- + by Ed Sheeran
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Listen up: you all slept on this album. Even Ed naysayers will love this one; every song is meaningful, lyrically incredible, and equally catchy. This is one of the only albums ever that I’ll listen to without skipping a single track; it’s just that good. From the smooth, chill vibe of “Drunk”, to the absolute bop “Grade 8”, to the badass “You Need Me, I Don’t Need You” and concluding with the tear-inducing masterpiece “Give Me Love”, this album is worth remembering. + is not too loud and distracting for studying and has a good range of songs to keep you interested and inspired while you study.
- For Emma, Forever Ago by Bon Iver
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I used to listen to this album with my family on road trips and ever since I was a little kid, I have appreciated the beauty of Bon Iver’s music. The beauty of each and every song on this album is indescribable. I love lead singer Justin Vernon’s sweet voice and how the various instruments and sounds collide to create such a unique yet pleasing sound. The album begins and ends equally strong: “Flume” gives you a great introduction to Bon Iver’s music and you can definitely catch me listening to “Re: Stacks” on repeat.
- Cleopatra by The Lumineers
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You probably know the iconic song “Ophelia” from TikTok, but it’s not the only incredible Lumineers song. What many fans don’t know is that The Lumineers’ albums tell stories through each song. You can either listen to this while studying and just enjoy the heavenly soft alternative songs, or focus on taking in the story as well as the music. Up to you – either way, this album is definitely worth saving.
- Lemon Boy by Cavetown
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A little shoutout goes to my friend from high school who showed me this album. This album is just adorable; each song will put a smile on your face and perhaps ease the pain and stress that studying often causes. Cavetown is such a hidden gem that I’m sure you’ll find great too. All I’m saying is that if the song “Green” doesn’t hit you right in the feels, and if “Lemon Boy” does not make you smile even while you’re cramming for a test or writing an endless essay, I will be seriously surprised.
- Currents by Tame Impala
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Let me say this, plain and simple: this album seriously transports you to an incredible alternate universe. Often described as psychedelic, the music is mesmerizing and different from anything I’ve ever heard before. Sure, one may think this could be distracting while studying, but I beg to differ. When I study, I’d rather not think about what’s going on around me — I’d rather let Tame Impala mastermind Kevin Parker’s smooth synths help me zone in on my work.
- Folklore by Taylor Swift
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Okay, let me just preface this by saying that I am indeed a Taylor Swift fan. However, despite my love for Taylor’s music, I do think this album is pretty overrated. The songs are all slow and I tend to love music that makes me want to dance. That being said, I found a great use for listening to the album: while studying, Folklore is such a great album to listen to. The happy summer vibes this album evokes are undeniably effective in increasing happiness and relaxedness, which is all one can ask for when studying — plus, the music isn’t distracting at all.
- Caretakers by Pete Yorn
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Don’t let the fact that my dad showed me this album scare you like it scared me at first. This was the first Pete Yorn album I’d heard, and I immediately loved it. The maturity in the songs is undoubtedly why I was so impressed with the album. Each song is equally awesome, thanks to Yorn’s guitar and blissful melodies.
- Hozier by Hozier
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Listen up: Take Me To Church is not the only amazing Hozier song! The unique voice of lead singer Hozier himself is mesmerizing and unlike any other voice I’ve ever heard. Also, it’s worth noting that the emotion evoked in this album is incredible and makes you feel like you’re living in a movie. What better way to study than being transported into the beautiful world of Hozier’s music? Trust me, after just a few listens, you’ll find yourself singing along.
Well folks, there you have it! Happy studying!