good homework playlist

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The Ultimate Study Music Playlist

This is a playlist of my favorite study music. It’s great for homework, studying for exams, reading, and generally getting crap crossed off my many checklists.

I’ve been working on this playlist for several years, and it contains music (all non-lyrical) from a wide variety of genres and sources, including video game/anime/movie soundtracks. At the moment, it’s got about 240 songs for you to choose from.

Listening on another app? I’ve worked to mirror this study playlist to other services. Check them out below:

• Spotify Study Music Playlist
• Apple Music Study Playlist

If you’d like, you can study with me in another tab while this plays. You can also listen to the playlist on YouTube instead of on this page.

By the way – I create my own study music as well! If you’d like to give it a listen, here’s a playlist:

You can also follow me on Spotify or on YouTube if you want to be notified when new tracks are released.

Need even more study music?

Here are a few options.

Brain.fm – Music designed specifically to help you focus more effectively. It works really well for me, and I use it for around 50% of my research, writing, and reading sessions – the other half are mostly done with the playlist above.

Piano Study Playlist – If you’re in the mood for a more consistent playlist, check out this one full of solo piano tracks.

Coffitivity – Sometimes I’m in the mood for ambient noise instead of music, and the sounds of a bustling coffee shop are my personal favorite type.

Noisli – An ambient noise generator that lets you create your own mix using sounds like rain, thunder, fan, and white/brown/pink noise.

More Playlists

Work Vibes – My personal playlist of “getting-stuff-done” music. Most of the tracks here have vocals, so I wouldn’t read or study intently with them. But they’re great for crushing emails, working on design projects, or doing other work where I simply need to execute quickly.

Tom’s Workout Playlist – A collection of the tracks that usually accompany me to the gym.

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Getting Through College and surviving Adulthood

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“I Studied To This”: 12 Best Study Playlists on Spotify

Are you in dire need of some serious study motivation? Look no further than the array of study playlists available on Spotify that are specifically designed to help you focus and concentrate.

Whether it’s classical music, ambient noise, concentration-inducing beats, or something else that helps you zone in, the right playlist can help make studying much more productive.

I love studying while listening to music! In fact, it’s one of my favorite ways to get in the zone . And sure, some people think music is just a distraction – but not me! A good playlist can be an incredible motivator to power through those tough assignments.

If you’re into music, you probably have entire playlists dedicated to different activities; one for when you want to dance around your room, another perfect for when you need motivation, and one more for chilling out.

The same goes for studying: specific playlists can help make focusing easier and give you that extra Oomph… of inspiration when you need it most.

Related: How to Ace Exams Like a Boss: 11 Exam Tips for College Students!

Related : How to Get Good Grades in College: The Ultimate Guide

To get you started on your search for the perfect study-focused playlist, here are some of my favorites :

You’re Studying? Give your brain something to jam to – A Guide to the Best Concentration Playlists on Spotify!

1. brain food.

This is the perfect study playlist if you’re feeling unmotivated or just sick of studying all day. The songs in this playlist are very upbeat and will have you bobbing your head in no time.

There aren’t any lyrics , so it won’t distract you while working on your homework or cramming the night before a big exam. It might even help boost your mood and get you through the rest of your study session.

2. Instrumental Study

Some people prefer to study and focus in silence, so this playlist is perfect for them. The songs are instrumental and have no vocals, which should make focusing much easier.

This playlist is also a great choice if you’re trying to focus and stay alert or if you need something calming after a long day of studying.

3. Motivation Instrumental

This playlist is perfect for whenever you’re feeling unmotivated. The upbeat and energetic songs will have you feeling better in no time.

This playlist has a mix of slow , sad songs and fast, upbeat ones, so it should be able to match whatever mood you’re in.

4. Jazz in the background : Best study playlists on Spotify

This playlist will help you get your studying mode on when you don’t feel like working or when you’re not in the mood to study. When studying for an important test, it can be very difficult to stay focused for long periods.

This playlist has a collection of soft jazz music that does not distract you. It gets you in the mood to do more. This playlist is perfect for when you just need a little push, inspiration, or motivation.

5. Deep Focus

This playlist is just what you need for those marathons of studying. It features soothing rock music that will help keep you focused while you put in the hours.

The tranquil tunes have no lyrics so as to not disturb your study sessions. It features music that’s soft and mellow, like a rock-infused lullaby–so it’s perfect for those times when you just need to get stuff done.

Plus, it’ll keep you from getting distracted or losing focus. It’s great for when you want to sit down and do schoolwork for hours on end.

