I'm always on the hunt for new music to listen to while studying, but one thing I feel is sincerely lacking in the never-ending quick advice canon on the internet are recommendations on music to listen to while writing. Whether it's writing a paper for class or a new Odyssey article, there's something distinctly different about the music I am able to listen to while typing versus when I am just reading or studying. Hence, I present to you my top three favorite albums I've listened to in college whenever I sit down to write, as well as the secret to finding the perfect album for you to listen to while typing. Also, it's important to note that when I speak on these albums, I'm talking about the deluxe versions of them. No sense in not listening to a couple extra songs that probably deserve to be on the original album anyways.
1. Purpose by Justin Bieber
Now I know what you're thinking-- what has this boy ever done to contribute to our society in a productive manner?? Well as a former non-Belieber who has now been converted, Purpose is hands down my top choice. This album is just the right amount of repeated lyrics to not be distracted and hype to keep you motivated. You got your highs with fun songs to jam to and then your lows to really get you in the zone when Bieber either goes acoustic or tries to be inspirational (which at one in the morning, when you're dead to the world, is much more impactful). Whatever people will say, I'm not exaggerating when I say this man has gotten me through many a time writing papers last year as a freshman.
2. Wanted On Voyage by George Ezra
If you're someone who is looking more for a chilled out, acoustic style album, I've got you covered. With his beautifully deep voice and upbeat, folksy guitar breaks, George Ezra creates an album that just feels like a nice warm hug. This album will keep you pushing through with a couple intense songs such as "Did You Hear the Rain?", but also lighten up your mood with the like of my personal favorites, "Cassy O'" and "Listen to the Man". Wanted On Voyage is always sure to get your gears turning if listened to it in a coffee shop environment with lots of people watching potential.
3. Coloring Book by Chance The Rapper
This is my current favorite (listening to it now as I write this!), and has been newly promoted to my top albums this fall. There's a little something in here for whatever motivational mood you're going for, whether that be the gospel church vibe, inspirational spoken word, or the let's-get-this-party-started rap. It is the perfectly unique blend for getting your imagination flowing, taking a dance break, and somehow making you excited and feeling blessed that you have the opportunity to write in any capacity. And if you want to combine two of my favorite artists, the song on this album "Juke Jam" features Justin Bieber.
The Secret to finding your perfect album:
Whether you're into pop or country music, I've found that the real key to finding an album you can listen to over an over while writing is first finding an album with a decent length, preferably an hour at least (which is why I always suggest the deluxe versions). Second, make sure you've listened to the album enough times where you can play it in the background without getting distracted. Even if you feel like singing along, I've found it's alright because every time you repeat a verse it just gets you more hype to keep writing, and you're not really paying attention to the music because it's just become a subconscious motivator, rather than something you want to focus on. Lastly, pick an album with a good flow, almost like the plot of a good book -- there's some rising action, a climax, and a resolution. The highs and lows will definitely help keep things interesting after the fifth time getting through the album. Put these three factors together and you've got yourself the key to cranking out an awesome paper in just a couple of hours instead of ten.
