So it’s finals period. Well, fast approaching at least. I know that everyone has their preferred methods of procrastination; online shopping, seasons of “Desperate Housewives”, Facebook stalking, naps and many more. My favorite procrastination activity is making playlists on my iTunes.
I always try to incorporate songs that are nice to listen to with songs that motivate me while also not having too-distracting songs.
When I’m writing papers I listen to somewhat ‘pump up’ music because I pretend I’m exerting some physical feat that would in reality, be easier than the paper I’m trying to forge in the few hours I have left. I also try to incorporate some good oldies, the ones that make me nostalgic, they might even make me smile and replace the grimace that has been plastered on my face since I first looked over the wreck that was my outline.
1) We Built this City-Starship
It’s very important to start out with a cheesy synthesized 80’s tune to get you pumped up. This classic certainly does just that.
2) Apocalypse Please-Muse
The dramatic pianos and singing of Muse is certainly motivational, albeit a bit overwhelming.
3) I Want You To Want Me-Cheap Trick
It’s not that dramatic, but it’s light and fun. Makes me happy.
4) Quit Playing Games With My Heart-Backstreet Boys
No playlist is complete without some love from the Backstreet Boys circa 1998.
5) You and I-Ingrid Michaelson
Her voice is very soothing.
6) Womanizer-Britney Spears
Britney reminds me that I can still do much worse.
7) Human-The Killers
I don’t think I’m either human or dancer, maybe just loser.
8) First Breath After Coma-Explosions in the Sky
This band is interesting. At first I didn’t like the lack of singing, but now I love them and find their music very emotive despite the lack of a lead singer.
9) I Say A Little Prayer-Dionne Warwick
I really should say more prayers if I want to survive the rest of finals.
10) Maniac-Michael Sembello
I can’t help but think of that scene in Flashdance and be inspired.
11) Levon-Elton John
Elton’s serenades will lull me into a relatively calm state.
12) Papa Don’t Preach-Madonna
This is way better than Kelly Osbourne’s cover.
13) Blame It-Jamie Foxx
Yes Jamie, I would like to blame it all.
14) Buffalo Soldier- Bob Marley
Any explanation needed here?
15) Flashdance...What A Feeling-Irene Cara
Such an amazing motivational/inspirational/get your body moving song. This is the dance break part of the playlist.
16) Ain’t No Mountain High Enough-Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell
Continued Dance Break.
17) Say Aha-Santigold
She’s just amazing.
18) Superfreak-Rick James
This is when you’re hitting a wall, and then you hear Rick James, and you’re enthused to get some more done.
19) PYT-Michael Jackson
Continued production will result from MJ.
20) Song for the Lonely-Cher
Such a classic 80’s wonder should never be left out of any playlist.
21) Young Folks- Peter, Bjorn, & John
This will decrease your heart rate.
22) Action/Adventure- Andrew Bird
Any Andrew Bird song is good to study to.
23) Mouthwash-Kate Nash
Again, all of her songs are amazing. They always help me focus.
24)London Calling-The Clash
Who can’t get pumped up from this?
25) Kids-MGMT
Their trance-like music will take me away into another, much happier world
26) Hallelujah Chorus- Handel’s Messiah
This song is only to be played upon the completion of a paper or final, otherwise it will cause premature elation.
This is just a taste of my entire playlist, which is very long so that if I get bored with a song, which I frequently do, I can skip to the next one immediately and still have many more to listen to.
I don’t expect you to copy my playlist, but maybe it gave you some ideas of what music you’re going to download next. Good luck and happy summer!