Five Albums To Study To
Words and Picks by Haley Black
School is officially back in session for many students, and college students like myself will soon be pulling grueling all-nighters in order to finish last minute assignments after continuously procrastinating. Many people enjoy listening to music while they do their school work, which is completely understandable. Who wants to sit in silence and have their overpowering thoughts sever their attention span anyway? Here are five albums to help you buckle down this semester and focus on the task at hand, hopefully without getting too distracted.
Halfnoise – Halfnoise EP
If you have never heard of Halfnoise, you may at least be familiar with ex-Paramore drummer, Zac Farro. Halfnoise is his current project, whom he sings and plays percussion for. The band’s debut EP is filled with a fair amount of spacey synth and tranquil vocals from Farro and the rest of the band. I bet most of you weren’t even aware he could sing! I sure wasn’t, but you will be pleasantly surprised with the his vocal style matched with the fluid instrumentals, which are perfect to have as background music while reading or writing an essay. Better yet, listen to the instrumental version of the EP for an even more calming experience. You can download the entire EP for free right here (or leave a tip!).
Local Natives – Hummingbird
Hand clapping, consistent percussion, and whimsical melodies are just a few traits you can expect from any Local Natives release. The band’s 2013 release is one of my favorite albums of the year. It is my go-to album when I am feeling overwhelmed, as it has the ability to calm me down so I can feel at ease, which is perfect for when I am worrying out about something as stress inducing as big assignments.
City & Colour – Sometimes
No synthesizes or blaring bass drops will be found on City & Colour’s 2005 release, Sometimes; only sincere lyrical content and silky smooth vocals brought to your ears by Dallas Green. The music will course through your brain with every intricate guitar picking pattern that is played. But there is just one warning to heed: some themes are a bit moody and depressing.
Moving Mountains – Waves
Waves contains some pretty incredible instrumentals that remain upbeat enough so that you won’t pass out face down into your textbooks. There is a ton of variety on this album, including softer vocals coupled with the occasional screaming on select tracks. “The Cascade” will always be my favorite on the album, particularly for the intervals of solely instrumental measures and harmonious vocals echoing in the background.
Explosions In The Sky – The Earth Is Not A Cold Dead Place
I have found that instrumental music is less distracting to me while I’m studying. I’m not tempted to sing along or think too hard about the lyrics, so Explosions In The Sky is my perfect go to band for when I need some soothing background music to keep me focused while I’m doing school work. “Your Hand In Mine” will always be one of the most beautiful compositions that I have ever heard, and the rest of the five track EP is just as amazing; especially for how lengthy the songs are, reaching up to as long as a ten minute duration.
