my age and the time era I grew up in.

Rock and Roll have an excellent rhythm and a backbeat that sounds different from other early genres of music. It likewise has a blues influence which I like. Earlier genres of music, in my opinion, didn’t have the same type of rhythm, speed, syncopation, or strong backbeat, the riffs, and the hooks that rock & roll has. I also like the vocal range that some rock & roll musicians have and their ability to sound unique. From the early ’60s and on, the music sounded better. Rock and roll during these times also became more rhythmic.

In conclusion, I must say that it was very difficult for me to pick just one style of music or just two bands. There are so many other styles of music I enjoy listening to and numerous artists I appreciate. I could probably write forever naming all the musicians and different styles of music I enjoy.

It was also difficult for me to explain rock & roll specifically. This is because it contains many elements of different genres from some of the earlier music we studied. I just know that rock & roll wouldn’t have become what it is today if it weren’t for our musicians in the past. This has allowed us to learn and grow from them.

My Favorite Music Essay 1500 Words

It’s super challenging to pick a favorite kind of music for me because I love all music so much. When I was a child I always loved music, in dance class, I remember all the other girls had a difficult time finding the beat in the music but for some reason, I found it very easily and have always enjoyed dancing to music and it always made me very happy.

In general, music can have a big impact on people’s moods and is very effective. For example, relaxing music can calm some people when they are feeling angry but rock music can help them get their aggression out. Music affects everyone differently and everyone has a favorite kind or at least one they prefer more than the others.

Personally, my favorite genre is alternative music. Yes, I know that’s not exactly the most usual answer. Most people claim they prefer country or pop but not alternative! Well, I have my reasons for liking alternative the most, and once I explain I think you will understand quite clearly why I like alternative music the most.

First of all, I would like to say the hardest time I had doing this essay was deciding between techno and alternative. I love them both a ton. I finally decided on alternative but I finally settled on alternative because every song is unique and different in alternative.

That is why I am passionate about loving alternative music. First of all, I admire its uniqueness. Alternative genres are characterized by their uniqueness, hence their name. I love to hear what the artist come up with when they combine different musical genres together to create an unusual and new song.

I think that when artists do this they express themselves and show their ideas through their music. This makes it cooler and unique in its own way. That’s one of the main reasons I chose Alternative over all the other ones is because they are all pretty much the same.

Some of my favorite alternative songs are The Great DJ, Tiptoe, Bring Me to Life, Clocks, and Into the Ocean. All of these songs are different from each other and the other genera. Some of the songs are mixed with rock and pop music (for example, “Bring Me to Life”).

Things like that are why I love this genre because you never know what you’ll get and what it sounds like together. My favorite mixes are when they have rock, pop, and some mellow/relaxing music in their songs. This is because it’s so different and I am weird. I like action movie music because I want to be a director one day. I like to imagine when I’m listening to that kind of music some kind of action scene or something.

Some of my favorite artists that do some or all alternative are Coldplay, Neon Trees, Evanescence, Santigold, and Snow Patrol. These artists are my favorite because their ideas of how the music should sound or proceed after a verse are the same as mine. I really like listening to these artists when I am happy or angry. However, I usually listen to more relaxing music when I am upset, so they aren’t exactly the most suitable to listen to when I am sad.

However, listening has complications. Like I mentioned before I like to dance however with alternative music it is sometimes more difficult to dance to. This is because there isn’t always a consistent beat and the tune varies from slow and graceful to rock and fast.

However, if you just want to sit and listen to music and not think, an alternative works well. That’s the one thing about pop that I really enjoy is that you can dance to it or just pay attention to it. However, now that I really contemplate it you usually can’t help getting up and dancing when listening to pop so I guess it’s even. Other than the whole “hard to dance to” thing, the alternative is perfect for me.

My least favorite music is country. Don’t take offense if you like country because it’s nothing against you…probably…just kidding! I really don’t enjoy country music, especially the updated version of country. This is because all of the artist’s voices sound the same and so does pretty much everything else.

The tune varies slightly, but besides that, it’s the same old same old. And I don’t really like how they always sing about stuff like how their house was stolen by their ex-wife and then their Ford breaks down…again. I guess others might think I’m crazy and that not all songs are about stuff like that. Some of them are about ex-boyfriends who cheated on them.

