With the module just about over I thought it’d be fun to share songs that have been a big help in getting me through it. I listen to music a lot, so only choosing five songs for each category was a bit tricky, but I did cheat a little and added some honorable mentions! I have made a Spotify playlist of all the mentioned songs.
Study Music
This is a pretty self-explanatory category. It’s the songs I would listen to (all of which are classical) to get me into that studying mindset.
“Concerto For Violoncello And Strings: II. (Longing)” by Dobrinka Tabakova
This song really describes the feeling of longing, yet towards the end it is hopeful. It’s such a beautifully composed and played concerto that when I listen to it I sometimes have to stop what I’m doing and just immerse myself in it.
“Ancient Airs And Dances, Suite No. 3, P. 172: 3 Siciliana” by Ottorino Respighi
This is such a soft and romantic song. It never fails to make me calm when worrying about schoolwork. Fun fact: this is the song that Barbie in the 12 Dancing Princesses used as the opening theme song.
“Humoresque, Op. 101, No 7” by Antonin Dvorak
This is another song that makes me feel better when stressed about school. It is uplifting in the best of ways; the opening sequence is iconic and the ending leaves you with a smile on your face.
“The River Cam” by Eric Whitecare
Written about a river, this song really flows well (pun intended). It is so smooth and light that you don’t even realize that the song is almost 12 minutes long. The song really just captivates the listener and it always makes me focus when listening.
“Emma Suite” by Isobel Waller-Bridge
This is from the remake-adaptation of the Jane Austin novel Emma that was released earlier this year. I am in love with this soundtrack, but this song is absolutely amazing. Not only does it capture the essence of the movie and the character of Emma, but it also is a delight to listen to.
Let’s Just Vibe it Out
These are the songs that I would listen to when I would put music on and do absolutely nothing else but just exist while the song is playing.
This song has more of a beat in the back than the other songs, but it is still one that I just quietly sing and bop along to. The lyrics are so sad yet it sounds more upbeat while still not being fully pop-sounding. Others by girl in red that although have a slightly different vibe but that I would also put on this list are “we fell in love in october” and “midnight love”.
“In a Week” by Hozier feat. Karen Crowley
I’ve been a long time fan of Hozier and kind of “rediscovered” him this summer, and this song is one that you have to just let wash over you. The lyrics really make you think, their voices blend beautifully together, and sometimes I just want to cry from listening to it. “Cherry Wine” and “Like Real People Do” are others of his that also give me similar feelings.
“Ends of the Earth” by Lord Huron
If you ever just stop and listen to the lyrics of this song, it really portrays the desperate pleading of asking the one you love to join you that the song is portraying. With it’s more calmed instrumentals it adds another layer to the singer’s pleas. Other songs by Lord Huron that also fit into this list are “Harvest Moon” and “She Lit a Fire.”
“Honeybee” by The Head and the Heart
Although about a dying relationship, this song somehow manages to remain hopeful. It’s all about realizing the fact that you could lose the one you love most, and the singer is desperate for that to not happen. “Brenda” and “Glory of Music” are two from this same album that also fit this vibe.
This song is like an internal monologue set to music, it’s so atmospheric and airy that you can’t help but do nothing except listen. AURORA’s haunting yet somehow ethereal vocals only bring a more dramatic and full sound. “I Went Too Far” and “Black Water Lilies” are others of hers I would put on this list.
Let Go
These are the songs I would play when I need to let off some steam, pressing play and just singing, dancing, and forgetting about school for the length of each song.
This song will never get old. EVER. From the first beat of this song I immediately want to sing along. Lorde is such a great lyricist and does not disappoint here, her heady voice is just as intoxicating as the scene she’s singing about. It’s the perfect song to get lost in. Honestly, jamming out to Lorde’s whole discography is something I’ve done this quarantine. But if I had to pick two to go on this list it would be “Supercut” and, even though it was everywhere a few years ago, “Royals.”
I couldn’t not put this song here. It’s such a fun and sunny song that you can’t help bopping to it. It was literally made to put smiles on faces and it definitely did that for me. BTS has so many great songs that would fit on this list and music videos to binge, which I highly recommend doing. Ones that I’ve been listening to nonstop in this module are “Stay Gold” and “Spring Day.”
In my opinion, a pop song about not appreciating what you have is really timely. Without even listening to the lyrics the beat has you hooked from the start. “Crash My Car” and “Growing Pains” are two others by COIN that deserve a spot on this list.
This indie Mexican band deserves all the love. This song is so infectiously happy and beachy that even if you don’t know Spanish you will want to sing and dance along! If you like this song, I recommend checking out “Azul” and “Lo que necesitas es amor,” both by Little Jesus.
I honestly forgot this band existed until a few months ago, after releasing “Cool Kids” in 2013, they kinda disappeared. This song off their 2013 album is one that I imagine playing at a middle school dance where everyone is just jumping up and down, and if that isn’t a vibe I don’t know what is. Others that don’t necessarily have that middle school vibe but are still great are “Over My Head” and “Lonely Generation.”
I hope your module ended on a good note. Happy listening!
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