<<    I think music is especially popular in Japan, as you can clearly see from the number of Karaoke places or bars and pubs with sing-along machines. On Saturdays and Fridays, such karaoke bars are packed with people of all ages. I suspect that when they sing, they feel with the hero or heroin in songs. By singing in a loud voice through microphone, they can relieve stress, and above all, feel good. When they are happy, they can celebrate their happiness by singing cheerful, lively songs. Also, when they are heartbroken, they can console their souls by singing encouraging, upbeat songs. Songs have a healing effect for sure.    As for me, music is a way to understand many kinds of human emotions, love, friendship, loneliness, despair, joy and so on. Some music has such a powerful message that it can bring tears to me. When I drive, I always play CDs that I have edited. Listening to my favorite kinds of music while driving makes my long commute seem a lot shorter. Also, I can sing along the CDs to keep me awake whenever I get sleepy while studying or even driving.    Listening to English songs is said to be one of the best ways to improve English learners' listening skills. I myself believe in this theory and try to listen to the words carefully to brush up listening skills. Also, English lyrics serve as a treasure house of vocabulary. I believe many of English learners share the idea that English songs are great tool to acquire English proficiency.    People love music for various reasons, but they share one thing in common; Music plays a very important role in their daily lives. Whether it's in the form of Karaoke songs, music coming from radio and TV or the Internet or CDs that are listened at home or in a car, there is no doubt that music will continue to enrich people�fs lives.