They slashed holes in all four tires and took a sludge hammer to the headlights and carved their name in the seats. They did this so on and so forth. Truth is I actually listen to country music, but I have to really be in the mood for it like when we go on a deer hunt or something. But besides that, I pretty much think that country is Do Rae Me Fa which makes me laugh out loud. Again no offense to those country lovers out there.

Country is my least favorite genre, but hard rock aka rock and roll is right there with it. I have anger issues I’ll admit it but in hard rock, I like anger, hate, and…just plain screaming! I honestly can’t stand hard rock.

It is so ridiculously obnoxious that I just want to punch the guy with the Mohawk in the face so he shuts up! Most people who even want to listen to that are punk teenagers who are upset about their lives more than most teenagers. My dad also listens to it now that I think about it…but that’s just because he loves the 80s too much. Again just kidding…sort of…(nervous laugh) I love you, Dad!

After that, I think I may have a new least favorite…funny how reflection on things can change the order or place of something so fast. It’s also funny how ridiculously long it took me to write this thing. Okay back on track, I believe that the music you like depends on your personality. Also, I think music can affect your personality and as I mentioned, it certainly affects your behavior.

So whenever I am feeling depressed, I listen to music that is the opposite of what I’m experiencing, unless I’m happy. Sometimes though when I am upset or angry it would be pleasant to listen to the same feeling of music. Even if I am happy I still sometimes listen to sad songs just because I feel like doing it.

I think I really like the alternative because I’m able to get all feelings not just happy or sad or angry. Different songs, different meanings, different feelings. It’s just the genre that has it all. Due to how much music affects behavior, I avoid all songs that contain swearing and/or immoral language. I feel like songs like these are the very poorest and they are definitely my least favorite as far as individual songs are concerned.

I listen to all the songs I like during the week that I want, alternative, pop, etc. But there is one day when I only pay attention to one type of music. That day is Sunday and I only pay attention to gospel music (don’t think I’m being self-righteous or anything I swear I’m not trying to put it across that way) my point is, is that on Sundays I only tune in to songs that help me get closer to God. I like Come Thou Fount by Jenny Oaks Baker. I prefer instrumental hymns better than lyrics because they are more relaxing and I love instrument sounds, especially the violin.

By the time Sunday is over though I am more than ready to listen to my usual stuff. I feel like I listen to music all the time, 24/7, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I love music so much that it is pretty much my whole life, which might not be a wise thing now that I think about it.

I am grateful for music. If I didn’t have it, I would probably be mentally unstable right now. In the past, music has always been there for me, especially when I was in a tough place and about to break mentally.

I just turned on my iPod and played some music. For example, right now I am trying to finish this without freaking out or breaking my computer because this is so long. I have my earbuds in and am listening to my alternative selections and am halfway through.

I would just like to conclude by saying that music has always had a big part in my life and I don’t know what I would do without it in mine. In summary, my main objective here is to show my love for alternative music and all music.

I also want to show how I use my music and other kinds of music. I hope that after this you will see why I like alternative music as well as simply all music so much. If not, I will have wasted what feels like a lifetime (though in reality, it has probably only been 6 hours). And that is my favorite type of music typed out into 5 extremely long pages.

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Reasons why bts is my favorite kpop boy band :sunglasses: :headphones: ❣.

BTS, also known as Bangtan Boys Hangul: 방탄소년단; RR: Bangtan Sonyeondan; bts is a seven-member South Korean boy band formed by Big Hit Entertainment.

They debuted on June 13, 2013, with the song "No More Dream" from their first album, 2 Cool 4 Skool, for which they won several "New Artist of the Year" awards including those at the 2013 MelOn Music Awards and Golden Disk Awards, and the 2014 Seoul Music Awards. A year after their debut, they received major bonsang awards for their subsequent albums Dark & Wild and The Most Beautiful Moment in Life, Part 1.

