It's about time for mid-terms, the stressful time before a college student's beloved Fall Break. Whether you're studying for Calculus or Art History, and whether you like electronica or rock, there's a song for everyone to study to.
Wordless Songs
I know many people who absolutely cannot focus if a song is playing with words. If you're anything like me, classical music is absolutely not an option if I want to keep my sanity. So I found some great songs without words that are sure to help you focus.
"Avril 14th" - Aphex Twin: A beautiful piano song that I often play when I'm studying or just lying around my dorm room.
"Sleep Sound" - Jamie xx: Music producer Jamie xx is like, the best ever. This song is perfect to keep you awake while you're up late, despite the name.
"Reitschule" - Do Make Say Think: I first heard this relaxing, post-rock song on a local radio station late at night, and I immediately fell in love. Since then, it has played pretty much on a loop in my room and is the perfect background noise.
"With You" - Tennyson: OK...so there are two words in the entire song. "With you" is said a few times, but that doesn't make it any less easy to study to! This song is a lot more energetic than the rest of the songs on the list. So if you like to dance a little bit while you study, this is the song for you.
"The Winner Is" - Devotchka: This song is in my top ten favorite songs of all time. It reminds me of my childhood and how beautiful the world truly is. It gives me hope. This is really helpful when you're so stressed that you want to drop out of school and become a stripper.
Songs with Words
If words don't distract you too much from studying, here are a few great songs that I love studying to with beautiful lyrics.
"New Slang" - The Shins: This classic indie song features a soft, steady beat that is easy to focus to.
"Anthems for a Seventeen Year Old Girl" - Broken Social Scene: Broken Social Scene is a Canadian "music collective," with anywhere from six to 19 members, so you can imagine how unique their music must be. If you've ever seen the movie "Scott Pilgrim Vs The World," you may remember this song.
"Penelope" - Pinback:
Pinback is a rock band with plenty of chill songs, and "Penelope" is no exception. I first heard it while working at my university's radio station doing homework, so I've always associated it with school. It's the bomb.
"Georgia" - Vance Joy: Vance Joy has quickly become one of the biggest deals in music, and hearing this song makes that easy to believe. A mix of the guitar and his incredible voice make it easy to take a breath and just relax during a stressful study session.
"Vow" - Sales: Sales is my favorite band that nobody has heard of, as hipster as that may sound. They're a duo from Florida. Every song on their self-titled EP is relaxing and fun to listen to. "Vow" is my favorite.
There are ten songs to help you get started on creating the most perfect study playlist there ever was. Happy mid-terms!
