As much as I hate to say it, midterm season is starting to kick off for the semester. Midterms mean studying or at least trying to study, both of which require a focus that can be hard to come by. I usually like to listen to music when I do homework, but reading things and songs with lyrics don’t mesh very well; I often find myself paying more attention to the song than what I’m supposed to be studying. I’ve found that a good way to combat this is to listen to instrumental soundtracks from movies. So, without further ado, here are some of my top-played study soundtracks!
1. "TRON: Legacy"
This is my go-to soundtrack for doing homework, which may sound surprising, but stick with me. Daft Punk lends their EDM expertise to this movie’s background music, but it’s not all the same. There’s such a variation in the different types of songs: from the ballad “Arrival” to the club-ready “Derezzed.” Above all, this soundtrack makes me feel like I’m doing something epic, even if I’m just reading a book. Also, I know this entire score way too well and can sing these songs even though they’re instrumental. That’s how good this is.
2. "Grand Budapest Hotel"
This soundtrack has a folky feel and is generally very laid-back. It begins with a track that features yodeling, and honestly, it just gets better from there. It won the 2014 Academy Award for Best Original Score, and it’s very well-deserved. Ranging from string pieces to quirky-sounding romps, it breaks up the monotony of many scores of movies that are out today. It’s also pretty long, which is ideal for drawn-out study days.
3. "Amélie"
I have to confess… I have never been to France, and I have never seen this movie (I know, I know; it’s been in my Netflix watchlist for longer than I’d like to admit). However, the soundtrack takes my breath away. It makes me feel as if I were in Paris, instead of in my apartment squinting at my laptop. It mixes traditional-French-style music with piano pieces, and there is a good assortment of pacing within the soundtrack. In one word: lovely.
4. "The Artist"
The Academy-award winning score to this film does a great job of evoking a sense of old Hollywood glamour along with intense, desperate-sounding string songs. In a silent film, the score is an integral part of the viewing experience, and this one makes a study session seem that way too. What’s really neat about this soundtrack is the addition of some songs that come directly from the time period that the movie portrays.
5. "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone"
Okay, I have to admit… I’m definitely biased on this one. Growing up with Harry Potter, this soundtrack puts me at ease. Also, if I didn’t put some John Williams on this list I’d be really disappointed in myself. This score creates a feeling of magic that another score has yet to replicate in the same way. I’m pretty sure Harry Potter makes most everything better; judge me if you will.
6. "The Social Network"
This is one you might not immediately think of, but it’s definitely worth a listen. The tracks are so atmospheric that they nearly blend into the background of whatever you’re doing, which is perfect for when you’re reading or really need to focus on what you’re studying. In addition to this, the music from this movie is so unique; it’s nothing quite like any other score I’ve heard in the last few years. Unsurprisingly, this unconventional soundtrack won an Academy Award for Best Original Score in 2010.
7. "How to Train Your Dragon"
Ugh, what can’t I say about this soundtrack? I can say very firmly that I believe that this score is one of the best from an animated movie in years. I love the Celtic influences that are evident in the music—I am a sucker for some good pennywhistle parts. Epic and soft in just the right moments, this soundtrack is a must-listen. And if you have to choose one song, pick “Test Drive.” It gives me goosebumps.
8. "The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring"
Before you say anything, yes, I can have both Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter on this list. Because the scores are fantastic, and anyone who says otherwise… can have their opinion, but seriously, they’re great. “Concerning Hobbits” can sometimes be a challenging song for me because it makes me want to throw my textbooks away and flee to The Shire, but as a whole, this soundtrack reflects the first movie in this epic series incredibly well. With this score playing in the background I am hoping… That I SHALL PASS! (My midterms.)
9. "Inception"
Okay, first of all, let’s pretend that giant BWAAAAAM noise in the movie doesn’t happen as frequently as it does. Okay? Let’s move on. This score is a Hans Zimmer trademark, perfectly capturing the moody atmosphere of the movie. This whole soundtrack feels very intense, which can be good or bad. I don’t play it as often as some of the others on this list for that reason, but I do like it when I listen to it. It makes me feel incredibly focused, because who knows; maybe this is a dream within a dream. Maybe this is all just made up. Is that top still spinning?! * BWAAAAAM*
10. "Forrest Gump"
Whoo, man. The piano and string music in this score by Alan Silvestri gets stuck in my head, especially the main theme. This soundtrack especially is a good one for when it’s later at night; it’s relaxing and calm and keeps me in the studying mode. Sometimes I can’t listen to certain songs (because of Jenny and emotions), but this is a beautiful score all the same.
