With midterms in full swing, stress levels across campus are on the rise. Studying becomes a daily routine, and students often find themselves buried in textbooks, notes and endless to-do lists. One simple yet effective way to ease the tension is through music — and music can provide a soothing backdrop, improve concentration and create a more relaxed study environment.
To help make studying a little less stress-inducing, here are six albums that can keep students feeling calm and focused.
“Pink Moon” by Nick Drake is a timeless classic. From the very beginning, Drake pulls you in with its titular track. It is an introduction to the rest of the album, showcasing Drake’s delicate voice and intricate guitar playing. Each song carries a similar tune, but doesn’t become repetitive. It is a perfect album to study due to its simplicity and calming sound. Some of the other memorable tracks on the album include “Place To Be,” “Things Behind The Sun” and “From The Morning.”
Mazzy Star’s music is the perfect companion for staying relaxed during any activity — with a genre blend of psychedelic rock, folk and shoegaze, its dreamy sound lulls each listener into a state of calmed focus.. Their most popular album, “So Tonight That I Might See,” is a shining example of this. While many are familiar with its iconic track “Fade Into You,” the rest of the album, with songs like “Blue Light,” “Five String Serenade” and “Unreflected,” is equally deserving of praise.
“Excuses for Travellers” by Mojave 3 is another excellent study album because of its gentle, soothing sound. With soft, calm vocals from lead singer Neil Halstead, each song captures an entirely unique experience while maintaining its unobtrusive, immersive sound. Many of the tracks include steady, repetitive rhythms that help induce a flow state, making it easier to focus on studying. The album is a mix of folk and dream-pop, blending together two genres that make use of gentle guitar melodies and subtle instrumentation. Unforgettable tracks from the album include “In Love With a View,” “My Life in Art” and “Prayer for the Paranoid.”
An absolute go-to for a relaxing album, whether for studying or sleep, is “This Empty Northern Hemisphere” by Gregory Alan Isakov. Each of the 13 tracks draw the listener into tranquility. The album maintains a gentle, slow pace, with no harsh instrumentals or loud vocals to create distraction. As a folk and indie record, tracks like “Dandelion Wine,” “Light Year” and “Evelyn” move at a relaxed tempo, keeping the listener engaged from start to finish.
Norah Jones is the pioneer of relaxing music. With her soft, delicate sound, each project she creates leaves a lasting impression on listeners while providing a meditative experience. Her album, “Come Away With Me” serves as the perfect demonstration of her artistic ability. Incorporating elements of jazz and folk, Jones’ voice is gentle and velvety, effortlessly drawing the listener into a calm, introspective state. As a backdrop to her vocals, each song makes use of simple instrumentals. Combining piano and guitar, each track feels vulnerable and warm, moving at a steady pace to keep the listener at peace. Memorable tracks include “Don’t Know Why,” “Seven Years” and “Nightingale.”
Finally, “Either/Or” by Elliot Smith is a classic album. While it is certainly filled with rich, emotional content, its vulnerability is what makes it beautiful. Smith’s sound is unique and unwavering, with each song inviting the listener into different worlds. What makes this album perfect for studying or doing homework is its ambient sound and Smith’s tender, never overpowering vocals. Flowing at a steady pace, tracks like “Alameda,” “Say Yes” and “Angeles” excel at creating a reflective, peaceful space to work.
No matter your musical preferences, everyone can benefit from calming music to stay focused and relaxed. Whether you’re studying, reading or unwinding, each of these albums offers a must-listen experience.