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 music to spark drive and focus (11–20)
footstepsMr.Children
A powerful track by Mr.Children, written specifically as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Nobunaga Concerto.” There are moments when studying doesn’t go as planned and you feel like you can’t move forward anymore.
But this is exactly the kind of song that makes you trust the feel of your feet on the ground and take that next step.
Released as a single in November 2014, it carries the band’s passionate resolve as they created it under a new production setup.
When you feel like you’re about to lose heart, its sweeping sound will give you a push and the courage to sit back down at your desk.
Mela!Ryokushokushakai
Even when you sit down at your desk, you just can’t stay focused… this is a song by Ryokuoushoku Shakai you should listen to at times like that.
Its sprightly beat that makes you want to move and the bright sound of brass will instantly lift your sunken mood.
Cherishing the impulse of “Now’s the time!” and striving to change yourself, its positive message will surely give a powerful push to your efforts toward your goals.
It was released in April 2020 as an advance single from the album SINGALONG.
When you’re feeling sleepy or want to make a final sprint, listen to it and you’ll feel energy welling up from within.
PRAYING RUNUVERworld
A UVERworld track that stirs a fiery emotion from deep within when you want to keep running beyond your limits.
Its message—that no matter how tough it gets, continuing without stopping will open up the future—will surely resonate with anyone working hard for entrance exams or tests.
Although it’s a B-side to the single “I LOVE THE WORLD,” released in August 2015, this song has become a fan favorite that holds an important place in their live shows.
Especially when you’re anxious about whether your efforts will pay off, listen to this song and triumph in the battle against yourself!
Let’s give it a tryWANIMA
An energetic track that covers a nursery rhyme everyone’s heard at least once, given a bold rock arrangement in true WANIMA style.
Even when you’re feeling sluggish before starting to study, the song’s exhilarating drive will naturally boost your motivation.
Its positive message—urging you to try first without fearing failure—will give powerful encouragement to anyone tackling entrance exams or test prep.
Released as a digital single in January 2017, it also created a buzz as the theme song for au’s “Santaro” commercial series.
Give it a listen when you want to face your weaker subjects with a positive mindset.
ultramarineYOAOSBI
YOASOBI is a duo that creates songs inspired by stories.
The piece they produced as a commercial song for Bourbon is “Gunjou.” It’s an original track written based on the manga Blue Period, which portrays students working hard as they prepare for entrance exams.
The lyrics celebrate both the joy and the struggle of striving toward one’s dreams, so anyone studying hard will surely relate.
Also, pay attention to the ending, which evokes a bright future—definitely give it a listen.
Tomorrow as wellSHISHAMO
“Ashita mo,” a popular song by SHISHAMO, a three-woman rock band.
Many of you may know it as it was also featured in NTT Docomo’s “Docomo Gakuwari” TV commercial.
The song portrays the daily struggles of various people, from students to working adults.
If you’re living in the modern world, the lyrics will make you nod in instant recognition.
Despite the tough days, the song carries the message: let’s all keep doing our best tomorrow, too! It’s a great cheer-up song, especially recommended if you want to power through your studies.
Songs that help you study hard: A roundup of study motivation music that boosts drive and focus (21–30)
Because you can do it someday, you can do it today.Nogizaka 46
Itsuka Dekiru kara Kyo Dekiru, released by Nogizaka46 in 2017, is a mid-tempo ballad that stays close to you when you feel the anxiety and inner conflict that can come from studying.
Everyone has their own reasons for working hard at their studies, but wanting to pursue a future dream or the path you truly desire is surely a big one.
While evoking hope for the future, the lyrics also ground you in the present, encouraging you to face what’s in front of you, which is both beautiful and uplifting.
It’s a supportive song that soothes with the gentle atmosphere characteristic of Nogizaka46.
