Typical studying procrastination methods: open your notes, scroll through Twitter for an hour, do a BuzzFeed quiz, find some music, repeat. We can’t stop you from putting off midterms prep, but let’s shorten your music search. There’s some new witchy but low-key tunes from Banks and Lorde and songs like Alexi Murdoch’s “Orange Sky” that will help you focus as you cram for that next exam.
The end of October is almost here. While you’re searching for Halloween costumes (instead of working on that international relations research paper), give the bottom half of our midterms playlist a listen. Get some sinister vibes from throwback Rihanna – her Good Girl Gone Bad era – and a She & Him cover that masters a Nina Simone classic.
Chances are some of you collegiettes will be party-hopping on the 31st. Childish Gambino’s “IV. Sweatpants” and “Tuesday” by ILoveMakonnen, which features October’s very own Drake, are here for you while you scramble for a last minute costumes and map out your night. Gambino enthusiast? Re-watch his trippy video for that single. So many Gambinos– swoon. Those new to the comedian-rapper’s artistry must check out his latest, “Telegraph Ave,” where a vacation goes awry. The end features a nightmarish ghoul creature if you’re into getting creeped out.
For the autumn obsessives who live and breathe all things this season has to offer– sweater weather, holiday prep and an all-out pumpkin-flavored lifestyle, we have a few soundtrack offerings that scream fall. The Head and the Heart’s “Rivers and Roads” makes you long for homecoming and reuniting with your friends and family next month. Similarly, Icelandic band Of Monsters and Men’s recent album My Head is an Animal tells stories of adventure and relationships, but “Six Weeks” is a standout.
Happy studying and happy fall! Here is the playlist. Share some of your go-to October tunes with us.