As the 2016 midterm season begins (*insert the Star Wars Imperial March here*) so do the late nights and headaches. Don’t let the midterms blues get you down — the key to studying well is maintaining your focus for long periods of time, and music is a great way to help overlook distractions and keep yourself motivated! Let HerCampus get you into the optimal studying mood with these ten tracks.
1. Baby – Ariel’s Pink Haunted Graffiti
Hear it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q3utvDLTynY
Although certainly an eclectic choice, singer-songwriter Ariel Pink’s “Baby” is the perfect segway into the studying mentality.
2. Rumour Mill (Feat. Anne-Marie & Will Heard) – Rudimental
Hear it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W1IVP8R8jTs
English band Rudimental’s “Rumour Mill” straddles the perfect line between tantalizing bass and easy listening, and Anne-Marie’s vocals will delight every Major from Classic’s to Med Sci!
3. Hunger Of The Pine – Alt-J
Hear it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dCCXq9QB-dQ
Miley Cyrus may not have made our criteria for study music but clearly she stood out to Alt-J, who samples her “4×4” song in this enigmatic track.
4. Constant Conversations – Passion Pit
Here it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EBLuWKnKIn0
This indietronica band released “Constant Conversations” in their Top 10 Album Gossamer, making it a fitting choice on our ’10 Tunes’ list.
5. My Love – Route 94 (Feat. Jess Glynne)
Hear it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BS46C2z5lVE
Clearly a man of many talents, DJ Route 94 clearly brings what Club Weldon is missing and works with fellow rising star Jess Glynne to make “My Love” a vocally compelling library jam.
6. Finally Moving – Pretty Lights
Hear it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sk9XYQMRiLY
“Finally Moving” is an absolute for studying, with its organic beats and samples of everything from hip-hop to vintage funk, your eardrums will thank you.
7. No Diggity – Chet Faker
Hear it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s1JsBhRCRH0
Hailing from Australia, Faker is well known for his cover of Blackstreet’s “No Diggity” and intimate vocal style. This song is a favourable tune for students who want to get real intimate with their Calc notes.
8. Child’s Play (Feat. Chance the Rapper) – SZA
Hear it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SNqL8X-VzG8
The simply unraveling Solana Rowe creates the perfect minimalist vibe, and provides plenty of Shakespeare references to supplement studying for any and all in Arts and Humanities.
9. Islands – Young the Giant
Hear it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Q7QkZRaSuI
Alternative American band Young the Giant are no stranger to fame, but their lesser known track “Islands” is the otherworldly sound thats been missing from your iTunes. For more surprising additions to your study playlist check out their In The Open sessions.
10. Crystallised – The XX
Hear it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pib8eYDSFEI
The XX are capable of bringing Top 40 and Indie fans together with their music, so sit back, wipe away those exam grind tears and prepare to be overwhelmed with this trio’s unique flair (and the amount of essays you still have left to write).
Bonus: Instrumental Tracks for Low-Key Academics
For those students who can’t abide classical for studying but get easily distracted, here are some subtle sounds to keep you immersed.
1. AirplaneShadows – Kiln
Hear it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QTEJ_PWgN68&list=PL3FC1CAD113196D15&index=4
2. Gold Panda – 5th Avenus
Hear it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cRLreGvjC4c
3. Saltwater (Rework) Nora En Pure
Hear it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qyiX49gsebs