JORDAN BUDD
Special to The Leader
There are several articles on the web that discuss songs that have been scientifically proven to reduce stress and anxiety, but rather than copying those down into my article verbatim, I’ve decided to take a different approach.
I didn’t overthink this playlist by making it the most theoretically relaxing, diverse collection of songs that everyone can get into but instead, I have simply combined 10 songs that have relaxed me throughout my life.
It’s important to note that most of these tracks are meant to guide students through the dichotomy of focus and relaxation during finals week, but I’ve also included other songs that express feelings relevant to what we will experience in the terminal week ahead.
So whether you’re grinding out some last-minute projects, unwinding from a tough study session or nervously preparing to throw that Hail Mary play during the final exam of your most difficult course, tune in to these songs.
Sit back, relax, grab a warm beverage of your choice — maybe a cup of tea — and indulge in these anxiety reducers.
1. “Teardrop” by Massive Attack
This ethereal-sounding trip hop classic is a multicultural blend of sounds including a hypnotizing harpsichord melody, hip-hop oriented backbeat and a performance from the Cocteau Twins’ lead singer, Elizabeth Fraser. The dream pop artist uses a distinctive delivery that emulates a vocal sample or skipping record which meshes perfectly with the trip hop elements present in this track.
2. “Weightless” by Brian Eno
This multifaceted musician, known for his record production and repertoire of ambient gems, is someone who must be referenced in the conversation of the most relaxing music. The beginning moments of “Weightless” establish a vibe that resounds throughout its four-and-a-half-minute run time and is perfectly described by its title.
3. “In a Silent Way” by Miles Davis
This 20-minute extravaganza of a song signified one of the luminary’s first experiments with electric instrumentation. It was a transition period for Davis and his fans, as many would doubt the legend. This song has a cycling format with an initial meditative movement, a grooving middle section and then a return to the first idea. Both the story behind this song and its lulling guitar lines will guide you through this bustling changeover between school and summer. “In a Silent Way” will float you from activity to activity throughout this conclusive week to the academic year.
4. “Midnight In A Perfect World” by DJ Shadow
With a title practically built for a late-night study session — well maybe that’s not a perfect world — the instrumental hip hop giant, DJ Shadow, captures an optimum cinematic mood that should be swimming in your head throughout this ultimate week.
5. “Strong Friend” by Teezo Touchdown
The up and coming singer-rapper-creative extraordinaire, Teezo Touchdown, touches on a relevant topic within the oftentimes stressful finals week. The Beaumont native, discusses how important it is to check up on your friends. He recounts a story of a friend who bottled everything up and didn’t know how to reach out when they needed help. Teezo’s unique delivery lands in all the right places as he invites his listeners to be aware of mental health and check in on those close to you. His voice leisurely bounces throughout the minimalist indie, reggae influenced instrumental.
6. “Xtal” by Aphex Twin
On “Selected Ambient Works 85-92” by Aphex Twin, which is ironically one of his least ambient albums, I have always been drawn to the song, “Xtal.” I particularly love how this one is filled to the brim with many interwoven elements but is still an easy listen as it is not overbearing. Your finals week may be busy, but it doesn’t mean you can’t stay on track.
7. “Bigbabyradio” by BIGBABYGUCCI, Nellmoney
This heater from the 2010s underground hip-hop veteran, BIGBABYGUCCI, is perfect for getting those final projects done. Let the mechanical beat, laid back atmosphere and the lighthearted-sounding feature from Nellmoney drive you to get your work done, but not overthink or stress to an unhealthy extent.
8. “Beth/Rest” by Bon Iver
The indie folk phenomenon, Bon Iver, is often unafraid to color outside the lines, and they certainly do so here on the maximalist soft rock closer from their eponymous album. The song’s alleviating sound is characterized by almost cheekily relaxing elements. The blend of electric guitars, expressive auto-tuned vocals, a resonating twang of pedal steel, playful saxophones and drawn-out synths create a giant wave of sound ready to wash over your ears. Bon Iver has described this work of art to be focused on the ideas of perpetuity and paradise, and considers it to be one of their proudest moments. Much of Bon Iver’s discography can be considered relaxing, leading me to also encourage you to queue up the last three songs from their Kanye-influenced 2016 project, “22, A Million.”
9. “Porcelain” by Moby
While many Gen Zs may recognize this as a sample from New York rapper, A$AP Rocky’s latest album, “Testing,” this song has been a relaxing, downtempo heavyweight since its release in 2000. Its soundscape is nothing short of gorgeous.
10. “All My Days” by Alexi Murdoch
I’m a sucker for a good folk song and Alexi Murdoch’s biggest song is no exception to my admission. While we approach the whirlwind of emotions present in finals week and the pack up session that ensues, let Murdoch reflect with you about how we grow within transitory moments in life as the days turn into nights. While the sun sets on a tough academic year for many of us, this seems like one of the best songs to soundtrack getting through that final push, reflecting on what we’ve accomplished, and looking forward to more good times here at Fredonia. Take a deep breath and a moment to think, while you listen to the singer’s unwavering voice admit to being lost and then finding his way once again.
Honorable Mentions: Almost anything by Justice Der or Beach House, also check out “Elegiac” by Jon Hopkins.
You can find these tracks in a playlist format here.