By Shayan Abbasi
Studying can be a chore, but fear not! While some swear by classical compositions by Mozart and Tchaikovsky, or simple lo-fi beats, I’ve found something better: Taylor Swift’s discography. Taylor’s top albums will not only help you retain information, but have you singing the hooks while hitting the books.
“Lover” (released in 2019)
“Lover” features an exceptional blend of melodic tunes, relatable lyrics and calming atmosphere. This makes for an overall refreshing experience ideal for concentration.The soft vocals and harmonious melodies allow for an immersive experience that does not distract from studies, rather complementing them. This 2019 album brings us back to a simpler, pre-COVID era. A dreamy soundscape in the title track, “Lover”, takes the listener through a soothing yet inspiring journey. The gentle acoustic guitar combined with soft percussion and convincing vocals create a comfortable atmosphere ideal for studying. One of the best qualities of this album is the diverse musical influences it draws from, with represented genres such as pop, folk and indie. Whether you prefer the upbeat rhythms of “I Forgot That You Existed”, or the comforting “Soon You’ll Get Better”, this album offers something for everyone. To maintain focus during your study session, it is crucial to balance energetic and calming tracks. “Lover” offers this equilibrium, with songs such as “Cruel Summer” and “Death by a Thousand Cuts” showing two sides of the musical coin.
“folklore” (released in 2020)
You open your textbook and it feels like diving into a mysterious word of knowledge and inquisition. This is what it feels like listening to “the 1”, characterized by a soothing melody and wistful lyrics, perfect for easing you into the study zone.Whether writing an essay or cramming in preparation for a test, “folklore” has got you covered. Why only read history when you can hear it? Look no further than “the last great american dynasty”, which recounts the story of Rebekah Harkness and the world of the Rockefeller oil tycoon family. Contemplative tracks like “cardigan” and “august” create a sense of introspection and focus. This album is a must while studying. Songs like “the lakes” and “mirrorball” are staples of the dream-pop genre, featuring hauntingly beautiful melodies that can help you stay in the study zone, while also full of rich storytelling and emotional depth. Overall, the indie folk genre of “folklore” makes it an ideal album for your study sessions.
“evermore” (released in 2020)
For those deep-dive research projects that require intense focus, “evermore” has you covered. The first song on the album is certainly the most relevant one, as “the more that you say, the less I know” are words every chemistry student has said while studying for a test. The problem is, amidst all studying, there is bound to be some distraction, whether through the form of Instagram or maybe a text from some love interest. “gold rush” captures the feeling when distractions seem more appealing than a Larson and Battaglia AP Calculus textbook. Taylor Swift doesn’t like a gold rush, and neither should you, because Calculus is important! The breezy, light vocal chorus of this song makes it stand out among “evermore”, and is a must to include in your study playlist. Yet, the pre-exam stress is real, and exams can be tough. It is important to process the stress in a healthy manner, and this is where “happiness” comes in. Imagine those moments when you finally grasp a challenging Chemistry concept, or solve a difficult derivative problem. It’s pure academic euphoria! But the merits are balanced out with the hours of late-night study sessions, stress of exams, and the fear of failure. There will be moments of frustration and sadness, interwoven with feelings of personal growth and joy, and this theme is found in “happiness”.
“Midnights” (released in 2022)
You kick off your study session at 6 p.m., and when you finally glance at the clock to see what time it is, it turns out it’s midnight! Study sessions can seem long and boring, but listening to Taylor Swift’s newest release “Midnights” is anything but! From catchy tunes such as “Midnight Rain” and “Maroon?” to dreamy ballads such as “Snow On The Beach” and “Question…?”, this album is sure to satisfy all your study needs. “The Great War” is perfect background music for studying for an AP European History exam, its lyrics referring to World War 1. For the most part, this album stands out in this review for two reasons. One, its listenability and enduring nature. Taylor’s most recent album of original material, its winter-themed composition and late-nights vibe make it an ideal choice for late night studying. The second reason is due to the inspiring lyrics found on the album. “Best believe I’m still bejeweled, when I walk in the room, I can still make the whole place shimmer”, is probably the most inspiring lyric you can hear while doing derivatives in the midnight hour. So, don’t study at night in silence, study at night while singing along to “Midnights”!
Grab your headphones, hit play, and listen to Taylor Swift to make your study sessions a little more bearable. Who knew studying could be this much fun?
