Songs that help you study hard: a roundup of motivational music to boost your drive and concentration
There are plenty of times when we have to study—entrance exams, regular tests, certification exams—but sometimes we just can’t get motivated.
In this article, we introduce songs that will give a big boost to your motivation to study, especially for those who are struggling to get started.
We’ve gathered tracks that match a range of moods, from songs with exhilarating, fast-paced sounds that spark your drive, to songs with lyrics that touch the heart and give you the courage to move toward the future.
May one soul-stirring track become the source of your motivation.
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Songs that help you study hard: a roundup of motivation-boosting, focus-enhancing study music (1–10)
Youth Group Filled with DesireONE OK ROCK
A track I want you to listen to when you hit a wall in your studies or feel anxious about falling behind others.
It’s a song included on the album Zeitakubyou, released in November 2007, and it’s packed to the brim with ONE OK ROCK’s raw, early impulses.
The longing for glittering success and the crushing sense of defeat in the face of reality—its lyrics depict the vivid struggles of youth, and they’re sure to resonate deeply with anyone overwhelmed by anxiety after not getting the results they hoped for in entrance exam prep or professional certifications.
It’s a song that gives courage to rise again—to you who acknowledge your own weakness yet still want to move forward.
After the rainWANIMA
If you want to snap into focus mode in a short time, this track—now a staple at WANIMA’s live shows—is perfect.
It’s included on their first mini-album, “Can Not Behaved!!,” released in October 2014, and it’s packed with the band’s early, raw energy.
The lyrics, which acknowledge anxiety and doubt while ultimately urging you to look ahead and move forward, will surely bolster your nerves before an exam.
Even when you’re down after a poor mock test result, listening to this song will help you reset—like your field of vision suddenly opening up.
EmotionsMAN WITH A MISSION
A song by MAN WITH A MISSION that I highly recommend when you want to boost your study motivation all at once.
Released as a single in February 2013, it also drew attention as the theme song for the film “HK: Hentai Kamen.” The shift from the majestic strings in the intro to a full-throttle rock sound is powerful enough to blast away any drowsiness.
Its fiery message—urging you to charge forward with your emotions burning even in the darkness—will give a strong push to your back as you sit at your desk.
Especially when you feel like your heart is about to break before an exam, feel the wolves’ emotion and seize the glory of passing!
Songs that help you study hard: A roundup of motivation-boosting music to spark drive and focus (11–20)
To Us Who Were Once GeniusesCreepy Nuts
A song that gives you the power to believe in yourself.
It’s the title track of Creepy Nuts’ mini-album “Katsute Tensai Datta Oretachi e,” released in August 2020 by the duo of R-Shitei, who has won numerous rap battles, and DJ Matsunaga, a world champion DJ.
It’s also known as the theme song for Teikyo Heisei University’s commercial.
The song rekindles the sense of limitless potential we all must have had as children and delivers a passionate message that pushes you to believe you can become anything, even starting now.
It frees a heart shrunk by insecurity and others’ judgments, and it’s sure to reignite your motivation to study.
This is a powerful anthem for carving out your future—one you should listen to especially when mock exam results or career choices leave you doubting yourself.
Have a nice dayNishino Kana
“I just can’t get out of bed in the morning…” For those sleepy mornings, this song—beloved as the theme for Fuji TV’s Mezamashi TV in 2016—gives you a boost of energy.
With lyrics full of everyday vibes that practically let you hear the alarm clock and smell the coffee, it’s something anyone can relate to! The down-to-earth message Kana Nishino delivers is packed with positive energy that nudges you to say, “Alright, let’s do our best today!” even when studying or going to school feels like a drag.
Even the hectic rush of getting ready in the morning seems like it could move along smoothly when you listen to this track.
MagicMrs. GREEN APPLE
It’s a magical, exhilarating track that can instantly transform everyday scenery into something vivid.
Released by Mrs.
GREEN APPLE in June 2023 and opening the album “ANTENNA,” this song also became familiar as a Coca-Cola commercial tune.
Its uplifting, pop-driven sound and positive lyrics—gently encouraging you that “it’s okay to be freer”—will ease a mind stiffened by studying and assignments.
When you’re stuck, listening to it will naturally bring back the energy to face your desk again.
Give it a spin whenever you want to refresh yourself!
Critical HitRADWIMPS
RADWIMPS’ “Kaisin no Ichigeki” is a track that gives you strength when you want to push past your limits.
It’s the lead song from their 2013 album “X to O to Tsumi to,” a rock tune that seems perfect for boosting your study efficiency.
The lyrics resonate especially well with life-defining moments like entrance exams or professional certifications.
The music video, crafted like a baseball manga, has a fun storyline, making it great for a quick break to recharge your motivation.
Keep putting in the effort and, just like this song, let’s pull off a game-changing comeback and change the world!
