Kate Hevner, a researcher in the bold connection between emotions and music, worked to isolate specific parts of music that correspond to human states of moods. Hevner's mood wheel consists of 66 adjectives in 8 different groups that classify the possible emotional attributes of a piece of music. As everyone has different experiences, some being very personal, it is important to recognize that everyone can connect differently to music. Thus, the purpose of my application to Hevner's Mood Wheel is to explore the connection of music and moods in my personal sound book.

The first group contains adjectives like "dignified" and "spiritual". The first song that came to mind was "Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)" by Hillsong United. This song inspires following the wild goose and treading untested waters. One can do this, then, by having their full trust and faith in our spiritual God and trusting without borders. For me, not only the words behind the song but the melody that goes along with it. Specifically, the harmonies behind the words "Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders". Listeners can literally hear one calling for the spirit of the Lord to reveal himself.

The second group holds adjectives like "sad" and "melancholy". This song has the power to really pull my heartstrings. I connected to this song unintentionally, as it was played during one of my favorite movies and I instantly felt connected to it, so I downloaded it to my phone. Now, every time I hear it, it makes me feel a bit melancholy. This song is "Cherry Blossoms" by Night Beds. To me, it talks about seasonal depression, where the only positive point in the song is talking about how meaningful cherry blossoms are. Whether it is the calmness of the artist's voice, and almost a raspy pain you can hear behind it, the slowed tempo, or the volume of the artist's voice increasing dramatically when he calls to be taken home (suicide), they all project a feeling of melancholy and sadness.

The third group contains adjectives like "dreamy" and "tender". "I Don't Want To Set The World On Fire" by The Ink Spots is the first thing I think of when I hear "dreamy". It's an older romance, where the artist wishes not to affect the world, but just to affect one person. I learned, too, that it became especially popular after Pearl Harbor in 1941. The tempo, the melody, and the vibrato of the artist's voice, all just make my imagination run wild in the dreamiest of ways.

The fourth group implements moods that are "quiet" and "soothing". "Nothing's Gonna Hurt You Baby" by Cigarettes After Sex is one of the most quiet and soothing songs I know. The lyrics remind you of your safety, providing you comfort and feeling untouchable under the protection of someone else. The rhythm stays the same throughout the song, consistent and quiet. There also isn't much harmony or high ranged notes, which keeps it quiet and relaxing.

The fifth group implements moods of "playful" and "light". "Gravity" by John Mayer perfectly fits into playful and light. It is arguing with the science of gravity. Mayer explains this in the very few words in the song, stating "gravity is working against me." It is playful in the sense that it is lighthearted, and light in the sense that there's a steady tempo, steady rhythm, and yet very little words. Mayer, I believe, leaves it up to interpretation on what your gravity may be, and what is preventing you from rising up.

The sixth group implements moods of "happy" and "joyous". As hard as it is to pick one song for happiness and joyous feelings, "Good Vibrations" by The Beach Boys has to be the winner. From the first second of the song to the last, all you wanna do is dance along! You can hear pop-ins of instruments, as well as a ton of harmonies throughout the chorus. Summer, winter, spring, or fall, this song never fails to put a smile on my face.

The seventh group implements moods of "dramatic" and "passionate". When I think of dramatic songs, I think of a love song. The immeasurable passion, the upbeat and steady rhythm and tempo, and being able to hear the aching, strong love in the artist's voice. "No Air" by Jordin Sparks is this to a tee. She is literally dramatizing the ability to live, by saying there's no air for her to breathe without her loved one around. Beyond her amazing riffs in between verses, as well as the beautiful harmonies amongst herself and featured artist Chris Brown. While many people argue whether it is a love song or a breakup song, either way, I think this is nothing less of passionate and dramatic.

The eighth and final group implements moods of "majestic" and "robust". "Forever" by Labrinth is one of the most majestic songs I've ever known. While my musical palette usually requires lyrics to be able to enjoy a song, this song doesn't have any; Instead, only harmonizing of "ooo's" and "ahh's", following the one line in the entire song, being "I'll live forever". It is the rhythm, then, that makes this song so powerful and rich. It is steady and powerful, without being loud or in your face. The song is almost haunting, but in the best way possible. It doesn't make you think or reflect on anything, but instead, just experience the moment. It levels you while still making you imagine. If you haven't heard it before, I recommend you listen to it before any of the other songs in the wheel.