BTS continued rising to widespread prominence with their Most Beautiful Moment in Life trilogy, with The Most Beautiful Moment in Life, Part 2 and The Most Beautiful Moment In Life: Young Forever both debuting inside the Billboard 200.The Most Beautiful Moment In Life, Part 2 also charted at number one on the Billboard World Albums Chart and remained there for multiple weeks, making BTS the first K-Pop act to achieve that feat.Known for their large international fanbase, having performed in Asia, Europe, Australia, North America, and South America, BTS's outstanding performances won them the Best World Performer award in the 2015 Mnet Asian Music Awards.

BTS are known for their large social media presence, and were named by Forbes as the most retweeted artist on Twitter in March 2016.Following that, Twitter launched its first ever K-Pop Twitter emoji featuring BTS.

1-i really enjoy listening to their music.

Bts songs are always catchy in my opinion,like butterfly,fire and run.

I don't think that there is a song that i don't like.

And they are really good actors.

2-their choreography is always on point :ok_hand: 🏻.

They are really good dancers,specially jhope,jimin and Jungkook.

3-According to Forbes, in March (2016) they were re-tweeted MORE THAN KANYE AND JUSTIN BIEBER.

4-BTS is the second K-pop act to land on the Billboard 200 twice in a row.

5-the way that they treat their fans.

She is the luckiest person alive....

6-they are really funny :see_no_evil: .

They can change my mood only by watching their videos.

Jungkook you killed me.. :joy: :joy:

I watch this video almost every dayyy :joy:

I just wanna say that iam really thankful to jimin :joy:

7-Every single performance they give is amazing.

8-their relationship :see_no_evil: .

9-....... :joy:

Don't know what to say but v you don't need to sayyyyy :joy: .

10-they are the best at the awards shows.

11-they are cool,funny,handsome.

Omggg :joy:

12-my ultimate bias is in bts :hand: 🏻.

Kim taehyung (v) is my ultimate bias in kpop actually i loved bts at first because of taehyung but i love them all now he is my favorite he is my no.1 but i love them all.

I can't even really rank them i love them all but v is my bias in bts.

He is perfect for me :heart_eyes: :see_no_evil: .

I love BTS because they are BTS. That’s the reason. I love each and every inch of you all, I just love youall.

And I can't stop loving you.I just want to say thank you for everything.

Into K-Pop? Join the community.

Happy birthday hyerin❣ :princess: 🏼

Ka Suggestion B :package: x

Mini amino psa.

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Dickey Betts: 15 Essential Allman Brothers Band Songs

By Corbin Reiff

Corbin Reiff

After the death of slide-guitar savant Duane Allman in 1971, many expected the Allman Brothers Band to fold up shop and call it quits.  But the five remaining members decided to soldier on in the face of incomprehensible tragedy. In Duane’s absence, it fell to the group’s other guitar player, Dickey Betts — a country-loving hothead from West Palm Beach, Florida — to pick up the titanic amounts of slack left by their indelible departed leader. Betts, who died Thursday at 80, responded to the challenge better than anyone could have imagined.

“When my brother died, Dickey really stepped up,” Gregg Allman wrote in his autobiography My Cross to Bear . “He wood-shedded like crazy … every day, he wrote. At three o’clock every afternoon, he’d sit down and write.” Just four months after Duane’s death, the band released Eat a Peach , which remains to this day, their most commercially successful studio album to date. A year later, they would score the highest-selling single of their career, “Ramblin’ Man,” which hit Number Two. The singer and writer behind that particular success? Dickey Betts.

Perhaps because his last name isn’t featured in the literal name of the group he helped make iconic, some of Betts’ contributions to their genre-defining canon have become obscured over the years. But make no mistake, the Allman Brothers Band would never have reached the lofty heights they did — millions of albums sold, private jets, legendary concerts, and eventual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame status — without his pen and his guitar. Here are some of Betts’ best songs.

“Revival” (1970)

“Revival” is the first song that Betts received a writing credit for as a member of the Allman Brothers Band. Appearing on their second album Idewild South , it’s a funky, uplifting track that the guitarist wrote specifically to counter the generally dour material presented by the group’s lead singer. “I think with my dad being a fiddle player I kind of naturally liked the uplifting aspects of music, but, I was in a band with Gregg Allman, who is basically a melancholy kind of writer,” he told the Sarasota Herald-Tribune in 2014. “I would really make an effort to write more up songs, to balance the band out. That kind of influenced the way I wrote.”

