We all have midterms to cram for, essays to write and chapters to read. Studying takes a lot of focus and with the sun constantly shining in SLO it’s hard to stay on task. When your roommates want to play Cards Against Humanity or go to Einstein’s for dinner, all you can do to continue studying is plug in your headphones and drown out everything around you. But what’s the best thing to listen to in order to keep distractions at bay?
There’s the “Mozart Effect” that says Mozart stimulates your brain and helps you stay focused, but it can also put you right to sleep. It’s important to keep your study playlist interesting enough to not play into your sleep deprivation, but nothing too catchy that you lose your spot in your textbook from singing along. We love Taylor Swift’s new songs as much as the next person, but we couldn’t write an argumentative essay while dancing to “Shake It Off.” It’s just not practical.
We’ve compiled a list of 10 songs to jump-start your perfect study playlist, including slow-burn ballads and up-tempo jams to keep your mind focused on all of your mundane schoolwork.
1/ You & Me (Flume Remix) – Disclosure, Eliza Doolittle
This remix has a strong beat to it, which will help you gear up to begin studying. Focus on your work, but keep the music on low to get your brain waves moving.
2/ 400 Lux – Lorde
Lorde’s smooth vocals and fluid music will keep your mind in the right place, allowing you to crank out a few paragraphs on that pesky English paper.
3/ Champagne Supernova – Oasis
This song is the perfect mix of a ballad and rock song. The vibe is relaxed, but not so relaxed that you fall asleep on your textbook. It’s longer too, which will help you maintain the rigor you’re working at.
4/ Robbers – The 1975
Continue your study sesh with another slow-burn indie rock song. The lead singer has a bit of an accent, so it can be difficult to discern the lyrics, which will help you not be distracted by them.
5/ Your Hand In Mine – Explosions in the Sky
Consider this the classical piece of the bunch because it doesn’t have any lyrics. For the eight minutes it runs you can focus on the crescendos of the guitar and the beauty of the simplicity, rather than what it’s saying.
6/ All Eyes on You – St. Lucia
At this point you’re getting bored of studying, so it’s time to pick up the pace a little. This guitar-lead song will help wake you up a bit from your study trance, hopefully keeping your brain waves active.
7/ Happy Little Pill – Troye Sivan
This electronic-indie-pop-etc. song will make you feel motivated to finish your studying strong. Let the heavy bass carry you into the last bit of the chapter you’re reading.
8/ Warm Water – Banks
Banks’ voice is fluid and beautiful, and combined with her simple backtrack, this song is the perfect song to help you stay focused while studying.
9/ The City – Ed Sheeran
Who doesn’t love Ed Sheeran? This song is lesser known, so you’ll be less apt to sing along, but the familiar tone of this Brit will make you want to keep calm and carry on.
10/ Fireside – Arctic Monkeys
The constant guitar riff and heavy drumming of this song will make your fingers move faster across your keyboard as you write your closing paragraph, save your document and close your laptop.
And when all is said and done, your paper is complete, you know every last fact about World War II and you’re ready to ace your midterm, blast “Come On Eileen” by Dexys Midnight Runners. You deserve a dance party.