As everyone knows, midterms can be extremely stressful. However, I am going to try and make this midterm season a bit more “relaxing.” I am about to give you guys the key study playlist that will put your mind at ease. Whether it’s reading over chapters, or memorizing definitions, this playlist will definitely get you through. I have a bunch of different genres all put together in this playlist so that everyone can enjoy. So, let’s get into it!
“Butter” – A Tribe Called Quest
Like the title says, this song is smooooth like butter. The chorus is my personal favorite. With group member Q-Tip’s voice pairing with the melodic jazz beat, this song can soothe anyone’s ears. Not to mention, group member Phife Dawg’s flow molds with the drums in the background perfectly.
“Hurts Me Too” – Faye Webster
Now, this song is quite a turn from the last. This Faye Webster song resembles older country music, which is more my style. Whenever I hear that classic country guitar and Webster’s voice, I’m in a trance.
“Reconcile” – Jon Brion
This instrumental track from Lady Bird‘s original score gives me main character vibes. Classical tracks always put my mind at ease while I’m studying, and this one always does the job. With the higher and more happy clicking of some piano keys, to the more melancholy and lower registers of the other piano keys, this song will definitely help you study.
“Bambi” – Clairo
This song gives major Fall vibes. Fall is my favorite season, and it always relaxes me the most. This may sound a bit strange, but when I listen to this song, I envision leaves turning orange and red, chilly air, and leaves falling. Clairo’s soft voice and beautiful mixture of the varying instruments in this song always puts me in a peaceful state of mind.
“9” – WILLOW (ft. SZA)
WILLOW and SZA are known for their entrancing voices. So when they come together, it’s guaranteed to be a bop. The futuristic type of beat mixed with the piano keys makes me feel more relaxed.
“Leaving” – Jon Brion
This is another piece from the Lady Bird score and by the amazing composer, Jon Brion. In this soothing piece, all of the instruments blend together to make the perfect instrumental track. I always listen to this song while studying as it puts me in a calmer state of mind.
“Smoke Signals” – Phoebe Bridgers
This Phoebe Bridgers hit is sure to help anyone feel relaxed. Bridgers’ extremely soothing voice, beautiful lyrics, and the peaceful strumming of the guitar always clears my mind.
“Is It a Crime” – Sade
When I’m studying, I love to listen to songs that have a jazz feel. This Sade classic definitely gives me that. The faster paced beginning then goes into a more smooth jazz, combined with Sade’s slightly raspy, but smooth voice. It relaxes me and places me in a more tranquil, mental state.
“Holocene” – Bon Iver
Any Twilight fans? Well, I’m not, but I looovvvve Bon Iver’s music. They never disappoint. The gentle strumming of the guitar along with the airy voice singing throughout this song, always sets me in a more relaxing scene while I study.
‘Étrange Mélange”– Acoustic Version: Claire Laffut
This acoustic version of Belgian singer’s Claire Laffut’s song is music to my ears. I’m a sucker for anything with guitars. Her soft voice and the beautiful strumming of the acoustic guitar never fails to relax me and put my mind at ease.
“Gare du Nord” – Claire Laffut
Do you want to feel like you’re the star of a French coming-of-age film who’s cramming for an exam? This song will do the trick. The chorus is my favorite part. Laffut’s vocals combined with her singing in French is so hypnotizing.
“If I Get to Meet You” – BENEE
Singer BENEE has such a sweet and melodic voice that entrances anyone who listens. This song also has more soft strumming of a guitar that you have to listen a bit closer to in order to really hear it. The more futuristic beat also adds to this song. Although this song is a bit more upbeat, it’s still perfect for relaxation.
“Dreamflower” – Tarika Blue
Now, I’m pretty sure many of you have heard this beat. Erykah Badu sampled this track in her hit song “Didn’t Cha Know”. I am also a sucker for songs that have a jazz feel. This instrumental track is probably the most relaxing song I’ve ever heard. It’s guaranteed to help you wind down and focus while you’re studying.
“Seems Like” – Thee Sinseers
This soothing song is definitely going to make any listener feel more calm and relaxed. It’s the perfect soul song, and it always leaves me with that “stank” face one gets when they hear an absolutely amazing track.
“The End” – Sibylle Baier
Did I ever mention to you guys that I’m a sucker for guitars? Well, in case you forgot, I am a sucker for guitars. This song is full of soft guitar strumming that pairs perfectly with Baier’s soft and airy voice.
“Les Fleurs” – Minnie Riperton
I’m pretty sure everyone knows this classic. Whether you’ve heard it in a movie, or you’ve searched the song up to listen to, it’s amazing. Riperton’s mixture of her soulful and light voice along with the jazz instruments can captivate any listener.
“Snowqueen of Texas” – The Mamas & The Papas
If you’re a 70’s music junkie like myself, then you’ll absolutely love this song. While studying, I like to envision myself in a different space. Why study in a library when you could imagine that you’re in a cute cafe in the 70s? This is the exact vibe this song gives off and I’m in love.
“Speaking Terms” – Snail Mail
The guitars are HEAVY in this song. Snail Mail’s soft and grungy voice puts me in a trance, and always leaves me bopping my head while I’m studying.
“Moodna, Once With Grace” – Gus Dapperton
Gus Dapperton never disappoints. His raspy voice soothes any listener’s ears, and I’m sure that you’ll be in a more relaxed state of mind after hearing this song.
“Natural” – Shelly
Like the song says, “no need to be anxious…”. After listening to this song, all anxiety will be gone. The soft voices along with this hazy beat always leave me feeling more at ease and ready to study.
Check out the playlist on Spotify here: