Illustration by Sidra Dahhan
Study Song Recommendations From The Gazelle
Diversify your study session playlist. Here’s a list of recommendations from The Gazelle’s editorial board to get you started.
Feb 20, 2023
Stefan Mitikj, Managing Editor
Recommendation: “Za Nas Pocnuva Zivot” by Daniela Pancetovikj
The song is all about new beginnings and following your passion, and as a very slow, calming song, it just relaxes me and helps me study better. This version is a rap edit, and I think the combination of this specific melody with rap elements just works perfectly.
Scarlette Jiménez, News Editor
Recommendation: Piano Concerto No.3 by Sergei Rachmaninoff
It is perfect for a pomodoro session, it is both relaxing and intense at times. I find it useful when I am trying to focus on something so I mainly listen to it when I am doing readings.
Sidra Dahhan, Managing Editor
Recommendations: “Sitting, Waiting, Wishing” by Jack Johnson, “The Trees We Wear” by Le Trio Joubran
I am an ardent supporter of studying along to songs with lyrics. The main thing I look for in study-music is something that relaxes and calms me. What better to do that than a chill, singable song like Jack Johnson’s? Re-energize by singing along to it. But, if you absolutely can not study along to a non-instrumental song, I recommend playing Arabic instrumentals like “The Trees We Wear”. Hearing the gentle trilling of oud and the way that instruments marry one another is a beautiful, invigorating experience.
Mariam Al Shamsi, Deputy Columns Editor
Recommendation: “You Get Me So High” by The Neighbourhood, “Dark Red” by Steve Lacy
They are such good songs, and they have the right balance of being good but not too distracting. Both are also kind of sad, which I enjoy, though I don’t really know why.
Corban Villa, Senior Web Chief and Deputy Opinion Editor
Recommendation: “Paper Crown” by Alec Benjamin
It keeps me calm and makes me happy.
Yana Peeva, Senior Columns Editor
Recommendations: Tibetan Bowl Sounds; "Texas Sun", "Texas Moon" and "Live at Pitchfork" by Khruangbin; NPR Tiny Desk Sessions; Lana Del Rey — Full discography
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The five+ hour playlist with only Tibetan bowl meditation sounds on Spotify helps tremendously with concentrating and calming down. If you have really pressing deadlines, putting this playlist on will definitely cure any writer's block, performance anxiety or chronic procrastination. "Scientifically" tested and approved during finals week.
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Khruangbin are an instrumental trio with a very soothing psychedelic sound. Their music does not demand your attention, yet it is still quite sophisticated. If you are not a fan of instrumental-only music, they also released two collaborative albums with Leon Bridges that still retain their calming and concentrating qualities.
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The NPR Tiny Desk sessions feature acoustic or stripped down versions of all of your favorite songs — Harry Styles's "Adore You", Lizzo's "Cuz I Love You", Anderson. Paak's "Tints" — and a lot more. If the upbeat melody of the pop hits is what distracts you most while studying, definitely try out the NPR Tiny Desk acoustic sessions.
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Studying can be utterly depressing... just lean into that feeling. Lana Del Rey has got you covered with all kinds of tear-jerking and nostalgic songs. You need not look far for the perfect Lana Del Rey study song: any and every song is perfect for the purposes of a tired and suffering student.
Listen to the recommended songs here.
Sidra Dahhan is Managing Editor. Email her at feedback@thegazelle.org
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