Some songs will bring your mood up no matter what — a necessary thing in stressful times like this finals week. Whether you like to listen to music while you study, or while on snack breaks, every college student racks up the minutes on Spotify (or their other choice of music streaming service). End the semester with these songs and you’ll surely ace your finals.
1. Too Much Coffee – SWMR
Let’s start with a relatable song for those pulling all-nighters before their exams this week. This song ramps up the energy for the punk band SWMRS, and will keep you awake just long enough to finish your cramming session. A catchy guitar riff is laid overtop the drum-and bell-center beat, distorted to achieve a grunge sound. This is then contrasted with the melodic background vocals and finally joined by the calming and defiant lead vocals. A youthful song for a youthful time in our lives, no exam will stand a chance against anyone listening to “Too Much Coffee.”
2. Ballroom Blitz – The Sweet
Need a throwback to study for a history exam? Look no further than this rocker classic. Another guitar heavy song, the singer’s vocals undergo many changes from a whisper to shouting. Sharp dead notes provide perfect tempo behind the vocals, but once the guitar is free to sound, its power chords will resonate in your earbuds. Anyone near you in the library might be surprised when you start dancing, but there’s always time for a break in Club Morris. Once the overdriven guitar solo hits you, you’ll be grinding out any remaining you work you have in no time.
3. Another You (feat. Kanye West) – The World Famous Tony Williams
A Kanye song you haven’t heard before? Such a thing won’t exist again after you press play on this bop. Bass thuds start this song, which quickly shift into jazzy piano and a drum beat. Tony Williams brings the soul on this track with a smooth chorus and verse. Kanye jumps in with heart and as always, the heat. Study sessions will feel shorter with this rhythmic and melodic track as you bump your head in time with the bass line.
4. When I Grow Up – NF
The eerie chime of a glockenspiel starts this rap banger before NF jumps straight in with a verse. The drum jumps in, followed by a heavy triplet kick as the tone grows darker and heavier. Once the chorus hits, students can follow along and consider a musical career if their finals don’t end up going as planned. This is a great song for relieving stress, whenever your roommate isn’t there you may be jumping around while you sing along.
5. Home (Remix) – Snoh Aalegra feat. Logic
Another jazz track, ghost notes on electric guitar set the mood of the song even before a slamming bass line or smooth vocals come in. The slow buildup from the intro verse to the pre-chorus and chorus makes the lyrics pop out at any listener, especially with the layers of background vocals assisting the depth of the words. Logic hops on the remix with his own blend of quick fired raps and slowed down lyrical breaks. The two then combine their musical talent on the ending chorus for a powerful feeling of comfort. If you ever need to take a quick walk to stretch your legs during the study grind, put “Home” on for your stroll.
