What Makes a Song Emotionally Impactful?

Space, Familiarity, Relationship, and Memory

The previous two posts have delved into the music that churches embrace, whether these songs are transient or serve as a cornerstone of the church's identity. In each post, I questioned why certain songs either diminish in popularity or remain integral and found it challenging to pinpoint any specific reasons. Below, I am going to try to unpack some reasons why songs become a part of who we are, starting with the context in which we hear songs.

One of my favorite memories around music is watching the Grand Rapids Symphony perform Verdi’s Requiem. What made the moment stand out is that there is a point where the four trumpets of the apocalypse play, and as it is traditional to do, the trumpets where in the balcony next to where I was sitting and it was difficult to not get caught up in the music and emotion of the moment. That space is always connected to that piece, and as I continue to experience music in that space, more memories and connections are made.

According to Alaa Algargoosh and colleagues, the physical space where music is played significantly affects its impact. Their study involved playing music recorded in various houses of worship, as well as studio versions, to 20 participants who were virtually transported to these places using VR headsets. The findings revealed that “the acoustic characteristics of the space can increase the intensity of the emotional impact and enhance the listener’s experience, considering audiovisual congruency. The self-report results showed that familiarity with a similar acoustic environment could further amplify this impact.” Two aspects then, are affecting the emotions of the listener. Firstly, music often seems to belong in a specific setting. We naturally expect certain types of music to fit seamlessly within certain spaces and feel disoriented when they do not. I remember attending a candlelit prayer service in Notre Dame's stone grotto chapel that featured Gregorian chants. Though I was unfamiliar with the chants, they resonated deeply with me, perfectly complementing the chapel's ambiance. These chants would not have had the same impact if played over a sound system in a modern worship sanctuary; they would not have evoked the same emotional response. Conversely, contemporary worship music fits well in modern spaces, but a modern band would feel out of place in such a historic setting. This mismatch would likely disrupt any emotional connection to the music.

Secondly, our familiarity with a place, combined with its acoustics, affects how we perceive music. When we're in a comfortable environment, visual stimuli can aid our focus rather than distract us from the music. The novelty of the grotto chapel enriched the worship experience but also created a barrier to deeper engagement, as I was more focused on absorbing the unfamiliar surroundings than immersing myself fully. Consider the place where you usually worship and how it feels conducive to that experience. Now, reflect on visiting a different church; even if the songs are familiar and dear to you, you might find it harder to connect due to the new environment. This explains why I feel like it is difficult to worship in a new space. I remember attending a Mass at the Basilica at Notre Dame and having to leave during Mass because I felt too much like a tourist rather than a worshipper. It had nothing to do with the Mass, rather it was due to my unfamiliarity with the space and the service.

Another reason we resonate with songs is related to the presence and relationships of those sharing the experience with us. As J. Gertrud Tönsing notes, "Singing the national anthem at a school assembly or during a Rugby World Cup Final will evoke different emotional responses." Interestingly, for many people, singing such a song amidst a crowd of strangers has a greater impact because it creates a sense of unity. Similarly, this applies to singing a well-known contemporary praise and worship song at a large conference where you only know a few participants. Moreover, participating in learning a new song with a group of strangers at a worship event creates profound bonds among the environment, the united voices praising God, the band, the song itself, and the emotions of the individuals involved.

According to Jenefer Robinson, music draws people together and strengthens the bonds between them. That can be felt when we are experiencing a song for the first time with friends or during significant life events, which creates a strong emotional connection between each other. This is why romantic partners and friends often have songs that become symbolic of their relationship; these songs are special because of their shared significance. I have fond memories of songs from my teenage and college years, especially those moments spent enjoying music recommended by someone close to me. Additionally, I recall being deeply affected by music that I might not have otherwise listened to, simply due to the emotional responses of the people I was with.

Tying in with the relational power of music is music’s ability to store emotional memory. As Tönsing states, “In general, music seems to enhance the ability to remember, especially more long-term recall (Rainey & Larsen 2002). Some research has been performed about the secretion of endorphins when hearing expressive music, which strengthens the memory of that event and furthers group or individual bonding.” If a moment is strong enough, we can recover the memory of the event by listening to the music that was playing during that time. Even if we do not have a vivid visualization of the event, a song can make us feel like it did when it first became impactful to our lives. We had a friend play one of his original songs at our wedding, and whenever I hear the song, I get reminded of how I felt in the moment, along with the associated feelings of seeing him perform the song live in multiple venues. The repeated experiences have added layers of emotional memory to the meaning of the song

It is because songs can carry such weight and meaning that the "power of music" can be both beneficial and challenging in a congregational setting, due to individuals holding strong positive or negative associations with the same piece. Certain songs may evoke such intense emotions that some find them difficult to listen to. Within a church, one member might find a song unsingable due to its personal context, while another may cherish it based on their own experiences. For example, one person might associate a song with a day of immense joy, while another could connect it with mourning, grief, and loss after recently losing someone who loved that song. A third might not emotionally connect at all with that song, as they have no strong memories attached to it.

For example, I have a strong connection with the hymn “My Faith Has Found a Resting Place” as it was my grandfather’s favorite hymn and whenever I sing it, I am reminded of him, his faith, and the legacy he has left for our family. On the contrary, I have an adverse feeling and reaction to North Point Worship’s Death Was Arrested as it was sung the day after my mother-in-law’s funeral and it brings back the memories of the weekend of her funeral. My questions for you are, what song(s) conjure memories? What space do you feel most comfortable worshipping in? How have your relationships been strengthened by songs? Or if you are feeling a little contrary, what song has the most negative emotions connected to it?