Midterm season, miserable as it is, seems to take up more time in the semester every year. We’ve all been there, cooped up in a favorite study spot, cramming the review for half a semester’s worth of material for each class, day after day. After a while, it feels impossible to find the willpower needed to stay on top of it all.
Sometimes, the best way to keep yourself sane and focused is to put on an album. There’s your favorite album, of course; the one that’s always there when you need it. But sometimes, it can be nice to put on some minimalistic music for relaxation, something to get through these draining times without being distracted from your schoolwork. With this in mind, here are some instrumentally inclined album recommendations to use as the soundtrack of your next study session.
“Minecraft – Volume Alpha” — C418
Anyone who has played Minecraft probably has fond memories of its sparse, piano-led score. Despite its reserved ambient nature, the hour-long package instantly transports you to early experiences exploring and manipulating its immersive digital worlds. The impact of Daniel Rosenfeld, the German composer behind C418, cannot be overstated, with the U.S. Library of Congress adding “Minecraft – Volume Alpha” to the National Recording Registry earlier this year because of its cultural relevance in the United States.
But the ambient atmosphere can comfort those without nostalgic connections to the game as well. The gradual unfolding of strings and synthesizers on “Mice on Venus” builds a sense of joyous wonder, while the more somber arrangement of tracks like “Sweden” establishes a sense of comfort that can make whatever work you’re doing feel a little less tedious.
“Selected Ambient Works Volume II” — Aphex Twin
Aphex Twin, the alias of British musician Richard David James, is one of the most influential artists when it comes to modern ambient and electronic music. His styles are wide-ranging, sometimes pleasant and other times dissonant, and nowhere is that clearer than his sophomore
release, “Selected Ambient Works Volume II.”
Most of the tracks create breathtaking soundscapes through the layering and subtle shifts of different synth sounds. It’s music that can exist in the background without taking your attention away from anything, making you feel revitalized the entire time. The noisier, less ambient moments might come as a surprise while listening, but they can be a good reminder to take breaks from studying during the album’s long runtime. I recommend listening to the expanded edition for the added slow-moving masterpiece, “19.” It’s worth mentioning that “1,” “3” and “21” are mesmerizing in their own right.
“In a Silent Way” — Miles Davis
Jazz is a genre that can sometimes be hard to tie into studying. Its intricate rhythms, vibrant solos and soulful playing can command the listener’s attention away from the work they may be doing. However, Miles Davis’ “In a Silent Way,” released in 1969, bridges this potential disconnect with its two tracks, each close to 20 minutes in length.
Both tracks, “Shhh / Peaceful” and “In a Silent Way,” are largely built atop infectious jazz drumming patterns. Then, a jazz fusion mix of electric guitar, electric keyboards and brass dance around the percussive background with glee. The result is a fast-moving, energy-inducing pace that gets you right into the productive spirit. At the end of each track, the drumming fades away, letting a still, quieter atmosphere befitting the album’s name take over.
“A I A: Alien Observer” — Grouper
It can be hard to believe that the outer-space atmosphere of Grouper’s music, alongside the delicate vocals, all comes from one person. But Liz Harris is just that talented, and she sure proves it on “A I A: Alien Observer.” The 40-minute release takes its time, with dense keyboard tones exuding a hazy ambiance. Harris’ soft singing calls forth like a fading dream; and while her exact words are often indistinguishable, her longing is clear.
The first three tracks, “Moon Is Sharp,” “Alien Observer” and “Vapor Trails” are particularly captivating with their ambient pop ethereality. Ironically, the album’s somber soundscapes leave a blissful effect on the listener because of their elegance, making the experience relaxing rather than sad. It’s a great nighttime album, one to put on when you end up in the library after a heavy day of test-taking with more to come the next day, and you need something beautiful and moving to keep you motivated.
“Kagayaki” — Masakatsu Takagi
On his masterpiece, “Kagayaki,” Japanese composer Masakatsu Takagi ties in chamber folk choruses, minimalistic piano melodies and field recordings of nature for an unrivaled joyous experience. Every second is a delight, a rejuvenating counterpart to these tiring points of the semester. Compared to the other albums on this list, there’s more of an explicit vocal presence, so it might be harder to listen to in the background.
Still, the piano emphasis on “I Am Water” and “Ooharu (Piano)” leans into a more ambient tranquility. Then there’s the mouthful “Nurse them Make a fire Feed yourself Express your mirth,” whose slow build of strings and flutes leads the listener on a wild ride. Best of all is “Amamizu,” a rush of pure childlike whimsy that’s sure to brighten you up after a day of grueling exams.