6th July 2017
As a soon-to-be-leaving second year student at St Brendans, I have studied for my fair share of exams.
When I’m not reading notes, I’m making them but I’m making them with music in the background. Exams are stressful. There is no other way to say it. But, with the right soundtrack, it is definitely easier to get through them. So, I’ve compiled a list of the songs I like to listen to, and hopefully you may too.
Greek Tragedy - The Wombats
Greek Tragedy by the Wombats is a song I, personally, can listen to in any mood. It has a continuous melodic riff throughout that is upbeat and full of energy – perfect to get into a mood where you actually want to revise. Listening to this before you start doing any intense work is a good idea as it makes you feel more ‘pumped’. You will like this song if you like bands such as the Vaccines and Two Door Cinema Club.
WHERE THE HELL ARE MY FRIENDS - LANY
WHERE THE HELL ARE MY FRIENDS by LANY is another song that is good to start revision off with. It has a “young-and-free-wandering-the-streets-with-my-friends-in-a-music-video” vibe. The song builds up tension throughout with the use of warped and romantic sounds, making it melancholic but also something you can dance to. You would be most likely to like this song if you like anything from the 1975.
Are We Ready? Two Door Cinema Club
This anti-consumerist hit from Two Door Cinema is filled with melodic and soft vocals that are contrasted with a repetitive and high energy build up. It is a wise choice to write an essay to and is another song guaranteed to motivate you. This song is best suited to fans of Vampire Weekend or Foals.
I Keep Writing Songs for People I'll Never Know - dandelion hands
I Keep Writing Songs for People I’ll Never Know by dandelion hands is mellow and spaced out. It can be tuned out for a less intense background noise if slower songs help you to revise better.
Rose-Coloured Boy - Paramore
Paramore’s new album is full of rhythmic and complex 80s inspired songs, and Rose-Colored Boy is the poster child for this aesthetic. It is another motivational song that will be perfect for you if you like Years and Years.
Loving Someone - The 1975
The rhythm of this song changes a lot – with a mix of upbeat verses and a mellow bridge. It is more of a background song but because of the fast-paced singing/rapping, it may be distracting to some if you are the type to hone in on the lyrics of a song and try to join in. You would be best suited to this song if you love The Neighbourhood, The Wombats, or Paramore.
Beverly Laurel - Tame Impala
Beverly Laurel is a hypnotic song. Simply because it has a repetitive riff and has a lot of energy, but is contrasted with a long intro and vocals that you can simply tune out. You will be more likely to enjoy this song if you like Foals, Kendrick Lamar, or Florence and the Machine.
Dear To Me - Electric Guest
Electric Guest holds a special place in my heart simply because on the odd occasion I hear a song of theirs, I instantly love it. Dear to Me is a happy song. It creates nostalgia for something but you’re never quite sure what. The vocals are nasally and raspy which is best suited for a more forlorn declaration of loss, or something. But the strange thing is – it works well together. Give this song a try if you like Foster the People or Pink Floyd.
Handskae - Two Door Cinema Club
Two Door Cinema Club will never not feature on a playlist of mine. Simply because their songs can make you feel everything from sentimental, sad, or like you want to dance/skate the night away at a roller disco. The bass and guitar work well together to create a warped, milky sound that is upbeat and is great for fans of Vampire Weekend or the Kooks.
Homemade Dynamite - Lorde
Lorde is back! And she’s back with a wonderful new album. Her vocals in Homemade Dynamite are high pitched and melodic, retaining the same relaxing quality that you would hear from birds singing on a Spring morning. There is an interesting pause and a bridge in the middle of the song which may be distracting for some though. You will like this song if you are a fan of Taylor Swift, Marina and The Diamonds, or Troye Sivan.
Girls Like Me - Will Joseph Cook
Will Joseph Cook is playing at Reading Festival this year, alongside Fickle Friends. If you are a fan of theirs, you will most likely be addicted to Girls Like Me which is a quintessential pop song. It has a catchy chorus that will make you want to sing along. Perfect for motivation and to keep yourself in a good music to revise.
If you liked these music suggestions, I have added them into a playlist that can be found on Spotify: Click Here!
Exams are emotionally draining but are important to your development as a person in every aspect. Make sure you work hard – with a playlist and revision cards at hand, but rest up too. A good night’s sleep, a balanced and healthy diet, and downtime will also help you to achieve your full potential at St Brendans.
Sofia Sati