“In Memory of Elizabeth Reed” (1970)

“In Memory of Elizabeth Reed” is Betts’ other stunning standout on Idewild South , and marks an interesting step forward for the band sonically speaking. A totally instrumental number, it’s far jazzier in feeling than the group’s generally blues-informed sound, and the way that Betts locks in with Duane Allman, specifically through the song’s signature melody, is absolutely thrilling. As for the title, Betts came up with the name after spying it on a headstone in Rose Hill Cemetery in Macon, Georgia. “The spot had provided me with so much peace and inspiration that I decided to name the song after her,” Betts remembered in Alan Paul’s oral history of the Allman Brothers Band, One Way Out .

“Whipping Post” (1971)

The true power of the Allman Brothers Band, especially in those formative early years, was the guitar interplay between Duane Allman and Dickey Betts. It’s what set them apart from so many other blues-rock contemporaries in the late Sixties and early Seventies and helped solidify their reputation as a can’t-miss live band. Exhibit A of their otherworld chemistry is the song “Whipping Post,” as captured on the seminal live album At Fillmore East . The way their guitars mingle and cry together just at the apex of the song, right before Gregg screams the final chorus, is utterly breathtaking.

“Hot ‘Lanta” (1971)

“Hot ‘Lanta” was a song that the Allman Brothers Band never got around to capturing in the studio, but it became an incendiary highlight of their live shows. The instrumental piece made its debut on At Fillmore East , and captures Duane, Gregg, Betts, and drummer Butch Trucks all showing what they could do with the spotlight firmly on them. It was Betts however, who came up with the song’s jazzy almost prog-like, signature melody.

“Les Brers in A Minor” (1972)

“When I wrote ‘Les Brers’ everyone kept saying they had heard it before, but no one could figure out where,” Betts recalled in One Way Out . As it turned out, the melody was a reprise from a solo he took on “Whipping Post” during a concert one night. The title is a “bad French” pseudo-translation of “less brothers,” and is Betts’ instrumental tribute to Duane. As Gregg recalled in his memoir, it took 29 takes before the guitarist was satisfied with it in the studio. “We used the second [take],” he said, seemingly still annoyed decades after the fact.

“Melissa” (1972)

Originally written by Gregg Allman all the way back in 1967, the singer kept working at “Melissa,” refining it for years, before finally offering it up to the group to record for Eat a Peach . He played the song at Duane’s funeral, and he would later recall introducing it there as “my brother’s favorite song that I ever wrote.” A tender love ballad, it certainly tugs at the listener’s heartstrings, but it’s the touching slide solo played by Betts on his Les Paul that really drives home the mournful emotions hovering just under the surface.

“Blue Sky” (1972)

Dickey Betts was inspired to write the song “Blue Sky” by a woman very close to his heart. “I was married to an Indian girl whose last name was Wabegijig, which means clear blue sky,” he explained to the Sarasota Herald-Tribune . It was also one of the first songs that Betts took over vocal duties. “I asked Gregg to sing ‘Blue Sky’ and actually the producer, Tom Dowd, he said, ‘No, why don’t you sing it.’” So he did, to tender, beautiful effect.

“Mountain Jam” (1972)

“Mountain Jam” is another towering guitar monolith, stretching out past the 30-minute mark during the band’s iconic stand at the Fillmore East in 1971, and included on Eat a Peach . The song itself is an elongated, electrified riff on Scottish folk singer Donovan’s “There Is a Mountain.” Everyone in the Allmans gets to shine on this recording — wait for Butch Trucks’ epic drum solo in the middle — but again, it’s the interplay between Duane and Dickey that steals the show.

“Ramblin’ Man” (1973)

The highest charting hit of the Allman Brothers Band’s career wasn’t an old blues song. It wasn’t a Duane or Gregg composition either. Hell, Gregg didn’t even sing on it. “Ramblin’ Man” came straight from Dickey, who by 1973 had started to assert more artistic control over the group. Inspired by a 1951 Hank Williams song of the same name, Betts wrote “Ramblin’ Man” in about 20 minutes in bassist Barry Oakley’s kitchen sometime around four in the morning. According to newly hired guitarist Ray Dudek in One Way Out , it was the band’s iconic roadie “Red Dog” who summed up the power of the song probably better than anyone, when after hearing it for the first time he remarked that it was “the best I heard since Duane.”

