I don’t know about you, but I need my headphones on and music blasting to get my homework done. And with finals right around the corner, it’s time to lock in on that study playlist. So, if that sounds like something you need, here are some recommendations for you to add.
“Blue Flower” by Mazzy Star is a cover of the original song by Slapp Happy. While this is a rock song, the consistent beat and Mazzy Star’s soothing voice makes it a perfect background soundtrack. This song makes you want to nod your head up and down with the beat, which is how a successful study session begins.
“Wade” by Clairo comes from her second album, “Sling.” This album tends to get less recognition as compared to her other albums, but it’s probably my favorite. The songs are introspective with connections to nature. In “Wade,” specifically, the xylophone and horns allow for a grounded effect where the listener truly feels a part of the music. The song is also consistently mellow and there are moments of only instrumentals, perfect as a background song to help you lock in.
“Femme Fatale” by The Velvet Underground and Nico started as a B side to “Sunday Morning” and took awhile to gain recognition. Personally, this is my favorite Velvet Underground and Nico song because of the simplicity of the lyrics combined with the beautiful constant background vocals and instrumentals. There was one summer where I listened to this song every single night before I went to bed because it was so calming.
“Well I Wonder” by The Smiths is from their album “Meat Is Murder” and contains all the classic aspects of a Smith song: introspective, depressing and vulnerable. In general, I recommend listening to The Smiths when doing homework because their songs sound somewhat similar, so it’s easy to get a flow going. In particular, “Well I Wonder” feels like daydreaming through the drawn-out words and repetition of the phrase “well I wonder.” Morrissey’s voice also sounds particularly gentle and comforting, great for a subtle study session.
“It Ain’t Me Babe” by Joan Baez is a classic Joan Baez cover of a song originally by Bob Dylan. The guitar in the background is simple and Joan Baez’s voice somehow both conveys immense heartbreak and emotion while being quietly delicate. The gentleness of this cover makes it an ideal sound for a study session.
“Hey, That’s No Way to Say Goodbye” by Leonard Cohen is a beautiful poetic and melancholic song. From his first album “Songs Of Leonard Cohen,” this song stands out as one with tender lyrics and composition. Cohen’s guitar skills were limited and he pushed back on his producer’s push for embellishment. The result is a song that is beautifully raw, great for a study session.
Hopefully these songs will be new additions to your study playlist, helping you get through finals. If not, maybe you’ll at least find your new favorite song.