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This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at GWU chapter.

Midterms.

 

We all have them, whether in exam form, research paper form, or presentation form. No matter what form they arrive in, they’re undeniably stressful. 

In stressful seasons like this one, music can be extremely healing and calming. 

Here are some songs to calm you down and keep you on track. 

 

1. Norman fucking Rockwell by Lana Del Rey 

  • Before I discuss this song, I just have to say that this album was ROBBED at the Grammy’s. Okay, moving on. But seriously, Lana does her best writing on this album and, arguably, this song. Not only that, but her voice sounds like sunshine to me, and she reminds me of California, the beach, and home.

2. everything i wanted by Billie Eilish

  • Billie’s voice is one of the most beautiful, calming sounds in the world. If this song doesn’t chill you out, not sure what else will. 

3. Please, Please, Please, Let Me Get What I Want by The Smiths

  • The Smiths have always been one of my favorite bands of all time, with this song being one of my personal faves. In the case of midterms, you can use the chorus of this song to plead for that good grade: “Please, please, please… let me get what I want: An A!”

4. Myth by Beach House

  • The main reason this is on here: it’s one of the most chill songs I’ve ever heard. Apologies for how many times I’ve said “chill” here, but it’s simply the best descriptor for this song. 

5. Pink + White by Frank Ocean

  • If there’s a chiller, more exquisite album other than Blonde by Frank Ocean, let me know, because this is my ideal plane album and one I crave when I need to relax to some absolutely amazing music.

6. Feels Like We Only Go Backwards by Tame Impala

  • Do I ever make a playlist without at least one Tame Impala song? Nope. This song always brings psychedelic, chill vibes and is sure to make me take a deep breath. 

7. Dunno- Recorded at Spotify Studios NYC by Mac Miller

  • One of his last recordings before his passing, this slowed-down, piano version of this track from Swimming perfectly encapsulates the immense musical talent of Mac Miller. The simplicity of the piano and his voice makes this recording one of his best. 

8. way it goes by Hippo Campus

  • This song always makes me smile, and I really like the woozy guitar solo that happens about halfway through. Not all chill songs have to be sad or slow!

9. 20 Something by SZA

  • SZA holds the honor of being my top Spotify artist from 2018, so therefore most of my playlists have a few of her songs on them. This is one of my favorites from Ctrl, her 2017 album that I probably listen to once a week. 

10. Swingin’ Party by Lorde

  • An oldie, but a goodie. This Lorde song comes off of the extended version of her 2013 smash Pure Heroine, which is also one of my favorite albums of all time. This eerie track highlights Lorde’s vocal ability and her unique style. Plus, the song is actually a cover, which I didn’t realize until recently.

Taylor is a freshman from Los Angeles, CA majoring in journalism and double minoring in psychology and law. She loves her three dogs, the beach, and anything pop culture related.
Sarah is a junior at The George Washington University School of Business, studying Finance and Sports Management, with a minor in Spanish. She previously worked at the Her Campus Media headquarters in Boston as a Product and Operations intern. She is a dedicated Boston sports fan, loves to travel, and pets every dog she sees.