John Mayer – The Search for Everything — Wave one & Wave two
This brand new album is by the legend we have witnessed transform from a starving musician (about the same age as us), to Bob Weir’s counterpart.
Every track in this album fits together so nicely as an emotional path to self discovery, as well as Mayer’s struggle to get over a past love. One track will leave you feeling happy, while the next can make you cry. Overall, Mayer has such capacity to emulate his emotions through each track.
‘Moving On and Getting Over’ is my personal favorite. Mayer’s calming voice, as well as his ever-so-talented variation on the electric guitar, make this song incredibly groovy, while still remaining very relaxing.
‘Still Feel Like Your Man’ is also an upbeat, fun, and light-hearted tune. John Mayer exhibits his talents by returning to a falsetto range during the chorus of this song.
The two waves of this album are great listens in a number of different scenarios. The buoyant and calming nature of the album, are enough reason to listen to the tracks while studying or doing homework. The melodies in both waves are tranquil, and hopeful—two elements that can only motivate you while drowning in midterms.
Frank Ocean – Blonde
This unbelievably unique album was exposed to the public on August 20th, 2016. Since then, this album has remained one of my absolute favorites. Not only is this album unlike anything you have probably ever heard, it is also perfect in the background for relaxing and doing some homework.
The songs assimilate in a beautiful, powerful way. Each track is so distinct and different, yet listening to the entire album together sounds like one spiritual escapade.
For the most part, every song is incredibly beautiful with unique melodies and an underlying Hip Hop/R&B beat. ‘Ivy,’ ‘Self Control,’ and ‘Nights,’ are some of my favorites, yet the entire album is a piece of creative art.
Anderson Paak — Malibu
This album is UNDERRATED! Anderson Paak is such an intuitive musician. After watching him perform some of this album live, I learned he is a beast on the drums, and so ridiculously creative in his lyrics and overall style.
This album is so inventive and original. The instrumentation, production quality, and lyrical content is comparable to other prominent artists, but remains extremely authentic and special. The album is not as relaxing compared to other albums on the list, but might just be enough to keep you awake at the library, though not enough to get distracted by.
Miles Davis — Kind of Blue
If you’re into jazz and classical, instrumental music, this album is perfect for you. One of the best albums of all times, these tracks will keep your focus and motivation on the task at hand. This album is also one that could work really well in the background while reading.
Jack Johnson — In Between Dreams
This album has been popular since its release in 2005. The music on this record is extremely relaxing and perfect for students who enjoy studying to acoustic guitar. Jack Johnson’s skill as a songwriter and singer are not to be overlooked. The album is simple and timeless, with tracks that are likable by a variety of different people.
List of Songs:
Sideways — Citizen Cope ft. Carlos Santana
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5SOD-RuoAFY
This song is soulful and emotional. Santana on the guitar, combined with Cope’s soothing voice, is the perfect sound to guide your focus of study. I usually play this song before I begin studying, because it might be too powerful to ignore while reading.
George Harrison — Something
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_8Dw6Pel424
This song is simply great, and makes me feel all kinds of happiness when I hear the underrated talent of George Harrison on the guitar. His simple, raspy voice is really something.
Led Zeppelin — The Rain Song
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TRt4hQs3nH0
This song is mostly instrumental, but so much more. This track is from the remastered Houses of the Holy album. The song is hopeful, graceful, and beautiful. Most importantly, this song can improve your mood while helping you focus on your work.
The key to listening to music while studying, is listening to something you can appreciate and enjoy, that will also keep you on task and able to work for longer.