“Jessica” (1973)

Named after Betts’ daughter who was only an infant at the time he wrote it, “Jessica” has an upbeat, sunny vibe that’s almost guaranteed to put a smile on your face. It’s not too difficult to understand why. The proud new papa composed the piece while trying to capture the way his bubbly daughter looked while bouncing along to the track’s jaunty rhythm. For the instrumental piece, Betts also drew inspiration from the legendary two-fingered gypsy-jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt, trying his best to only use two fingers himself while playing along.

“Southbound” (1973)

All three songs that make up the second side of 1973’s  Brothers and Sisters were written by Dickey Betts. Tucked in between the aforementioned “Jessica” and the record closer “Pony Boy” is this classic Seventies blues-rock rave-up titled “Southbound.” It’s got all the tropes you’ve come to love and expect from an Allman Brothers Band song: love, loneliness, travel, a wistful admiration of the American South and one hell of a guitar solo in the middle.

“Crazy Love” (1979)

Enlightened Rogues was the first album the Allman Brothers produced after a fractious break-up around 1976. Though Betts wasn’t happy about the configuration of the band during this era — “We did not have a slide guitarist, so I had to do it. Not only did I not enjoy this, but it altered the sound of the band, which needs to have my sound and the slide working together,” he complained in One Way Out — it did produce the second-highest-charting single of the Allmans’ career, another Betts-penned track titled “Crazy Love.” As much as he may not have personally loved playing slide, the man had the necessary chops, as you can hear from that low, whining lick at the very top of the track.

“Seven Turns” (1990)

The Eighties were a rough time for the Allman Brothers Band, but they finally put it all back together again at the tail end of the decade to record a widely acclaimed return-to-form record titled Seven Turns . Betts wrote the album’s title track, which was released as a single that topped out at Number 12 on the rock charts. “Seven Turns” has a distinct California country-rock feel that almost makes it sound like an Eagles song. Betts’ vocals, a little rougher around the edges than they were during the band’s Seventies heyday, are what really give the tune its emotional heft. 

“No One to Run With” (1994)

The last album Betts recorded with the Allmans was 1994’s Where It All Began . He was shown the door by Gregg and the rest of the band just six years later. “Human nature is you work shoulder to shoulder in a real emotional kind of setting and there are jealousies that come up,” Betts later explained of his departure to the Herald-Tribune . “There’s resentment and resentment turns to just outright bad things.” As far as swan songs go, you could do a lot worse than “No One to Run With.” The song harks back to the jazzy, bluesy lead-guitar lines that made the Allmans stars all those years ago, but it’s tinged with a sweet nostalgia to “do those crazy things we used to do before.”

“Midnight Rider” (1970)

“Midnight Rider” has gone down as Gregg Allman’s signature tune, and for good reason. It’s a dramatic tale of a man clad in stolen clothes with just one silver dollar clanging around in his pocket, trying to stay one step ahead of some nameless, unrelenting foe. Duane provides the song’s repetitive, acoustic riff while Betts flavors it with some countrified licks just underneath, before exploding to the fore with a sweetly understated solo. 

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Happy Arbor Day! These 20 books will change the way you think about trees

The trees in this photo are amazing (and not just because they happen to be growing in a very Instagrammable heart shape around Baker Lake in Quebec, Canada.) Read on for a tree appreciation reading list for Arbor Day. Sebastien St-Jean/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

The trees in this photo are amazing (and not just because they happen to be growing in a very Instagrammable heart shape around Baker Lake in Quebec, Canada.) Read on for a tree appreciation reading list for Arbor Day.

Trees communicate. They migrate. They protect. They heal. This year for Arbor Day this year we climbed into the NPR archives to find our favorite arboreal fiction, nonfiction and kids' books.

Scroll down to find excerpts from interviews and reviews, plus recommendations from Books We Love — NPR's annual, year-end books guide .

