uncommon songs to add to your study playlist
i usually never study without music; sometimes it can get distracting but most of the songs in my playlist are ones i know well enough that i’m content to let them be background music. these are some of the songs i’ve been putting on repeat as classes have started picking up for spring semester – imo, they’re all very soothing and peaceful with beautiful melodies that make a great background track to studying and doing assignments! most of these songs aren’t super well-known – they aren’t title tracks or are by less popular artists, but are definitely some of my favorites!
DARK CLOUD by younha (unstable mindset)
younha is a korean singer-songwriter most well known for her recent collaboration with rm from bts on winter flower (which is also a beautiful song you should check out, but slightly too intense for studying imo). dark cloud is from the same album (unstable mindset) and has a gentle rock beginning that eases into a more passionate and more soulful chorus. the song is beautiful and younha’s vocals are so soothing and definitely pull at the heartstrings. this is definitely one of the more intense songs on this list, though.
FLOWER by ikon (i decide)
flower is from ikon’s new album i decide and has a soothing beginning and a very pleasant melody. i love what ikon has done with the harmonies and making the melodic line interesting while still pleasing to the ear. the song is both soothing and energetic/motivating at the same time, and i think it’s perfect for keeping yourself working hard as you study!
NAP OF A STAR by tomorrow x together (the dream chapter: star)
one of my favorite and one of the most underrated songs from tomorrow x together (or txt)’s debut album! the entire song is very soothing and calming, with soft/whispered vocals and repetitive backing instrumentals. txt has amazing range and capability for conveying emotion even at such a soft volume, and i absolutely love their vocals in here, particularly the ad libs! i think this track really showcased the group’s breadth when they first debuted and has been one of my favorite study tracks.
i am absolutely in love with rm (yes, from bts!)’s mixtape, mono. i think any of the tracks on there could be used to study to, but i particularly enjoyed moonchild. the track features extremely interesting backing instrumental and percussion, and rm’s rap/singing has an amazing tone that really completes this track. i definitely suggest checking out the rest of mono. to see what floats your boat! close runner ups to moonchild were tokyo, seoul, everythingoes, and forever rain (whoops i just listed half the album).
YOU ARE HERE by bts/lee hyun (bts world original soundtrack)
i was amazed that bts world had such an amazing soundtrack considering it’s only a game! heartbeat is definitely the headlining track from this and i absolutely love it, but an underrated favorite imo is you are here – it’s one of the last tracks on the album and features very soulful and passionate vocals. i love the melody in this song and the drive from the backing track.
here they are! please let me know what you think of them, and if you’d like more recommendations in the future (because i’d be happy to provide them!).