Entertainment is something that every living person relies on, whether it is something that is looked at or listened to. In a busy place such as New York City, there is very little time to sit and watch an entire performance, so music is one of the greatest forms of entertainment around. Music is everywhere, and played for every occasion, feeling, or religion. Everyday, the New York City subway system echoes with different forms of music, ranging from a solo in the subway cars to full bands in Grand Central Terminal.

Every trip taken in one of the trains of the New York City subway system consists of many sounds, some pleasant, some not. Weeks ago, while in Manhattan, my fellow writer, Alisha, and I stood in Grand Central Terminal, listening to a band play. Usually, it’s just something to notice and then move along; a background sound. This band, however, was different; their song was lovely, and the girl’s voice was unbelievable. We stood there for about five minutes, forgetting that we were in a subway terminal. I thought I was at a concert, the crowd was huge, and everyone cheered at the end; their performance was brilliant. Unfortunately, we didn’t get a chance to obtain the name of the band, our train came and we had to leave.

Unlike that great band, there are those who sit in a quiet subway car listening to their CD player, and for some odd reason, decide to sing. I am not a great singer myself, I admit, but these people can turn a pleasant trip into one that seems to go on forever. On one occasion, I was taking a trip to Times Square from the Bronx; I got on the 4 train, which was then empty. When the train stopped at Grand Concourse, 142nd Street, the train was packed, and became quite uncomfortable. There was one guy with a CD player, who sat there and ‘sang’ for the rest of my trip. It seemed like an eternity, and it wasn’t me alone who was feeling the ‘joy’ of this man’s singing, but the entire car became agitated. It was the worst singing I’ve ever heard, and I’m sure many of my fellow commuters would agree.

Overall, New York City is always bursting with undiscovered talent, as well as with those who shouldn’t ever sing. It shouldn’t stop one from trying of course, but when a bad review comes in, from an entire crowd, I think it’s safe to say that a singing career is out of the question. The holidays are here, and if you’re looking for some great entertainment, check out the subway system. You’ll find everything, ranging from the great voices, to those that, well, shouldn’t be heard.

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