Twelve Trees: The Deep Roots of Our Future by Daniel Lewis, 2024

There are tens of thousands of tree species on Earth, but writer Daniel Lewis focused in on just a dozen in his book, Twelve Trees. Lewis spoke with Ari Shapiro on All Things Considered in March: "The natural world needs our attentions, plural ..." he said. "I want people to understand that the salvation of trees can be our salvation."

Lewis believes trees and people have more in common than you might think. "These 12 trees each say something about ourselves because trees are not just about trees. ... We live among them, and they live among us, so I think we have an obligation to understand them better."

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Better Living Through Birding: Notes from a Black Man in the Natural World by Christian Cooper, 2023

Christian Cooper was birdwatching in Central Park in 2020 when a white woman falsely accused him of threatening her. His book Better Living Through Birding chronicles life as a Black birder, gay activist and Marvel comics writer and editor. In 2023 he told Terry Gross on Fresh Air : "Birds belong to no one. They are for everyone to enjoy. And it is an incredibly healing thing to be out there in whatever habitat the birds are in, to connect with the wild and to just see these feathered wonders going about their business of life."

The Treeline: The Last Forest and the Future of Life on Earth by Ben Rawlence, 2022

Trees are on the move — in ways they shouldn't need to be. Structured as a study of half a dozen trees from the boreal forest – the wide band of trees near the Arctic Circle – The Treeline traces the canopy around the world, noting where trees have vanished or are creeping ever northward. But this isn't just a landscape diary; whether in Canada, Greenland, or Norway, author Ben Rawlence emphasizes portraits of people, especially Indigenous communities facing the front lines of climate change, and scientists chronicling the imminent, dramatic changes ahead of us. A sounding alarm, and a call to action. — Genevieve Valentine, author and book critic

Finding the Mother Tree: Discovering the Wisdom of the Forest by Suzanne Simard, 2021

Trees are "social creatures" that communicate with each other in cooperative ways ecologist Suzanne Simard told Dave Davies on Fresh Air in 2021. Her memoir Finding the Mother Tree describes her research on cooperation and symbiosis in the forest, and shares how her study of trees took on a new resonance when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Simard explained that trees in a forest are often linked to each other via an older tree she calls a "mother" or "hub" tree. "The seedlings will link into the network of the old trees and benefit from that huge uptake resource capacity," Simard said. "And the old trees would also pass a little bit of carbon and nutrients and water to the little seedlings, at crucial times in their lives, that actually help them survive."

The Journeys of Trees: A Story About Forests, People, and the Future by Zach St. George, 2020

Forests migrate: They are on the move away from danger and always have been. Now, these are not the dour-faced Ents of J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings , who are downright speedy compared to the agonizingly slow march of Earth's trees and forests. But the journeys of trees, and the forces that drive that titular phrase, are an engrossing tale of nature's survival, the increasing speed of climate change and of the people working to preserve these most ancient creatures. Author and reporter Zach St. George presents a thoroughly researched story about what we can learn from some of Earth's oldest residents if we just stop and listen. — Steve Mullis, former editor/producer, Morning Edition

Hanging Tree Guitars by Freeman Vines with Zoe van Buren, photography by Timothy Duffy, 2020

Part memoir, part photo essay, Hanging Tree Guitars is the story of North Carolina luthier Freeman Vines. He crafts guitars from found materials and hunks of old wood, including some from a tree once used for a lynching. Vines, 78, explains how the wood talks to him, and he reflects on growing up in a sharecropper's family under Jim Crow. "I had learned that the white man was what controlled the code," he says. Timothy Duffy's tintype images of Vines and his guitars are stunning, including one where Vines is sitting in a field with his guitars strung on a frame overhead. — Debbie Elliott, correspondent, National Desk

Forest Bathing: How Trees Can Help You Find Health and Happiness by Qing Li, 2018

In 2018, Marcelo Gleiser wrote an essay for NPR about the practice of forest bathing. Gleiser wrote: "In Japan, the country that has the highest population density in the world but also vast expanses of green forests (about 3,000 miles of them), an ancient tradition tries to balance out the crush from urban living. It's known as shinrin-yoku , or ' forest bathing .' It's the practice of spending prolonged periods of time with trees in order to gain from their many health benefits. ... Dr. Qing Li, the world's foremost expert in forest medicine, introduces readers to the healing practice of forest bathing — and the art and science of how trees can enrich your life. ... Dr. Li's book is itself a tribute to forests and the magnificence of trees, featuring more than 100 color photographs of forests around the world."

