As finals begin in just a few days, students flock to the library or The Small Family Collaboration Hub to prepare for their exams. For those who need a sonic push to ace their exams, this is the perfect playlist to get you over the studying hump.
‘It Makes the Babies Want to Cry’ by George Clanton
The synths across Clanton’s discography are addictive. At its core, it’s a digestible electronic track over a chill vaporwave beat that might just make opening your math textbook for the first time this semester feel more powerful than ever.
‘Smile The Day After Today’ by Black Moth Super Rainbow
I’m not quite sure what genre this track fits into; perhaps lo-fi or trip hop would be the best classification. Whatever it is, it’s experimental and psychedelic in the best way possible.
Its nostalgic energy may cause you to put down your laptop and reminisce for a second, but it’s such a fun listen that I think it’s necessary.
‘Infinite Bliss’ by Maston
I find “Infinite Bliss” similar to the feeling of a breath of fresh air after a long exam. Its accompanying album, “Tulips,” was inspired by Italian film scores, and I love the Ennio Morricone vibe it gives.
If you don’t tap your leg for just one second, I don’t think you’re playing it loud enough to get the full experience of what avant-lounge aficionado Maston can do musically.
‘SHINE YOUR LIGHT FOR WE’ by KAYTRANADA
I could write a seven-page paper with just this song playing on repeat. It’s jazzy, and the house beat is elite — it’s truly a great example of what makes one of my favorite modern artists, KAYTRANADA, so special.
He loops the chorus of Wu-Tang Clan member Cappadonna’s 1998 song “Black Boy” and turns it into a flawless track that’ll help you secure an A in even the hardest class.
‘Any Light’ by Loving
Learning that this indie soundscape was from 2024 was a shock; it has such an old-timey vibe that it’s instrumentally mesmerizing.
The guitar at the beginning transforms into an orchestra of drums, vocals and piano that engulfs your ears. If you’re looking for a more folk-inspired study experience, I recommend Jesse Henderson’s vocals to guide that journey.
‘Chanson d’un jour d’hiver’ by Cortex
If you’re at all familiar with the French band Cortex, there’s a good chance that you became familiar with them through hip-hop’s fascination with sampling their tracks. Artists like Tyler, the Creator, Kanye West and Rick Ross have used Cortex’s timeless, jazzy melodies in their music.
The funk and bossa nova feel makes any one of their tracks phenomenal study music, but I went with “Chanson d’un jour d’hiver” as a favorite for the list.
If this one isn’t doing it for you, check out one of the rap songs that sample it, with Lupe Fiasco’s “Mural” or John Michel and Anthony James’ “world’s end.”
‘Baby’s Arms’ by Kurt Vile
Vile is one of my favorite guitarists, and his work on “Baby’s Arms” is no exception. It’s a soothing acoustic song that can calm any nerves, and I’m hoping it’ll have the same effect for anyone navigating a stressful finals season.
‘A.D. 2000’ by Erykah Badu
It’s not breaking news that Badu’s discography includes some of the best soul music ever made, and for studying, you can’t get much better.
It’s spacey and gorgeous, but the progression is its strongest aspect. It starts slow, gains speed, explodes into a beautiful instrumental melody and then slows down as it finishes. It’s the perfect song to throw on as you read through your notes one last time.