So at this point we’re in the sixth week of the semester and midterms are coming up. I can feel the dread radiating off of the paper or computer you’re reading from right now.
If you’re feeling like me, then this semester has kicked you right in the hind quarters.
Juggling your various responsibilities such as a job (or jobs), a child (or several children), keeping a social life and trying to take care of your body in addition to your class load, probably feels like adding to a house of cards that is at a 45 degree angle.
But you probably think I’m gonna offer some solutions to your problem in the form of resources available on campus or techniques you can use to relieve your stress.
Wrong. It’s been done time and time before and I don’t have the answers for you, as my house of cards is already lying on the ground and it’s on fire.
What I can give you is some lit music to use when you’re trying to study or write that big ol’ paper. Using music to help me work (at a moderate volume) has always helped me stay focus and keep me invested in my studies.
I know plenty of others who get the same effect from it as well. So without further ado, I give you my list of the best music to do your schoolwork to.
A few disclaimers: Not everyone likes listening to music while they do their homework. Also, there are no studies that have influenced my choices here, it’s just what’s worked for me. It might help to do some listening right before or during your study sesh, it’s up to you. Satisfaction is not guaranteed here.
Classical Music: It’s the oldest one in the book, you’ve all heard of the “Mozart Effect,” the idea that classical music makes you smarter, or even playing it to your unborn child will help it. That’s just a media manufactured hoax.
However, the right classical music helps me get in the zone when I’m writing about the revolutionary war or most history topics. They have such a good level of ebb and flow to them that keep things interesting, but not overbearing.
Some recommended songs are “Tragic Overture” by Brahms, “Slavonic March” by Tchaikovsky, any selection of Saint Saens “Carnival of the Animals” and “Consolation No. 3” by Liszt. The options are endless, however.
Pink Floyd: I recommend these guys for similar reasons to the classical music. Floyd is just a bit more modern. David Gilmour is a master of the guitar and creating emotional and soulful rhythms and melodies that stimulate the listener’s brain.
Add in the input of his talented Floyd bandmates like Richard Wright and Roger Waters and you have some great stuff to drift away to in the land of endless homework.
A few good ones are “Shine on You Crazy Diamond Parts 1-10,” “Marooned,” “Echoes” and the entirety of “The Endless River.”
Tempest 2000: The soundtrack of one of the most memorable games in the Atari Jaguar’s console life is an engaging mix of rock, techno, reggae and funk. It is perfect for the student that needs some more uptempo stuff to satisfy their appetite for scholastic success. Check it out if you’ve never heard of it.
Run the Jewels: Another worthy addition to the listening library is rap duo Run the Jewels. Killer Mike and El-P bring a manic, high energy feel with their rhymes and beats that can give you the extra kick you need when you need motivation.
However, not everyone can deal with fast paced music. I can sometimes, and especially when I do math work. These guys are good enough to make me bob my head when I crunch the numbers.
A few highlights include “Close Your Eyes (and Count to…)” “Mean Demeanor,” “Thursday in the Danger Room” and “Crown.”
Youtube Trap Mixes: There are several channels on YouTube dedicated to turning classic songs from various forms of media into lo-fi trap remixes. Your mileage may vary on these, but once you find the right channel/playlist, these can be cathartic to listen to.
The instrumentation isn’t overbearing and there aren’t any lyrics that could distract you. It always calms me down at least. Two of my favorites are “Super Mario World Game Over Theme,” and “Pure Imagination.”
Childish Gambino’s “Awaken My Love:” This album is already awesome, but the mellow, atmospheric tunes like “Redbone,” “Stand Tall” and “Me and Your Mama” create a warm environment for work.
This album seems to have more focus on the instrumentation and the mood, which helps it out as a study album.
I could go on for a while, but this is the music I turn to the most when I need to cram some info the night before a test (PSA: don’t do that).
So just remember, even when your house of cards is going down in flames, you can at least play so badass music to accompany you.
Henry Wolski
Executive Editor