Sleep

“Transatlantique” by Beirut

Sleep

A sweet ukulele chord progression draws listeners in and melds the characteristically soothing warble of lead Zach Condon. Soft, echoing trumpets keep “Transatlantique” at a slow and steady rhythm, rather than building up to a crazed climax. It evokes a sense of peace as the bass, ukulele, and brass combination carry on with effortless ease and comfort.

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“Airborne” by Jaga Jazzist

Sleep

Smooth bass clarinet lines ride above ambient electric piano chords in “Airborne.” The song slowly builds to an overwhelming crescendo, building on a groovy bass line with soaring woodwinds before culminating in a gutsy saxophone solo and returning to the original melody.

**

“Charlie Foxtrot Queen” by The Samuel Jackson Five

Sleep

“Charlie Foxtrot Queen” opens with a quiet and steady bass line that is quickly joined by a guitar harmony. Sparse glockenspiel notes guide the listener to a lush, soaring climax before returning to the original bass, finally wavering off with a sweeping chord of musical nirvana.

**

“Sons and Daughters” by The Decemberists

Sleep

The Renaissance-Faire vibe that runs through The Decemberists’s discography lulls listeners into a dreamy stupor, nostalgic for woodlands of yore. Singer Colin Meloy’s subtle twang layers over the equally folksy bouzoukis, creating a languid mental image of handcrafted huts and of frolicking in a sunny meadow.

Stress Relief

“Dead Hearts” by Stars

Stress Relief

Supernatural sightings and emotional turmoil combine in the lyrics to “Dead Hearts,” a quiet song with echoing, ghostly vocals and a melody that climbs to a soaring crescendo. The song fades to a whisper of an end, perfect for listening to on an hours-long loop while the day’s tensions melt away.

**

“Weightless” by Marconi Union

Stress Relief

Scientifically formulated with the British Academy of Sound Therapy to be the “most relaxing song ever,” Marconi Union’s “Weightless” gives the frightening yet strangely soothing impression of drifting alone beneath the ocean surface. With gentle whooshing noises interspersed with subtle chimes and a steady brass rhythm that slows your heartbeat, “Weightless” is the ultimate piece to listen to on stressful days.

**

“Vienna” by Billy Joel

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Stress Relief

As if Billy Joel’s deep voice and the piano accompaniment weren’t relaxing enough, the lyrics of this song remind you that there is more to life than schoolwork and perfection.  Slow down! Somewhere, the beautiful city of Vienna awaits…

**

“Quiet Little Voices” by We Were Promised Jetpacks

Stress Relief

The repetition of angry guitar chords and exciting lyrics makes this a very headbang-able song. If you’re stressed, you can let lead singer Adam Thompson, accompanied by a beautiful mess of drums that ties everything together, scream out your inner storm.

Procrastination/Homework/Studying

“Collision” by Jhameel

Procrastination/Homework/Studying

Hot off his latest album, “Collision” mixes vocals both delicate and coarse to create the overall arousing atmosphere of an intimate yet electrifying gathering. This intoxicating effect will soon have you awake and energized to finish that last stretch of homework.

**

“Consequence of Sound” by Regina Spektor

Procrastination/Homework/Studying

More than just a perfect song for studying, “Consequence of Sound” is notable for the hand-tapped beats and the gentle piano that accompany Spektor’s unique tones and quirky lilts. Despite the almost message-heavy lyrics, it is a calm, collected rap—not an oxymoron in Spektor’s case—and relaxes you just enough to focus.

**

“Symphony #4” by Philip Glass

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Procrastination/Homework/Studying

This piece, like many of Glass’s others, is melodically repetitive, with only slight variations in instrumentation to break the cycle. For those who can’t study in silence, this is an ideal background piece—pleasant enough to listen to, but simple enough to not distract.

**

“Nothing” by Young Man

Procrastination/Homework/Studying

“Nothing” starts slow and steady on guitar, building up to a collection of electronic harmonies. The harmonies of the various synth instruments in the background and the low, soft, lingering vocals create an enclave for studying in peace.

Partying/Random Dancing

“A Teenager in Love” by The Pains of Being Pure At Heart

Partying/Random Dancing

Although its lyrics are dark, depressing, and drug-filled, “A Teenager in Love” has steady drums and reverberating tones that push the song into upbeat territory. Its chorus, propelled by a synth-heavy keyboard, will quickly induce foot-stomping and hair-tossing with reckless abandon.

**

“We Are Golden” by Mika

Partying/Random Dancing

“We Are Golden” is gleeful jolt of a Brit-pop song, with sunny lyrics and a joyful background choir.  Between the fast-paced beat driving its chorus and the belted-out “never give up” mantra, this is the song for exuberant outbursts, from lip-synching in the shower to fist-pumping at a party.

**

​“Marry the Night” by Lady GaGa

Partying/Random Dancing

GaGa’s recent hit, “Marry the Night,” meshes together dance, electronic music, and even rock in this party anthem. It opens with slow, melancholic verses accompanied by church bells, but soon explodes into a techno chorus urging you to “take over the night.” The lyrics are very uplifting, perfect for brightening your mood or partying through the night.

**

“Mr. Brightside” by The Killers

Partying/Random Dancing

The Killers’ breakout hit, “Mr. Brightside” opens with a subdued electronic riff that soon explodes into singer Brandon Flowers’s angry lyrics and strong melodic beats. The song ends with the same refrain as the beginning, bringing the song full circle in an endless, danceable whirl.