19 Best Pieces of Music to Suit Different Moods ...

1. Scorned

No list of music to suit different moods would be complete without at least one “scorned woman” song. When I had a particularly anger-inducing breakup, I found it very cathartic to listen to “Like the Way I Do,” by Melissa Etheridge. The words pretty much speak for themselves.

2. In Need of a Good Laugh

Remember how I once said I was a Monty Python fan? Here's one of my favorites. The lyrics to "I Bet You They Won't Play this Song on the Radio" are awesome, but the images are a big part of the fun. That's par for the course with Monty Python.

3. In Need of a Good Cry

Just the rhythm of "One Last Cry" is sad, but the lyrics speak to the thoughts we've probably all had at one time or another. I can definitely relate to the idea of wishing you could turn off your feelings, as well as the need to let them out so you can move on.

4. In Need of Inspiration

I'm not too familiar with Christina Aguilera's music, but I love the song "Beautiful." I love how it talks about beauty as being multi-dimensional; a lot of people see the word “beauty” and immediately think of looks, but true beauty goes much deeper than that. That's great news for all of us, especially if we're in our “awkward stages.”

5. Angry

Oh, come on. You had to know that a “moody song” list would include Nine Inch Nails. Maybe it's because I have a family full of metal-heads (NIN is more “progressive,” but whatever), but Trent Reznor is one of the first people I think of when I think of angry songs. "Head Like a Hole" isn't the most angsty song he has, but the others aren't safe for work. I'd rather you not get fired for having the words to “Closer” on your screen.

6. Scorned #2

You had to know "You Oughta Know" would also be on the list. Alanis Morissette won't tell anyone who this song is about, or if it's even about anyone. I've written some angry lyrics about an amalgamation of exes, played up for dramatic effect. Perhaps that's what she's doing here. I don't know. I just love it.

7. Happy/upbeat

I don't care how cheesy it is-I love this song. The Cure's "Friday I'm in Love" makes you want to dance, or at least bounce up and down in your seat. Tip: if you do it at a red light, people tend to laugh. Enjoy it.

8. Pensive

Susan Enan's “Bring on the Wonder” has been featured on “Bones” and a few other TV shows. Like a lot of her other songs, this one has a tune that sets the mood for quiet reflection. Sarah McLachlan also made a version.

9. Peaceful

It's not the words to Mazzy Star's "Fade into You" that I find peaceful so much as the sound. I grew up on the beach; the slow, even flow of the song reminds me of the waves in the late afternoon. Beautiful song and beautiful images.

10. Energetic/just Want to Dance

I put Pharrell's "Happy" on when I want to dance with the broom while I clean. I love the Minions! You can probably see why this song is everywhere right now. If nothing else, the video is funny.

11. Out with “the Girls”

Have you ever used music to get you psyched up for something, to set the tone for the evening? This is a cover of "Lady Marmalade" (Patti LaBelle did the original), but I love it because these ladies are just awesome performers. I wasn't familiar with Mya or Lil' Kim, but I love Pink, and Christina's voice fits the song perfectly! Missy “Misdemeanor” Elliott co-produced.

12. Empowered

"My Lovin' (You're Never Gonna Get It)" by En Vogue is a very upbeat, very jazzy song about a woman who has had it! I'm sure you or someone you know can relate to having someone try to get back into your good graces after hurting you. I certainly can!

13. Missing Someone

Lonestar's "I'm Already There" is a beautiful song, both in words and music. I teared up a bit, even though I don't normally like country. I was also touched by the note the person who uploaded the video made about his uncle. This is what I believe about mine as well.

14. Romantic

This is a beautiful video for a beautiful song. If you want to find "I'd Die Without You" online, it's both on P.M. Dawn's “The Bliss Album...?” and the “Boomerang” soundtrack. I love the piano most of all.

15. Sensual

I'm not even going to try to pick which R. Kelly song is the most, um, inspirational. “It Seems Like You're Ready” and “Your Body's Callin'” are pretty blatant in terms of sexuality, but there's a hint of that in most of the songs I've heard from him. Even if the words aren't sexy, his voice and the general rhythm of the songs are enough to make you blush. The fact that he's got a nice body just adds to it.

16. Just Wanna Dance #2

I dare you not to dance in your seat while you play this song by Michael Franti & Spearhead. I dare you. Seriously, "Say Hey (I Love You)" is crazy good. He's also an advocate for several peace and social justice causes, although I'm not very familiar with them.

17. Happy #2

This Outkast song is just cute; I can't play it without bouncing up and down in my chair! The video for "Hey Ya" is pretty creative too. It reminds me of old Peter Gabriel videos. "Sledgehammer," anyone?

18. Inspiration #2

I used to play "Let It Flow" a lot in college when I was going through some things. The words to this song are some of the most reassuring and inspirational I've heard. Toni Braxton's voice is relaxing too.

19. For Kicks and Giggles

I don't care about the music at all. They could be singing “Happy Birthday” for all I care; I just like the hot men. I've just got one question-where's Matt Bomer? Justin Timberlake? Too bad Heath Ledger's gone. That man was just beautiful.

Like I said, music works with pretty much any mood. Be it the words, rhythm or just the singer's voice, there's always something that speaks to how you feel (or want to feel). For me, it's a lot more about the music itself than the person singing it. What about you? What sorts of “mood music” do you like to listen to? Are there any moods or artists you'd add to my list? Discuss!