I used to be a rocker...no country allowed! I still listen to a considerable amount of rock/other (P!nk, crossfade, The Killers, Green Day, Blue October, Thrice, Beirut, Gomez, Modest Mouse, Neutral Milk, Hotel, Spoon, Linkin Park, Evanescence, Semisonic, U2, Trapt, Fuel...)
But some of the songs that have the biggest effect on me are country or folk songs.
Let me tell you a few of the songs that have...had an effect on me.
Blanco River Meditation - Walt Wlkins = I just listened to it and...I can't explain the reason for my reaction. Environmental beauty? Spiritual effect on me? Literally, I'm tearing up (that's saying *a lot* from me). And I can't explain fully why. I've listened to it a couple times before and have liked it, but not had this reaction. I love that song though. The reason why I tried to find a thread on something like this
Wolves - Phosphorescent = the first song that I really loved. I like a lot of their other songs too.
Three Wooden Crosses - Randy Travis = incredible message. It keeps me inspired.
Riding with Private Malone - David Ball = touching.
Quick as Dreams - Slaid Cleaves = so sad. I like a lot of his other songs too.
Let it Go - Great Big Sea = such a great lesson.
Crested Hens - Solas = just beautiful.
I'm sure I could continue on...let's go on a different note...
Rock/electronic/other (the above was country/folk)
Angel - Sara McLachlan = nice pretty song.
Chase This Light - Jimmy Eat World = I like it. I just do.
Wires - Athlete = touching song really. sad.
I could go on with other samples of different types of my music...but I won't :P