One of the universal experiences of being a student is studying. Sitting down and putting in hours of work can be exhausting and boring, especially if you don’t have good music to listen to when you study. Here are five great albums to put on when you study and do your schoolwork that will hopefully make your grueling hours much more enjoyable.
“Endlessness” – Nala Sinephro.
A breathtaking fusion of jazz and electronic music “Endlessness” delivers sounds that feel like floating in space. The beautiful yet controlled saxophone playing overlaid with the twinkling synths and subtle classical orchestration makes for a colorful journey through the cosmos without having to leave planet earth. Its instrumental divinity is subtle enough as to not distract you, but rich enough to make those long hours feel just a little shorter.
“†” – Justice
An absolute staple in electro house, “†,” pronounced cross, brings booming and distorted synths that will make you want to bust a move. The funky grooves and production are utterly infectious and will no doubt make your time doing any boring tasks feel larger than life. This album works just as well on the dancefloor as it does making you nod your head during homework.
“The Awakening” – The Ahmad Jamal Trio
A post-bop masterpiece that has been sampled many times by hip-hop producers, “The Awakening” is a showcase of true piano mastery. The way Ahmad Jamal commands the keys to create these complex and emotional melodies is awe-inspiring. While he can tug on your heartstrings with resonant keys, the album conveys a relaxing but intelligent atmosphere which lends itself to a studying environment quite well.
“Endtroducing…..” – DJ Shadow
DJ Shadow made music history by creating “Endtroducing…..,” the first full length album composed entirely of samples. While this is technically considered to be instrumental hip-hop, the album never feels tied to just being beats. These are full and complete songs that work by themselves in a hypnotizing way. DJ Shadow creates atmospheres of darkness and melancholy without it feeling like an explicitly sad album.
“Promises” – Floating Points, Pharaoh Sanders, & The London Symphony Orchestra
“Promises” is an album built by a wildly unconventional collaboration between British electronic producer Floating Points, spiritual jazz guru Pharoah Sanders and the London Symphony Orchestra. Despite the differences in musical backgrounds, the album comes together to give us one of the most heartbreakingly beautiful albums ever recorded. The repeated motif of the same striking chords will entrance you like a lullaby. Sanders’ saxophone playing is emotional to the highest degree and the weight of his mortality is felt in every breath.