6. Intense Studying

This playlist is not for the faint of heart. The songs are very motivational and are all sort of fast-paced and upbeat. Intense studying is made up of energetic piano music so that it will have you on your feet in no time.

The music on this playlist is the perfect choice for whenever you’re cramming for an exam or trying to finish up a big project.

7. Totally Stress-Free : Best study playlists on Spotify

This playlist is ideal if you need a break from concentrating! It’s got all kinds of tunes – so whatever vibe you’re feeling, we’ve got you covered. Time to relax, kick back , and let the music take over!

OR , if you’re feeling like embracing the work, this is the perfect soundtrack to get your creative juices flowing. Let’s focus and get to work!

8. Study Power Hour

This playlist is the perfect study buddy — it’ll keep you motivated and focused so you can breeze through those courses.

Plus, when you need a break, it’ll help you relax and unwind . So throw this playlist on and get ready to ace your exams!

9. Chill Lofi Study Beats : Best study playlists on Spotify

This playlist is your one-stop shop for studying: it features relaxing tunes, instrumentals, and upbeat bops; guaranteed to help you stay focused and make the task at hand much more bearable.

With its laid-back beats and variety of instruments, this playlist will keep you from getting bored so you can actually ace that test!

10. Creativity Boost

Often when you’re studying or doing homework, it’s hard to think of new ideas and get inspired. This playlist is great for when you want to start brainstorming for creative writing or for when you need a push to come up with new ideas for your next project.

11. This Is Mozart: The Best study playlists on Spotify

The songs in this playlist are all instrumental and will help you focus, but at the same time, they’re not too calm and won’t put you to sleep. This playlist is perfect for when you need a math or science heads-up or just want to focus on your homework.

12. Upbeat Instrumental Music

This Spotify playlist is a great way to relax and chill while still getting down to business with your studies. Instrumental music helps keep you focused, so you can make the most of those studying sessions.

Whether it’s an intense all-nighter or just a casual afternoon , the Upbeat Instrumental Music playlist will keep your concentration levels sky-high and help you reach peak productivity. So grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and get ready to ace those study sessions!

So there you have it!

With these awesome Spotify playlists, you can now get your studying done and still relax and chill. You no longer need to choose between a good time and achieving success in the classroom — now, you can do both!

And when things look too hard or overwhelming, just take a moment to listen to these awesome playlists and you’ll be able to get right back into it with renewed focus.

So here’s me wishing you lots of luck on your study sessions and exams, and let’s make studying a cool thing Again !

“Studying? No sweat! Just add some music and you’ll be acing that exam in no time!”

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The Music to Listen To While You're Working from Home

If the noise of your full house or the silence of your apartment is driving you insane, tune in to our playlist.

During long periods of working remotely, sometimes all it takes is the right song or album to get into the zone. Perhaps it’s an ethereal Tame Impala track to boost your mood or a shiny Tinashe hit to lend you a dose of afternoon energy.

Victoria Sines, Content Strategy Manager

Miguel is my go-to forever and always, but I can’t stop listening to Tame Impala’s new album, The Slow Rush . Their music always puts me in a good mood, and the song “Breathe Deeper” (pun intended) has really been getting me going in the morning or when that midafternoon slump hits.

Barry Samaha, Freelance Market Editor

For the past three years, Spotify’s year-end review has decreed that Aretha Live at Fillmore West is the album I listen to most. Apple Music also backs this data. Still, I’ve never really analyzed why it is in constant rotation on all my audible devices. Perhaps it’s the verve in Franklin’s voice, the musical arrangement of each song, her chats with the crowd in between sets, or a combination of everything. But what I do know for certain is that it makes me happy and keeps me focused. And when I am at home by my lonesome, and not panicking from headlines on CNN (I know! I know!) or stuffing my face with brownies, singing along to this gem keeps me sane.

Kerry Pieri, Fashion & Features Director

I find that any Motown Spotify list that has anything to do with Marvin Gaye keeps me in a good mood, motivated, and gives my two-and-a-half-year-old daughter something to jam to.

Bianca Betancourt, Assistant Digital News Editor

As of late while working from home, I’ve been listening to Kaytranada’s latest album, Bubba . The album’s tracks are upbeat enough to wake me up but still simultaneously chill enough to be a proper soundtrack to the start of the morning. My favorite track is the sassy “10%,” a funky collab with burgeoning Colombian pop star Kali Uchis. Around lunchtime, I usually begin to blast Bad Bunny—“Si Veo a Tu Mamá” is my favorite track off his flawless sophomore effort YHLQMDLG, which stands for “Yo Hago Lo Que Me Da La Gana” and translates to “I Do What I Want.” Then as the day winds down, I’ll put on Tinashe’s Songs for You —a very underrated and well-produced curation of cool girl, modern-pop bops that usually results in me shimmying at my desk, naturally.

