Some students can study only when surrounded by quiet peace and tranquility, while others can learn just as well during a heavy metal concert, the circus, a wild party or a suspenseful movie. For those who can study anywhere there’s background noise, here are the top 10 songs to help you concentrate.
1. “Brandenburg Concerto No. 5” by Johann Sebastian Bach. This is the perfect song to get you into studying mode. The peppy but controlled tempo will energize you, and the trills of the violins and harpsichord will make your brain cells trill. Even if you’re not a big classical music fan, it’s impossible to not like this song.
2. “Dawn” by Jean-Yves Thibaudet from the “Pride and Prejudice” soundtrack. This song will open your mind the way it gently opened the film, coaxing you into deeper study. Your brain will start crackling lightning, and you will start to see little shards of light shine on your English essay.
3. “Pennies From Heaven” by Billie Holiday. This fun tune will brighten your spirits and lighten your mood. Don’t miss a penny as you add up dollars and figure out compound interest on your accounting home-work, and remember that every one of your genius thoughts is worth a whole thunderstorm of pennies.
4. “Swinging on a Star” by Bing Crosby. Your grandparents probably heard this song when they were young, but its message has just as much relevance to you today. Remind yourself of why you’re in college with this fun melody that tells you what you become when you don’t take your education seriously.
5. “It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me” by Billy Joel. After a few slow songs, give yourself a pick me up with this upbeat tune. Just try not to pay attention to Joel’s assertion that “you think too much” if you’re a straight-A student.
6. “Both Sides, Now” by Judy Collins. Collins’ voice is powerful and soothing at the same time in this song about how your perspectives can change. Maybe it’ll help you change your perspective on how to solve your algebra problem or complete your biology lab report.
7. “Penny Lane” by The Beatles. If you’ve been to the real Penny Lane, you’ll start picturing it when you hear this song instead of the chemistry formula you’re supposed to be picturing. Otherwise, this song will keep you relaxed, optimistic and ready for more work.
8. “Daydream Believer” by The Monkees. Sweet and poetic, this song will keep you mellow but awake, relieving I-want-to-get-this-over-with aggression. Before putting this on your playlist, make sure you can read and bob your head from side to side at the same time.
9. “Missing You” by Dan Fogelberg. Fogelberg’s easygoing music is some of the best music to listen to while you study. This song will sweep you away with its heartfelt lyrics, and maybe some of its passion will transfer to your psychology paper.
10. “What I Want” by Daughtry featuring Slash. A motivating beat, amazing guitar work and Chris Daughtry’s raspy voice make this song perfect for your study session’s last-mile stretch. It finishes the job and gets you pumped to play at the same time.
Finding the right songs for your study playlist is a matter of trial and error and being honest with yourself when a song is keeping your mind off your work. If you can listen to it without getting too distracted, it can go on your playlist. Just make sure to avoid the temptation to have a karaoke party.
