Contact CU Independent News Staff Writer Will Witt at william.witt@colorado.edu
Here it is, the full playlist to get you through those dreaded tests right before summer vacation. Finals can be a drag, but with a playlist full of music to keep you motivated and focused, nothing can stop you from getting that A. With only 15 songs on this list, you may run through them rather quickly depending on the rigor of your studying, but these songs are so good, you’ll have no trouble playing them over and over again until your brain is fried. So grab your Red Bull and dill pickle flavored sunflower seeds, find a comfortable place and get ready to buckle down. Now, let’s open up that textbook you haven’t looked at all semester and put on…
15. “Lost in the Supermarket” by The Clash: London Calling (1980)
So you just opened your textbook and have procrastinated on Snapchat long enough; let’s get started with one of the singles from The Clash’s greatest effort. Although you may feel lost studying, try to stay out of the supermarket buying snacks — you need to focus.
14. “Head Over Heels” by Tears for Fears: Songs from the Big Chair (1985)
Disregard the part about wasting time and just let the steady ’80s beat drive you to success. Although it may be hard to stop tapping your pencil to this song, it will keep you going on the right track with high spirits.
13. “Waiting in Vain” by Bob Marley: Exodus (1977)
It may feel like your studies are in vain because you can’t remember your stats formulas, but a little reggae from the king of the genre doesn’t hurt.
12. “Release” by Aztec Camera: High Land, Hard Rain (1983)
Starting out slow, then finishing strong, this song’s shifts in tempo mirror some people’s studying habits. Release your stress with the continuation of good music and a song from a band that deserves more credit.
11. “Hand in My Pocket” by Alanis Morissette: Jagged Little Pill (1995)
A song all about staying positive despite hardships, it forces you to keep morale high and push through the books regardless of how futile it may all seem. You’ll have one hand in your pocket and the other one giving a peace sign to homework soon enough.
10. “Edge of Seventeen” by Stevie Nicks: Bella Donna (1982)
This is the grind song. Let that steady beat give you the energy like the white-winged dove and crank out those essays.
9. “Breathe (In the Air)” by Pink Floyd: The Dark Side of the Moon (1973)
You’ve probably been studying for a while now; relax, take a break and breathe.
8. “Crucify Your Mind” by Sixto Rodriguez: Cold Fact (1970)
Let the easy, poetic lyrics of Sixto Rodriguez guide you through what seems like an eternity. You’re probably in your bed now because your back started to hurt and your eyes were getting heavy. We’re halfway through, so make some coffee and buck up.
7. “Dweller on the Threshold” by Van Morrison: Beautiful Vision (1982)
This song is all about finding your way in a fog, so stay positive and keep your head held high. The smooth saxophone will calm your nerves and it’s the perfect song for a caffeine overdose.
6. “Operator (That’s Not the Way it Feels)” by Jim Croce: You Don’t Mess Around With Jim (1972)
Just a great and happy song to keep you going. Despite dying too soon, Jim Croce made timeless music that is as beautiful as it is uplifting.
5. “Heaven Knows I’m Miserable Now” by The Smiths: Hatful of Hollow (1984)
You check Snapchat stories and somehow people are out doing fun activities while you’re stuck inside studying until your head explodes. Heaven really knows you’re miserable now.
4. “Pictures of You” by The Cure: Disintegration (1989)
You’ve been staring at that computer screen for so long, you almost believe it’s real. Quite melancholy in nature, “Pictures of You” maintains a steady progression throughout while at the same time setting up for a fantastic end to your studies.
3. “Desolation Row” by Bob Dylan: Highway 61 Revisited (1965)
With an almost 12-minute-long constant metaphor running through your head, there’s no way you won’t be able to focus on your books.
2. “Time Flies Tomorrow” by Paul Westerberg: Eventually (1996)
You’re almost done; just know that all the hard work you’ve put in is going to pay off. The lead singer of The Replacements sure can make a wonderfully soothing song, and this tune is great for winding down and starting to pack the books back up.
1. “Won’t Get Fooled Again” by The Who: Who’s Next (1971)
Great work, champ! You’ve finished studying for that big exam tomorrow and it’s time to celebrate with a little Keith Moon and Pete Townshend from the first band to ever use synthesizers in its music. Now get some sleep, sharpen your pencils and get ready to do it all again tomorrow. Good luck!
