The Ultimate Study Playlist
Written by: Phillip Zminda
After just a few weeks, fall semester at Northeastern is in full swing and the endless tests, papers and readings college throws at us are already looming on the horizon. While the temptation to put off studying to craft the “ultimate study playlist” is all too real for most of us, that won’t exactly get you that A in Orgo.
However, browsing Spotify for the best study music is more likely to put you to sleep than help you focus considering the domination of the likes of Mozart and Tchaikovsky. You could just listen to an album, which usually runs the standard recommended studying time of 40 to 45 minutes without a break, but there is so much music available to us today that finding for the perfect album for your mood can be a seriously daunting task.
That's where we come in. We've collected the perfect collection of songs across a variety of genres and artists for studying or working and developed what we believe is the definitive "ultimate study playlist". If our 20 song playlist isn't enough music for you, don't fret: we've highlighted the albums that found their way into the playlist so you've got plenty of supplementary music magic to keep you company for the entire Fall semester.
Rumours, Fleetwood Mac (1977)
Stevie Nicks described attending studio sessions for recording their magnum opus Rumours as "tremendous emotional sacrifices". Is that not the most accurate way to describe studying too? Get into your groove with a true classic.
Washed Out, Within and Without (2011)
Beyond the totally Tumblr blog-worthy album artwork, Washed Out's debut album is chock full of soft ambient music and droned vocals to help you zone out from what's going on around you and zone in on those flashcards.
Blond(e), Frank Ocean (2016)
Although the ambiguous lyrics of Frank's spectacular second album make it difficult to dissect the work's meaning, it makes impeccable (albeit broody) study music. Frank's soulful croon and the moody instrumentation makes it easy to lose yourself in your work.
Something to Tell You, HAIM (2017)
Our favorite stylish sisters' new album, Something to Tell You, builds off their last album with flawless harmonies, catchy pop hooks, and an even more refined aesthetic. Let their unapologetically fun songs put you in a good headspace while you bang out that study guide.
Sade, The Essential Sade (2011)
Sade is known for its unique blend of smooth jazz and pop, and this unlikely combination of genres makes even studying seem seductive. With four decades worth of music to their name, the band's sultry saxophone and smoky vocals make an intense study session a bit more palatable.
James Blake, James Blake (2011)
James Blake's debut solidified his reputation as THE broody boy with a beautiful voice to sing over distant electronic, dubstep-inspired production. With repetitive, simple lyrics and lingering synths, this album is perfect for zoning out and churning out a research paper.