Urban Forests: A Natural History of Trees and People in the American Cityscape by Jill Jonnes, 2016

Next time you're outside, look up. Trees are so ubiquitous that it's easy to take them for granted. But Urban Forests makes you stop and pay attention to the "living landmarks" standing tall in America's cities. From Thomas Jefferson's time to present day, Jill Jonnes explores the essential roles trees play in urban centers — filtering air, providing habitat, offering shade, calming nerves and more. I loved this book because it's both for history lovers and for tree devotees. It's a good read — best done under the canopy of your favorite tree. — Jeanine Herbst, news anchor

The Hidden Life of Trees: What They Feel, How They Communicate―Discoveries from A Secret World by Peter Wohlleben, translated by Jane Billinghurst, 2016

In 2016, Alva Noë wrote an essay for NPR about Peter Wohlleben's book The Hidden Life of Trees. Noë said: "The book is dreamy and strange; it tells about trees and their tightknit communities in the forest. The book is full of science. But it's written from the standpoint of a person who lives and works with trees in the forest rather than someone who studies them. ... The Wood Wide Web he describes is a community of trees and microbes, aphids, fungi and birds, one in which dense connectivity and mutual interdependence are the norm (and are missing in the forest-farms of the modern world). Communication, shared and competing interests, learning and adaptation, all play a critical role."

The Tree Doctor by Marie Mutsuki Mockett, 2024

A woman returns to her California hometown to help her ailing mother move into a care facility. Dismayed by the condition of her mother's garden, she calls a nursery for help and meets Dean — the tree doctor. As book critic Michael Schaub wrote : "Her attempt to save the fuchsias leads her to a whirlwind relationship that confirms to her what she already, in the back of her mind, knows: Her life as a wife and mother has caused her to neglect herself, and she needs to save herself even more urgently than she needs to rescue her mother's flowers. The Tree Doctor is an excellent novel, one that beautifully chronicles one woman's response to a series of life-changing crises."

The Island of Missing Trees by Elif Shafak, 2021

The characters in this book are immigrants from Cyprus, the Mediterranean island where Greece and Turkey went to war in the 1970s. But the narrator? It's a fig tree. Novelist Elif Shafak spoke with Morning Edition 's Steve Inskeep in 2021 about her decision tell the story from a tree's perspective . "I wanted an observer that lives longer than human beings," Shafak said. "Trees have this longevity. They were here before us, and they will most probably be here long after we humans have disappeared. ... What does it mean to be rooted, uprooted and rerooted?"

The Overstory: A Novel by Richard Powers, 2018

The Overstory begins with the nine characters whose lives will intersect as the novel unfolds. Each has some kind of connection with a tree. These stories, so beautifully told and intricately crafted, perfectly set the stage for this saga about a small band of radical environmentalists who are determined to save an old-growth forest in the Pacific Northwest. They pay a heavy price for their determination. As Richard Powers pulls you into their lives and fills you with astonishing facts about trees, he deftly pits that price against the cost of allowing these magnificent forests to be destroyed. — Lynn Neary, former correspondent, Culture Desk

The Lie Tree by Frances Hardinge, 2016

Frances Hardinge's Gothic fantasy The Lie Tree starts in the middle of a dreary downpour and feels like it ought only to be read during one as well. It's the story of Faith Sunderly, her naturalist father's mysterious murder and the magical tree that grows truth-revealing fruits only when Faith whispers lies to it. This book feels destined to be read in the middle of a dark and stormy night, preferably under the covers and with a secret flashlight. However, Hardinge's writing is so beautiful and her atmosphere so evocative that it could probably leave you shivering even if you read it on a sunny tropical beach. — Margaret Willison, librarian and book critic

Kids' Books

Listen to the Language of the Trees: A Story of How Forests Communicate Underground by Tera Kelley, illustrated by Marie Hermansson, 2022

