As busy college students, we are constantly finding ourselves under mountains of homework and tasks to complete. Although the work is hard, there is something so simple that can make the time less stressful and more enjoyable…music. From new hits to old bops, these twenty songs could make the hours of homework more bearable.
To give this playlist, a real listen follow The Gustie 20 on Spotify. To do so, put “Spotify:user:thegustie20” into the search bar and choose the November Discover Monthly playlist.
The first two songs on the list are “Pink Skies” and “Someone Else” by Los Angeles alternative band LANY. “Pink Skies” puts you in a good mood from the very first note and “Someone Else” has beautiful lyrics.
The following songs are “Who Says” and “Stop This Train” by John Mayer. Both songs have a calming sound which sets you up perfectly to write that paper you have been procrastinating.
Next is “Cold Coffee” by Ed Sheeran. Not many people know about this song as Sheeran released it as part of his EP, Songs I Wrote With Amy. It gives you a glimpse into the young Ed Sheeran.
“‘Cold Coffee’ by Ed Sheeran has a relaxing sound that is perfect for studying. Being as big of an Ed Sheeran fan that I am you can bet that it’s on my playlist” Senior Kjersten Piper said.
“Our Love” by Judah & The Lion is a low key bop. It is a love song with a catchy beat. Judah & The Lion is a very genre-bending band. You can claim that they are a folk band which is evident in this song, but after listening to their other tracks, you could argue that they are pop, rock & roll, and even hip-hop. They do it all and do it well.
Following the folk love song, is “Nervous” by Irish singer-songwriter Gavin James. “Nervous” is James’ most known song and it is captivating. It grabs your attention from the very first note and plays with your heartstrings using only lyrics.
Another singer-songwriter is eighth on the list. Jamie Lawson’s hit single, “Wasn’t Expecting That” is another track that is beautiful, yet heartbreaking. If you listen to the lyrics, you will find that it follows a relationship from its first heart-fluttering smile to an ending full of tears.
Many may know Motion City Soundtrack for their pop-punk sound, but in 2007 the Minneapolis-based band released an acoustic/stripped down EP.
It included a rendition of the ballad, “Fell In Love Without You” which is another song perfect to listen to while researching for your science paper.
Tenth on the playlist is another song by a Minneapolis-based band. “Monsoon” by Hippo Campus is only a 3-minute song, but it could be listened to for 30 minutes straight and never get old. It is almost hypnotizing and has a calming vibe.
“Love You Like That” by Dagny is one of the more upbeat songs on this playlist. Dagny is a Norwegian pop singer and her single, “Love You Like That” has a modern sound to it, yet it has a pop chorus similar to the rimes of the 80s.
The single has such a happy vibe and brings a smile to your face which is great once your hours of homework starts to discourage you.
Indie pop band The 1975 has been creating quite a storm around the world in the past few years. They have two popular full-length albums, and another to come in 2018. About two years ago, they released a single titled, “Medicine.”
It is a bit slower than most of the singles off both their albums, but it may just be the strongest lyrically. The song pulls you into the world of hope and lost love.
Signed to the same label as The 1975 is Pale Waves, another Indie pop British band. Their single, “There’s A Honey” is a total jam, and it happens to be produced by Matty Healy and George Daniel from The 1975.
Former One Direction member Niall Horan released his solo debut album, Flicker just a few weeks ago. “Flicker,” the album’s title track is hard not to fall in love with because of how entirely beautiful and heartstring-tugging it is.
It is one of those songs where once you play the song once you can’t help but press the repeat button.
“Hold” by Saint Claire is next on the playlist. Saint Claire is led by John Sinclair who is a 21-year-old violinist, singer, and producer from Seattle. Saint Claire has an Electric Soul/Pop vibe that you can’t help but love.
Following is a bit more of a pumped up song, “Stolen Dance” by German pop-rock duo Milky Chance. The track has been climbing the charts which makes sense due to its infectious vibe.
When listening you can pick up on both bits of sadness and happiness in both the tune and lyrics itself.
“My go-to study song is ‘Defying Gravity’ from Wicked. I love it because it makes me feel like I can conquer the world.” — Taylor Kmiech
“Ghosts” by alternative rock band, BANNERS is a gloomy, yet breathtaking song. The piano, drum beat, and sweet string section blend well with lead singer, Mike Nelson’s vocals to create something special.
“My go-to study song is ‘Defying Gravity’ from the musical Wicked. I love it because it makes me feel like I can conquer the world” Sophomore Taylor Kmiech said.
The final song on the playlist is “Favorite Liar” by The Wrecks. After listening to all of these sad, yet beautiful tunes you are most likely in the “feels.” To help even the feelings out a bit, here is a track that won’t fail to get you dancing, singing along, and possibly even smiling.
