Staff Writers Aditi Misra and Caroline Mullooly share the music that makes them the most productive for finals season.

Aditi: I like to listen to songs I can Vibe to while studying, which aren’t always instrumentals. Here are my top picks:

1. Buttercup by Jack Stauber Charming and fun with a ’90s vintage feel.
2. Light It Up by ZHU For when you need dramatic background music for the last paragraph of your essay.
3. For You (Bearcubs Remix) by Gavin James An upbeat version of the tear-jerking original.
4. Sunset Lover by Petit Biscuit My favorite instrumental of all time.
5. Guilt Trip by Kanye West The melody of the strings in the song’s outro gives me chills with every listen.

Caroline: When I study, I prefer to listen to instrumental music without lyrics, as the words can distract me, causing me to ~vibe~ to the music too much.

My top picks are:

1. Pompeii by Simply Three The intro hypes you up, but the chorus offers something new with the peppy violin.
2. Game of Thrones Medley by 2CELLOS As a none GOT fan, I can verify the validity of this song. It’s long enough for you to force yourself to do work while short enough for you to actually enjoy it.
3. Fight Song /Amazing Grace by The Piano Guys I was originally skeptical of this combo, but both songs blend together to crescendo at just the right moment. The outro leads with Amazing Grace: a perfect conclusion.
4. Wait for It – Instrumental by Original Broadway Cast of Hamilton All of the motivation and none of Burr’s (justifiable) angst, this instrumental version of the Hamilton hit keeps me on track.
5. Every Breath You Take by 2CELLOs The most relaxing song on my playlist, this cover is usually the last song I listen to before I pack up.

simply vibing via Pexels