If you know about the "Wood Wide Web," then you know that trees communicate through the fungi that connect their roots. Still, did you know about how they support one another with extra food? How they can tell their offspring apart from other trees? How they can warn other trees when insects attack? Consider this the preeminent book for kids on the topic, complemented with illustrations both beautiful and clear-cut, making a tangle of a topic as easy as (forgive me) falling off a log! (For ages 4 to 8) — Betsy Bird, book critic and author of Long Road to the Circus

Berry Song by Michaela Goade, 2022

Radiant illustrations by Caldecott-winning illustrator Michaela Goade ( We Are Water Protectors ) practically leap from the pages of her latest picture book with joy and warmth. Goade's first foray into authorship is a triumphant love song to the Tlingit people. A heartwarming story of a girl and her grandmother, and the joy they get from nature's offerings. A rich and beautiful book meant to be shared. (For ages 4 to 8) — Juanita Giles, executive director, Virginia Children's Book Festival

The Tree in Me by Corinna Luyken, 2021

"The first thing you will notice about Corinna Luyken's The Tree in Me is the pink," wrote Juanita Giles, executive director of the Virginia Children's Book Festival, in 2021. "Not a soft, gentle pink; not an Easter egg pink, but NEON PINK, and lots of it. Pink cheeks, pink flowers, pink trees, pink AIR. Neon pink is practically bursting from the cover like, well, like happiness."

In spare, poetic text, the book describes how every child is like a tree, rooted in nature. "In all of my original sketches for the book, I was using shades of green," Luyken told Giles. "But as the visual story started to develop, I realized that the green was making the book feel too literal ... and I wanted it to be much more expansive and universal than that. I wanted it to be a larger, shape shifting, timeless tree." (For ages 4 to 8)

Everything You Need for a Treehouse by Carter Higgins, illustrated by Emily Hughes, 2018

Get ready for your imagination to explode! Read this book, and pass out the crayons — or set up a library fort! Everything You Need for a Treehouse is all about seeing something that's not there and imagining your world as you want it to be. From building treehouses to just lying on your back and telling stories about clouds — anything is possible. I wasn't surprised to get to the end and see that it was written by a librarian, because every imagined treehouse feels like a book in itself, capturing a mood or a need. The one made of glass and filled with flowers, the one that looks like a library, they're all cozier and more fun than the next. (For ages 3 to 6) — Justine Kenin, editor, All Things Considered

Wishtree by Katherine Applegate, 2017

Did you know trees can talk? An impressive, more-than-200-year-old oak named Red is the narrator of Katherine Applegate's Wishtree . For centuries, neighbors have been leaving their wishes on scraps of paper and cloth in Red's hallows and branches. When Samar and her Muslim family move nearby, they are met with intolerance and hostility. Red is touched by Samar's simple wish and determined to make it come true, even at the risk of being cut down. This tender story is powerful without being preachy. (For ages 8 to 12) — Lisa Yee, author of Maizy Chen's Last Chance

The Night Gardener by Terry Fan and Eric Fan, 2016

Beautifully drawn, this evocative book is deceptively simple. When a boy discovers that the tree outside his window has been magically transformed into an owl, he seeks to find the reason why. As more and more wondrous topiaries appear all along Grimloch Lane, the mystery deepens. That's when the boy, William, meets an enigmatic man who enlists his help. In The Night Gardener, brothers Terry and Eric Fan have created a gorgeous book about a small town that comes alive, and a young boy whose life has been irrevocably changed. (For ages 4 to 8) — Lisa Yee, author of Maizy Chen's Last Chance

Tap the Magic Tree by Christie Matheson, 2013

Who wouldn't want the opportunity to take a tree from a bare trunk to spring blossoms, to fruitful summer, to loss in autumn, to winter snow, and back to spring beginnings again? Simple instructions in spare, rhyming text encourage readers to add and subtract elements — tap once to add a leaf, touch buds to turn them into flowers, shake the tree to make the apples kerplop to the ground. Christie Matheson offers children the opportunity to help a tree grow and change throughout a year — what a powerful feeling! (For ages 4 to 8) — Mara Alpert, children's librarian, Los Angeles Public Library