by Francesca Di Meglio

Music is a writer's best friend. Sometimes in silence, you can't get a word on the page. Sometimes, it's the noise that inspires you. But it has to be the right kind of noise. Lately, my favorite medicine for writer's block is to turn to You Tube and listen and watch my favorite videos. That often means seeking some of my favorite Italian tunes. Here are a few that top my list and might top yours:

'O surdato 'nnamurato sung live by Massimo Ranieri in 1972
Whenever I'm in Italy, I sing this classic Neapolitan song just about everywhere I go with my family. It's my parent's song – and a favorite of mine. The song is also a crowd pleaser at celebrations, including weddings because it's about first love being the last and best love. Nothing could be more romantic.

Giuseppe Povia – I bambini fanno ooh!
A modern hit, this song is about the innocence and joy that children possess and the sadness that comes to adults when they realize they'll never be in awe of the world in the way that they were as children. The melody and softness of this song - besides the beautiful message - is a great way to inspire and motivate yourself.

Gianni Togni – Giulia
Giulia became one of my favorites only recently. It's a lovely love song for someone named Giulia and the catchy tune sticks in your head all day. It's upbeat enough to wake me up but soft rock enough to keep me from hopping out of my desk chair to dance.

Prezioso - Voglio Vederti Danzare
I started playing this song whenever I was feeling a little too blue to write back in 2003, when I was working from home because I had mono. Now that I have a corny video to go with the hoppin', happenin' song about wanting to see people dance and celebrate, I couldn't be happier. But this tune sometimes forces me to jump around my home office before getting back to whatever I'm writing. Sometimes, that's just what I need.

Di Meglio is the guide to Newlyweds for About.com, where you can get information on everything from having sex for the first time on your wedding night to wedding dress art.

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