Chelsey Sanchez, Editorial Fellow

I feel something akin to religious fervor each time Mitski graces my speakers. Her eclectic discography matches me at every stage of my work-from-home process: cathartic, grating vocals for initial rage; decadent and romantic pop songs for when I hit my groove; and skeletal instrumental arrangements for my inevitable surrender to Slack notifications and email pings. It’s always easier to bow down to the workload when Mitski is prodding me along.

Anna Aiello, Motion Designer

A few songs I’ve been listening to that I’d recommend: “Lost in Yesterday” by Tame Impala. Being locked in my childhood home might actually be the ideal place to listen to Tame Impala’s latest album, The Slow Rush . I’ve been particularly enjoying the song “Lost in Yesterday,” which has a fantastic chorus that may warrant a dance break for me and my dog.

“In My Room” by Frank Ocean. The name of this track has a whole new meaning in these times. Frank Ocean is famous for being a homebody, and I’ve been listening to this single on repeat to bask in the glory of staying home.

“Home” by CARIBOU. The perfect song to make pancakes to. Quiet but upbeat.

Roberto Dume, Director of Photography

I go for tone and mood to sort of map out the day. Think of your eight-hour workday as an album, and your music lineup as your track listing. Some of the records can weave in and out of each other and work just fine on shuffle, but usually I take albums and connect them to create a mood for an extended period, so nothing gets stuck.

If I’m working, I like music that’s not overly distracting, but I can still feel underfoot. It’s always about mood and shifting so that the day is both energized for work without taking you away from the focus.

Some records that have been circulating in rotation while working from home: Frank Ocean’s Blonde , Sade’s Diamond Life , Mac Miller’s Swimming , Khruangbin & Leon Bridges’s Texas Sun EP, Harry Styles’s Fine Line , Japanese Breakfast’s Soft Sounds from Another Planet , Blood Orange’s Negro Swan , Jeff Buckley’s Grace , Radiohead’s In Rainbows , Mac Demarco’s Salad Days , The Velvet Underground’s self-titled album, Erykah Badu’s Baduizm , Little Dragon’s Ritual Union , Washed Out’s Life of Leisure EP, Childish Gambino’s Kauai EP, Billie Eilish’s When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? and Rosalía’s El Mal Querer .

Lee Manansala, Senior Video Editor

WFH for me means waking up at 9:45 to be at my computer at 10, so I’m not fully awake. I put on something light, not too challenging. This morning, I put on “Rip It Up” by Orange Juice—if you like Vampire Weekend’s first album, you’ll like Orange Juice.

Once I find my stride, I need something that I can put on and forget, something that can reasonably take the place of the office din, which, if I’m being honest, I miss. Today, I put on Selected Ambient Works 85-9 2 by Aphex Twin. I know it by heart, so it’s not distracting, but I would miss it if it wasn’t on.

I ended today with The Wild Hunt by The Tallest Man on Earth, because when you’re trying to stave off atrophy and cabin fever, what you need is the perfect road trip album.

Erica Gonzales, Culture & Content Strategy Editor

My work soundtrack depends entirely on my mood (I have gone from Ariana Grande to Creedence Clearwater Revival in a day—I don’t understand myself), but lately, I’ve been finding comfort in mellow soul classics. I love “Superwoman (Where You Were You When I Needed You)” by Stevie Wonder; he’s one of my all-time favorites, and this deep cut is a perfect mix of calming and melancholy. I’ve also been constantly listening to “I Can’t Stand the Rain” by Ann Peebles; I can’t get that tingly timbales intro out of my head, and the song is such a cool gem apropos of New York’s recent dreary weather.

Other more modern artists and tunes on rotation: Dijon, Soccer Mommy, Clairo, the new Moses Sumney album grae , Niia, Snoh Aalegra, Outkast, Tom Misch, Boygenius, Rex Orange County, and Solange’s A Seat at the Table and When I Get Home.

Listen to all our picks and more in the playlist below and follow Harper’s BAZAAR on Spotify.

Erica Gonzales is the Senior Culture Editor at ELLE.com, where she oversees coverage on TV, movies, music, books, and more. She was previously an editor at HarpersBAZAAR.com. There is a 75 percent chance she's listening to Lorde right now. 

