Some of us may prefer silence over study music, but a well-curated playlist can set the mood for focus and positivity. Listening to these songs while completing your busywork, brainstorming for an essay, or during a break between study sessions will take the edge off the drudgery that is homework.
Beautiful Boy (Darling Boy) – John Lennon
In my mind, “Beautiful Boy” is a sweet, relaxing song that’s perfect for the last assignment of the day, completed at eight or nine in the evening. Finish up a textbook reading while the easy pace of the song allows you to take in each concept in the chapter.
Two Birds – Regina Spektor
“Two Birds” is more of a study set-up song. Having a quiet, organized space available for studying is essential to your ability to focus. Clear off your desk, set distractions aside, and replenish your supply of sharpened pencils to Regina Spektor’s beautiful vocals.
The Big Country – 2005 Remaster – Talking Heads
A more upbeat song, “The Big Country” is suited to an assignment that requires energy and stamina. Punch out computations and scribble down numbers for that Chemistry problem set due tomorrow morning while David Byrne sings to you.
Velvet Ring – Big Thief
It’s nine or ten on a Saturday morning, and you’re still clad in pajamas while you read over study guides for the upcoming unit test. This is not cramming but an affirming, stress-free study session.
Cemetery Gates – 2017 Master – The Smiths
With the mention of poets Keats and Yeats, “Cemetery Gates” is obviously a soundtrack for English homework, whether it’s creative writing or memorizing vocabulary.
Dinner & Diatribes – Hozier
We all find ourselves in the midst of late-night study sessions sometimes, and though they may not be the best for our sleep schedules, they are the only option at times. Healthy snacks and lively music are your best friends when pulling near all-nighters.
Lost in the Supermarket – Remastered – The Clash
This particularly mellow, surfy Clash song is great for studying outside during the last few nice days of the year. Set down those color-coded biology notes next to you on a picnic table or lean against a tree trunk while you study.
Ladies of Cambridge – Vampire Weekend
In my opinion, “Ladies of Cambridge” should be in the background of every high-energy history assignment. It could be background music to John Green’s latest Crash Course video or your meticulous research on the causes of some major event. Once you’ve turned that in, turn your attention to your college search with Vampire Weekend’s song “Campus” as a soundtrack.
Apartment – Young the Giant
Studying doesn’t always look like its traditional form, leaning over a textbook, scribbling notes. Sometimes you’re going over and over key terms and concepts in your head while you walk to school, coffee in hand. Or you’re leaning your head on the schoolbus window as you visualize the notes you took the previous night.
Oh My Captain – Rayland Baxter
“O Captain! My Captain!” is a classic, just like the irreplicable vibe of sitting at your favorite cafe downtown, earbuds in, typing rapidly on a shiny computer.