Finals are just starting – you’ve got papers to write, exams to study for, and, most importantly, study playlists to make to get you through the last few weeks of the semester. Some people just focus better with music, sometimes you need motivation and encouragement, or maybe you just need something to drown out your neighbor’s music. Here are a few albums to add to your study playlist.
1. "Live and Unplugged" - Sleeping with Sirens
Sleeping with Sirens’ latest album doesn’t contain any new material, but it does offer something fresh and unique. Even the oldest songs (“If I’m James Dean, You’re Audrey Hepburn”, “With Ears to See and Eyes to Hear”) are reimagined so that they don’t just sound like softer versions of the originals - they’re lively and exciting, and take on a new character. Without the loud sound and post-hardcore edge of some of Sleeping with Sirens’ earlier albums, these soft songs will fit right into a quiet but upbeat playlist.
2. "Ocean Avenue Acoustic" -Yellowcard
Remember “Ocean Avenue”? Remember “Only One”? Imagine how awesome those songs would sound stripped-back. For the ten-year anniversary of their monumental 2003 album, "Ocean Avenue," Yellowcard re-recorded the whole thing acoustically, celebrating the stellar songs as well as the band’s growth and evolving talent. Boasting soaring tunes and intricate melodies, the album doesn’t lose any of its impact, soothing and empowering you to finish your finals strong.
3. "Tape Deck Heart" - Frank Turner
Frank Turner might be the smartest acoustic punk-rocker out there. He regularly references T. S. Eliot and weaves interesting historical facts into his songs. He received a degree in history from the London School of Economics, and maybe some of his intelligence will rub off on you. His songs are lively and energetic, without being too loud, chaotic or distracting. His intellectual lyrics and fun melodies offer the right dose of calm confidence and positive encouragement to finish your paper.
4. "Deja Entendu" - Brand New
No one gets your essay stress and test anxiety like an emo band. For when you’re really stressed, the raw emotion of Brand New’s second full-length effort is something you can relate to and use to relieve all the tension associated with finals. In addition, Brand New’s lyrics are clever and well-constructed, demonstrating writing skills we could all learn from. The album has some slower songs, mixed in with some louder and grittier tracks, which provide enough variety to keep you engaged but also enough conviction to keep you focused, driven and on-task.
5. "Don't Panic: It's Longer Now!" - All Time Low
The central focus of this album was keeping positive and powering through even in the face of crisis. All Time Low is one of the most positive bands in pop-punk, so their energetic melodies are not only fun to listen to but incredibly motivating and up-lifting. The louder, faster and more upbeat songs will help you power through your study sessions and encourage you to persevere. In addition, the extended re-release of the album Don't Panic includes acoustic versions of four of the original songs, which are soft enough to listen to when you study, but don’t lose any of their essential life and heart.
