We are almost a month into the school year, which means we have settled into our classes and the work is starting to ramp up. If you are like me and got used to not having homework over the summer, you might be finding it hard to lock in and reclaim your productivity. Some might prefer to work in silence. But for those of you who need music to get your juices flowing, I have put together some of my favorite songs to listen to when I need to be an academic weapon:
1. “NEW MAGIC WAND” – Tyler, The Creator (2019)
There is something about the steady beat and funky electronic production of this track that gets me typing faster. The intro always gets me geared up to focus: “Sometimes you gotta close a door to open a window.”
2. “Take a Walk” – Passion Pit (2012)
Another fun and upbeat song, “Take a Walk,” makes studying a lot less painful. “I remind myself that times could be much worse,” Michael Angelakos sings about putting things in his life into perspective.
3. “9 to 5” – Dolly Parton (1980)
“Tumble outta bed and I stumble to the kitchen, pour myself a cup of ambition,” Dolly Parton sings about starting your morning off right. The spunky instrumentals and pop sounds are sure to refresh your mind.
4. “Eventually” – Tame Impala (2015)
Tame Impala put his signature electronic indie sound on this track about hoping someone will be alright “eventually.” Kevin Parker’s vocals toward the end of the track never fail to relax me when I’m grinding out work.
5. “One Thing” – One Direction (2012)
Hear me out on this one — sometimes you just need a nostalgic and smiley song to get you through your study session. “I don’t, I don’t, don’t know what it is, but I need that one thing,” One Direction sings about knowing a lover is special, even if you can’t pinpoint why.
6. “Stacy’s Mom” – Fountains of Wayne (2003)
“You know, I’m not the little boy that I used to be,” Chris Collingwood sings in this power pop track about having an unlikely crush. I always find myself tapping my foot along to the beat when I hear this in the library.
7. “N Side” – Steve Lacy (2019)
For those who find that a slower track is better suited to amp up their productivity, “N Side” is my pick. Steve Lacy’s voice blends seamlessly with the production to create an easy and relaxing listening experience.
8. “Backstabber” – Kesha (2010)
Kesha sings, “Girl, you’re such a backstabber,” over and over again to emphasize how her close friend betrayed her. Sometimes, a healthy way to get out your anger is by using it to fuel your schoolwork.
9. “No Wind Resistance!” – Kinneret (2019)
A few years ago, this track trended on TikTok because users claimed its funky beat and structure helped them get through their work at a pace they never had before. “I can run faster with no wind resistance,” Kinneret sings about knowing her potential when there’s nothing holding her back.
10. “Daft Pretty Boys” – Bad Suns (2016)
“There’s one thing about me that you should know: that I can’t help from speaking my mind,” Christo Bowman sings in this boppy indie-rock track. Much of Bad Suns’ discography serves as effective study music due to its addictive, electronic production.
11. “Bad Habit” – The Kooks (2014)
The intense drum beat and vocals at the start of this track are intense and sure to get you serious about sitting down and starting your assignments. “You know I wish I had it all,” Luke Pritchard repeats throughout the song, emphasizing how his lover is like his “bad habit.”
12. “Take A Hint” – Victorious Cast, Victoria Justice, Elizabeth Gillies
“You asked me what my sign is and I told you it was ‘stop’,” Victoria Justice sings in this classic staple of Nickelodeon’s “Victorious.” Whenever I find myself getting too upset or serious while studying, this track always reminds me to shake it out.
13. “Let You Love Me” – Jervis Campbell (2019)
“Let You Love Me” is one of my favorites to listen to as I “cool down” and finish up my study session. The soft country sound is a great way to wrap up your assignments and transition back into the rest of your day!