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How to Create the Perfect Office Music Playlist

Music has the power to boost our moods, alleviate stress, and increase productivity. In fact, studies have shown that listening to music while working can improve our focus, creativity, and overall job satisfaction. With the rise of streaming services and the ability to curate personalized playlists, it’s easier than ever to incorporate music into our workday. In this article, we’ll explore how to create the perfect office music playlist to help you stay focused, energized, and inspired throughout the day. From choosing the right music for the office to creating a playlist that fits your work tasks, we’ve got you covered. Let’s get started!

Choosing the Right Music for the Office

Not all music is created equal when it comes to boosting productivity and focus in the workplace. Different genres and styles of music can affect our moods and cognitive performance in various ways. For example, research has shown that classical music can enhance cognitive function and concentration, while upbeat pop music can increase motivation and energy levels. On the other hand, loud or aggressive music can be distracting and hinder performance.

When selecting music for the office, it’s important to consider the type of work being done and the environment in which it’s being done. For example, if you’re doing focused work that requires a lot of concentration, instrumental music or soft background music may be best. On the other hand, if you’re doing physical work or tasks that require a lot of movement, more upbeat music may be appropriate.

It’s also important to balance personal preferences with the preferences of others in the office. While you may love heavy metal, your co-workers may find it distracting or unpleasant. Consider creating a playlist that includes a variety of genres and styles of music to appeal to different tastes and preferences. Additionally, it may be helpful to ask for feedback from your colleagues to ensure that the music you’re playing is not disruptive or bothersome to them.

Creating Your Office Music Playlist

Now that you have an understanding of how to choose the right music for your office, it’s time to create the perfect playlist. Follow these steps to select and organize your songs:

Use online streaming services and pre-made playlists to save time: Services like Spotify and Apple Music have pre-made playlists that are curated specifically for different moods and tasks. You can also search for playlists that have already been created by others in your industry or field. However, it is important to understand the legality of using personal use services in a business establishment. You can learn more about how you can legally play music in your office space, we recommend reading our article “ The Science Behind Choosing the Music for Office Productivity ”

Consider the length of the playlist and the order of the songs: Depending on the length of your workday, you may want to create a playlist that lasts for a few hours or one that changes throughout the day. Additionally, consider the order of the songs to create a flow that helps you stay focused and productive.

Add variety to prevent monotony: While it’s important to create a playlist that fits the work task at hand, it’s also important to add variety to prevent monotony. Consider including different genres and styles of music to keep things interesting.

Suggestions for different types of playlists : Depending on the type of work you’re doing, you may want to create different types of playlists. For example, if you’re doing focused work that requires a lot of concentration, instrumental music or soft background music may be best. On the other hand, if you’re doing physical work or tasks that require a lot of movement, more upbeat music may be appropriate. Finally, if you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed, consider creating a playlist with soothing music to help you relax and destress.

By following these steps, you can create a playlist that fits your work tasks and helps you stay focused, energized, and inspired throughout the day.

Frequently Asked Questions About Office Music

If you’re new to listening to music in the workplace, you may have some questions. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about office music, along with their answers:

What is the best music to work in the office?

The best music for the office depends on personal preference and the type of work being done. Generally, instrumental music, classical music, and ambient music are good choices as they are less distracting and can help with focus.

What are the best songs to listen to while working?

The best songs to listen to while working are those that are not too distracting and have a steady rhythm. Instrumental or lyric-less songs are often good choices for focused work.

What kind of music is best for productivity?

Music that has a steady beat and is not too distracting is best for productivity. Instrumental, classical, and ambient music are good choices.

What should I listen to while doing office work?

What you listen to while doing office work depends on the type of work you’re doing. If you need to focus, instrumental or classical music is best. If you’re doing repetitive tasks, upbeat music can help with productivity. If you’re feeling stressed, soothing music can help with relaxation.

Is it OK to listen to music while working in the office?

Yes, it is generally OK to listen to music while working in the office as long as it doesn’t interfere with your work or disturb others around you.

What music increases brain productivity?

Music that has a steady beat and is not too distracting can increase brain productivity. Instrumental or classical music is often a good choice.

Should you play music in your office?

Playing music in your office can help improve mood and productivity, but it’s important to be mindful of others around you and make sure the music isn’t too loud or distracting.

Is it better to work with music or silence?

Whether it’s better to work with music or silence depends on personal preference and the type of work being done. Some people find music helpful for focus and productivity, while others prefer silence.

Does music help productivity at work?

Music can help productivity at work if it is not too distracting and has a steady beat. It can also help improve mood and reduce stress.

Do employees work better with music?

Some employees work better with music, while others prefer silence. It’s important to be respectful of others in the workplace and make sure the music is not too distracting or disruptive.

