October 18, 2014
What’s life without a little music? If you’re looking to relax, study, or get pumped up—whatever your mood may be—here are my playlists suggestions for the occasion. A little acoustic here and alternative rock there, and soon life won’t be far from having your own spontaneous, musical cameos.
Calm Chilling
For those who love Imagine Dragons, Bastille, the XX, or One Republic, I suggest “Strange Desires” by the Bleachers—it’s a perfect mesh of alternative rock, indie pop, and incorporates styles of all the listed artists. The album fuses solid retro-pop vibes with low-register, monotone vocal sets. I also enjoy Sara Bareilles’ album “The Blessed Unrest,” which features poetic lyrics, sophisticated alternative pop, and a rhythmic nature.
Study Synergy
While some prefer to study in total silence, I absorb information better with some noise in the background – that is, music without lyrics, particularly with a mixture of acoustics, soft electronica, and chill wave. For albums, Tycho’s “Dive” provides a balanced electronic and a trance-like appeal, as does DJ Okawari’s “Kaleidoscope” and Explosions in the Sky’s “All of a Sudden I Miss You”. Singles-wise, my favorite has to be a two-hour piano loop by a YouTuber named StudyMusicProject who composed pianooriginals for his own study purposes. If all else fails, classical music always hits the spot. (Click here for the Youtube link for the 2-hour loop!)
Getting Pumped
Whether for exercising or getting ready for the day, I love jiving to peppy and bouncy beats. Current favorites include Sara Bareilles’ “Kaleidoscope Heart,” a fun, pop record that delivers an infectious “you-go-girl” attitude, and A Great Big World’s “Is Anybody Out There?,” a preppy pop/classic rock album that screams “be unique”. Moreover, I usually turn to 104.3 FM radio station for an instant pick-me-up.
Snooze & Sleep
Falling asleep to music is very relaxing, but can be damaging to the eardrums in the long run. I, for one, am guilty of this, yet dedicating a playlist to the end of the day helps me wind down and ultimately relax. For this, I recommend Late Night Alumni’s Single, “It’s Only Life,”as well as Vienna tang’s “Lullaby for a Stormy Night,” Imogen Heap’s “Half Life,” and Priscilla Ahn’s “Dream,” and “Lullaby”—slow trance pieces dream-like in quality and peaceful in effect. Yiruma’s album, “Destiny of Love,”also provides soft, contemporary piano arrangements perfect for tranquility and easing off stress.
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