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Good Study Music

List produced by the Users more info

  • "Beethoven's 5 Secrets," "Charlie Brown Medley" (The Piano Guys): Why? These guys play covers, but it is amazing and so uplifting to hear them as they play the piano and cello to classic songs. The videos are great too, but even just listening to it in the background while I study and work gets me fired up!
  • "Clocks" (Coldplay): Why? I like to listen to mellow music with a slight edge while studying. That way, I can concentrate but I also have something keeping me going in the background. Coldplay does it right, and this is one of my favorite songs by them!
  • "Everybody's Free (To Wear Sunscreen)" (Baz Luhrmann, et al.): Why? This newspaper column turned single has the tone of a college commencement speech, and while the advice is simple enough it always made me stop and think about what I wanted to accomplish throughout college before I was the one sitting and listening to my own commencement speech.
  • "One Love" (Bob Marley): Why? What's the one thing you're looking forward to when you're stuck inside doing homework? Summer. Nothing says sweet summertime like the reggae tunes of legendary Bob Marley.
  • "Rise To Me" (The Decemberists): Why? The chill tone puts you in the zone, but country twist adds a little bit of fun to studying. It totally helps me focus, and some of the lyrics are empowering! Definitely a great song to listen to!
  • All of them (Instrumental Surf Music): Why? From artists like The Ventures, The Surfaris, The Space Cossacks, and The Surfites, there is nothing like having your own theme music. Their grooves keep your toes tapping while you are cranking out some of your best work.
  • All of them (Jack Johnson ): Why? I love Jack Johnson's mellow sounds, so I hate to relegate him to background music, but the songs just blend into each other so well, making a perfect study soundtrack.
  • Overture from Tron: Legacy (Daft Punk): Why? Hypnotic rhythm, driving beat, this music puts you in the zone and keeps you there. Makes you feel as powerful as jumping on a light cycle.

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About This List

When you're studying at 3:00 a.m. before a final, you need some motivation. Musical motivation. From the CollegeXpress team, here are our personal recommendations for songs that will help you study!

What's on your study soundtrack? Let us know in the comments!

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Marymount University

Arlington, VA