When you’re very slowly chipping away at the workload you have, let this playlist be your companion. Mostly chill, but a little not.
“No Rain” by Blind Melon
Blind Melon sings of life’s mundanities, but the song is not sad due to the loud guitar throughout. The lyrics are simple, as they sing “And I don’t understand why I sleep all day/And I start to complain that there’s no rain.” This one’s bound to be stuck in your head for a while, but also might inspire you to open up your notebook and get to work.
“PIRATE RADIO*” by Jean Dawson
This one’s beautiful, and Dawson’s voice rings in your ears as he sings, “All of it’s golden, my body was floating/I’m still alive/My paddle is broken, I’m out in the open/I’ll never die.” The song discusses being lost at sea and lost internally, and is made powerful by the words that sound like they’re being sung from far away, in addition to echoes. You can get a full paragraph written to this one.
“Maps” by Yeah Yeah Yeahs
For a more relaxed vibe than the previous two, this song has a deep effect because of the spacing between lyrics. The lyrics are simple, too, and Karen O. sings with a calmness and beauty that’s difficult to replicate. You might consider eating some popcorn as you listen to this and sort of complete your note-taking on a documentary for history class.
“Yellow Ledbetter” by Pearl Jam
This one’s a bit of an energy booster, but also one of the band’s more chill songs. Eddie Vedder’s gritty and passionate voice might just give you the energy you need to finish that math problem… or maybe you’ll instead pack up your bag and belt this song along with him. That is, if you can understand a single word he’s saying.
“Next To Me” by Emeli Sandé
Sandé’s magnificent voice, in combination with a strong band, makes for a more upbeat groove, as she sings, “You won’t find him tryna chase the Devil/For money, fame, for power, out of grief/You won’t ever find him where the rest go/You will find him, you’ll find him next to me.” This one will make you get up and dance a little before sitting down again to resume the homework.
“Burning” by Maggie Rogers
For some sappiness and upper vocal range, Rogers gives us a sweet, chill bop. You’ll soon find yourself whistling along, even before you learn the words, “Let me help you wake you up/Let me help you break you up/Let me help you open up/I’m in love, I’m alive, oh I’m burning.” It’s fairly obvious, but this song is about being head-over-heels in love. A couple of questions can be accurately answered on your practice test for science class as you listen to it!
“Teardrop” by Massive Attack
The low volume of the lyrics in this song allows you to focus a little more on your homework and a little less on the song itself. This one can go on repeat—it’s just that type of beat. Plus, you can finish reading your textbook chapter as you nod along with the song.
song. If you do happen to take a listen to the lyrics, you may be baffled by the meaning. Although it is not confirmed, many believe that Elizabeth Fraser wrote the song in tribute to her late boyfriend, Jeff Buckley, who tragically drowned. “Water is my eye/Most faithful mirror/Fearless on my breath.”
“I Found” by Amber Run
You’re almost done studying, and this one will help you fall asleep, head on your notebook and computer screen glaring at you. But it’s not a boring song, just a very calm one. You’ll really contemplate the lyrics for the first minute before they fade in your ears as you doze off. “And I’ve moved further than I thought I could/But I missed you more than I thought I would/And I’ll use you as a warning sign/That if you talk enough sense, then you’ll lose your mind.”