In conclusion, listening to music in the workplace can have numerous benefits, including increased productivity, better mood, and reduced stress. When choosing the right music for the office, it’s important to consider the different genres and styles that can affect focus and productivity. Creating your office music playlist can be a fun and rewarding experience, with steps such as using online streaming services, considering the length and order of the playlist, and adding variety to suit different work tasks.

If you’re looking for an easy and hassle-free way to stream the perfect music for your office, consider using Jukeboxy . With its curated playlists and personalized music solutions, Jukeboxy offers a seamless listening experience that can enhance productivity and create a positive work environment. By answering some frequently asked questions about office music, we have also addressed common concerns and provided useful information for those looking to enhance their work experience. So, why not create your own office music playlist today with Jukeboxy and share your experiences with others?

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The Science Behind Choosing the Music for Office Productivity

Playing music in the office has become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason. Research has shown that music can have a positive impact on mood, productivity, and overall work satisfaction. Whether you work in a busy open-plan office or a small home office, the right music can help you focus, relax, and […]

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Sheryl Crow changed her mind about releasing a new album. The change did her good

Phil Harrell

Debbie Elliott

Julie Depenbrock

Sheryl Crow, 2024 Dove Shore/Big Machine/Full Coverage hide caption

Sheryl Crow, 2024

Sheryl Crow lied to us.

In 2019, she told All Things Considered that she was releasing one last album — Threads — then she was done with albums. She called the format "a dying art form."

On March 29, 2024, she released a new album, Evolution .

"I know, I know, I can't count on what's going to come out of my mouth next," she backpedaled to Morning Edition host Debbie Elliott. "I didn't intend to put out an entire full length album. It still feels like a playlist of new songs. So that's what I'm going to call it: a playlist of new songs by Sheryl Crow. How's that?"

Here are a few highlights from Crow's chat about her new "playlist."

On the inspiration behind her new songs

It really started off with this in-depth conversation about A.I. and what that's going to mean, not only for artists but what it's going to mean for our humanity. I think it was the advent of the Beatles using John Lennon , and then shortly after that, George Carlin being used with a new comedy routine that somebody wrote and used his likeness. It felt very, very dangerous and very daunting to me as an artist to know that my voice can be inserted into someone else's work, and that a program can write a Sheryl Crow song. But it's deeper than that. It's really about truth and about how do we discern what the truth is anymore and are we even interested in the truth? That's where — as a mom who has lived through most of her life without technology — this is where mom and artist intersect. I found that I was just writing an artistic download that culminated with me putting out these new songs.

On the song "Broken Record," which is critical of social media

That song was really in response to the hate that I got from speaking up about the Covenant shooting , which was right down the street from us in Nashville. I think because of texting and social media, we've gotten away from this idea of empathy, that we have to remember that the words we say — whether you know a person or you don't — can be hurtful. All things should be based in intention. My intention is something as simple as: gun control isn't for the government to come in and take away people's guns. My intention is to try and find a way to make our kids safer. And instead of acknowledging intention, there's a lot of "Shut the f*** up and sing." I mean, just some really ugly things. And so the song really is directed from something my mom told me when I was a kid: "It's just as easy to be nice as it is to be a jerk."

On the song "Alarm Clock" — and the challenges of being both a touring rock star and a mother of teenagers

Sheryl Crow: Tiny Desk Concert

I'm missing driving my kids to school. I have a 16-year-old now, and he takes his younger brother to school. But, you know, every morning, fly out of bed, 6:15, pack the lunches, make the breakfast, make sure everybody's got everything, get in the car, take him to school. And coming back home and finally having that second cup of coffee and feeling a sense of accomplishment: okay, I did it! I got my kids to school! It's funny when you think, okay, you were a rock star. And there were mornings when you were getting home at 6:15, and now you're on the other side of it. And I would not trade it for anything. But I do not love mornings. Neither does my 13-year-old. So we've always said, man, I hate my alarm clock. So I decided, you know what, there's a song in that.

On the inspirational song "Love Life"

There's so many times when I think: I'm going to remember this moment. In fact, last night I was playing basketball with my kids, and the basketball bounced off the wall, came back and hit me right in the head. And we all like cockroaches on our backs, we were laughing so hard. And I remember thinking, I'm going to look back on this moment.

I think you do get to a certain point in your life — it's like the song says, "We'll be looking back at right now." You do get to an age where you start trying to catalog all the moments that you want to remember, because when you're young, your whole life is in front of you and you think it's never going to end. Then as you get older, you realize that time flies at warp speed, you know? Especially when you're raising kids and you start counting summers, like, how many more summers do I have with my kids? That's really what the song is about: stopping for a moment and acknowledging that moment and being in it.

• Sheryl Crow