Winter is back in the blink of an eye and so is final exam season for all students following the end of November. Music is a tool that can relieve stress and help your mind feel relaxed as you spend countless hours studying. If winter could be put into sound and lyrics, I would correlate it to numerous albums by some of my all time favorite artists. Although the cold breeze and rain seems melancholy, there is something peaceful and beautiful about the season as well. Here are a couple of my favorite albums that are perfect for a winter study playlist to help you get through finals week.
Stranger In the Alps by Phoebe Bridgers a beautifully written album that combines indie rock and folk songs. Most of the tracks are written in Phoebe’s perspective of missing someone and coming to terms with the prospect of letting go and moving on in life. In particular, the opening track “Smoke Signals” feels sad, but also extremely nostalgic. Most of the other songs such as “Scott Street” and “Demi Moore” incorporate the same sullen yet soft melodies that remind me of the calm atmosphere that the rain brings to the earth. While listening to this album on my study playlist, I feel a sense of relaxed isolation. “Stranger In the Alps” really makes me feel as if i’m writing notes from the inside of a cozy cabin in the woods, instead of my bedroom.
Waiting To Spill by the Backseat Lovers is an underrated album that perfectly encapsulates themes of nature in their lyrics with soothing instrumentals. My favorite track has to be “Morning in the Aves” because of the way it describes falling leaves, greenery, and also mentions Christmas and the idea of time moving slowly. Likewise, the song “Snowbank Blues” also brings on the essence of winter as the lyrics describe snow falling and the idea of envisioning yourself leaving a thousand miles away and finding tranquility.
While writing during the cold season, the album Evermore by Taylor Swift gives me all the emotional inspiration I could need. Throughout all her discography, but especially in this album that she released during quarantine, Taylor’s storytelling skills shine through in emotional ballads and folk-like tunes. In the song “tis the damn season” Taylor tells the story of a girl named Dorothea who seeks for love in her hometown during the holidays, while knowing she is bound to leave eventually. In addition, the song “evermore” describes a gray november, creaky cabins, and the feeling of self-doubt. Every song in this album is full of imagery that describes a small town. It feels comforting and extremely personal, not to mention the whimsical lyrics that flow into each other so poetically, making it the perfect cozy album to listen to when you’re in need of motivation to keep writing.
Lastly, an ep that has been recently added to my winter study playlist is Fruitcake by Sabrina Carpenter. Full of Christmas themed songs, this ep has kept my spirits high and made me so excited for the upcoming holidays. It’s good to have a mix of upbeat songs in winter albums like Sabrina’s “A nonsense Christmas” and “Buy Me Presents” that help bring up the mood during the difficult and pressuring weeks that come with finals season. It reminds you that stress is only temporary and hard work is rewarding. While listening to Fruitcake I work faster, keeping in mind that once exams are over, the holidays celebrations will bring joy!
