BGM for staying focused at work: a curated collection of music that’s also great for remote work
Do you ever listen to music while you work?
If you work remotely, there’s a good chance you often have music on as you work.
But you might be wondering, “What kind of music actually helps you focus at work?”
In this article, we’ll introduce a selection of recommended background music (BGM) for working.
When you want to concentrate, calm instrumental tracks like classical, ambient, or lo-fi hip hop are especially recommended.
The ideal track can vary depending on your mood and the task at hand, so try to find the best one for you from the selections we introduce below.
BGM that helps you focus on work. A curated selection of music recommended for remote work (1–10)
DrunkPamiredo
It’s a captivating track with ambient tones that melt into the night’s silence and a deep, low-register vocal.
The lyrics blend English and Japanese, portraying inner wavering and the atmosphere of nighttime, gently accompanying the listener’s heart.
Released as a single in April 2025, it’s a piece written, composed, and mixed by Pamiredo.
Within its brief, roughly two-minute runtime, the spacious, minimalist structure creates a unique sense of weightless drift.
With no flashy developments, it won’t interrupt your thoughts—making it perfect for late-night study sessions when you want to boost concentration.
If you’d like to settle in at your desk and relax, why not make it a companion to your studies?
BackseatL’indécis
A refined instrumental number with a gentle, unhurried flow.
This piece is a collaboration between France-based beatmaker L’Indécis and ØDYSSEE, a favorite in the lo-fi scene.
Released in September 2025, it was also included on the popular compilation album “Lofi Girl – Back to school,” and has become a well-loved BGM choice for studying and getting work done.
L’Indécis has previously released albums such as “Plethoria,” and his jazzy sound design remains firmly intact here.
The warm groove, distilled into about two minutes, is perfect both for boosting concentration and for a relaxing break with a cup of coffee.
DangerousSurprise Chef
How about some cool instrumentals for when you want to focus and get work done? This track is by Surprise Chef, a band based in Melbourne, Australia.
It’s included on their album “Superb,” released in May 2025.
Their signature cinematic feel blends seamlessly with a body-moving funk groove, making you feel like you’re in a stylish space just by listening.
The repeating rhythms and vibraphone tones are soothing, and the understated balance won’t disrupt your thinking.
It’s perfect for remote work at a café or for late-night solo study sessions.
With a touch of hip-hop sensibility, it’s a must-listen not only for fans of jazz and soul, but also for anyone searching for a chic beat.
Sweet Disposition (Blazy & Sighter Remix)The Temper Trap
If you’re looking for BGM to boost your focus, this top recommendation is a track by The Temper Trap! It’s an official remix of their popular 2008 original—known from films like (500) Days of Summer—released in August 2024.
Keeping the original’s emotional vocals intact, the layering of soothing electronic sounds deepens your immersion in work.
The steady, trance-like rhythm will help your studying or job tasks flow.
It also gained attention when a version circulated online in November 2019, so its quality is well established.
Perfect for powering through long desk sessions or making a final push before exams.
Just the two of usiri
If you’re looking to calm your mind and focus on your work, we recommend this bold reinterpretation by iri of one of RADWIMPS’ signature love songs.
It’s included on the tribute album “Dear Jubilee -RADWIMPS TRIBUTE-,” released in November 2025.
Her smoky, rich vocals breathe new life into the conversational lyrics, gently enveloping the listener’s heart.
Realized after their 2021 collaboration, this cover preserves the strengths of the original while adding a comfortable R&B groove—perfect for nighttime study or work sessions when you want to relax.
Its warm message, like a promise about the two people’s future, will quietly support those solitary hours of getting things done.
Wet LandYoshimura Hiroshi
How about a serene track by a pioneer of ambient music for your work BGM? The crystal-clear synth tones, evocative of waterside scenery, quietly blend into your study or work space.
It’s the opening piece from Hiroshi Yoshimura’s 1993 album “Wet Land.” The gentle repetitions are perfect for times when you want to keep your emotions steady and immerse yourself in tasks.
The sound shimmers like light reflecting on a calm water surface, gently easing taut nerves.
Try playing it as background music for test prep or any desk work that demands deep focus.
sparrowKakuno Hayato
Everyone knows the feeling of sitting down at your desk but struggling to switch into focus mode.
That’s when you should lend an ear to this piece: a piano solo reconstruction by Hayato Sumino of the theme song from the film Suzume.
Featured as the closing track on the tribute album Dear Jubilee – RADWIMPS TRIBUTE -, released in November 2025, this work is an instrumental without lyrics, yet its expressive power makes the original song’s earnest words seem to spill from the keys.
Its dramatic arc, growing from stillness to heat, is sure to deepen your immersion in whatever you’re doing.
It’s the perfect track for nights when you want to enter a deep zone for studying or work, or when you want to center yourself and face a task head-on.