Carefully selected Western songs to listen to while studying—only tracks that really deepen your focus

Adventure of a LifetimeNEW!Coldplay

Coldplay – Adventure Of A Lifetime (Official Video)

Coldplay, a world-renowned rock band representing the UK.

The single they released in November 2015 is Adventure of a Lifetime.

Issued as a lead track from the album A Head Full of Dreams, it features a celebratory sound infused with disco and funk.

The rhythmic guitar phrases that make you want to move your body provide a great spark during otherwise monotonous study time.

There’s also a famous story: after Chris Martin met an actor while traveling, the idea led to a music video featuring dancing CG apes, a highly elaborate production that took about six months to complete.

With its theme of an “adventure of a lifetime,” this upbeat song is perfect for moments when you want to buckle down and focus—like cramming before an exam.

LevitatingNEW!Dua Lipa

Dua Lipa – Levitating Featuring DaBaby (Official Music Video)

This work by Dua Lipa, a pop icon representing the UK, features a pleasant groove that helps set the rhythm for studying.

The lyrics compare the thrill of love to a spacewalk, perfectly matched with a retro disco sound that instantly brightens your mood.

Included on the acclaimed 2020 album Future Nostalgia, it became a historic long-running hit, topping the US year-end singles chart in 2021.

It’s also known for being featured in the popular game Just Dance 2022.

The snappy bassline keeps your concentration from breaking, making it ideal as background music for long study sessions or repetitive tasks.

Give this track a listen and enjoy a comfortable study time.

As It WasNEW!Harry Styles

Harry Styles – As It Was (Official Video)

Harry Styles, a member of the group One Direction that sparked a worldwide social phenomenon and now a firmly established solo artist, released the song “As It Was” in April 2022—a track I strongly recommend as background music for studying or working.

Featured on the album “Harry’s House,” it captivates with a synth-pop sound reminiscent of 1980s new wave.

It achieved the remarkable feat of spending a total of 15 weeks at No.

1 on the U.S.

Billboard chart.

Its driving beat and slightly wistful melody can turn otherwise monotonous study time into something more rhythmic and pleasant.

Give it a listen especially when you’re having trouble staying focused.

BelieverNEW!Imagine Dragons

Imagine Dragons – Believer (Official Music Video)

When you want to awaken the motivation sleeping inside you, a heavy beat can be a powerful ally for studying.

For those who want to boost their concentration and sit down at the desk, I recommend this track by Imagine Dragons.

It carries a strong message about turning even pain and hardship into fuel to move forward, and its thundering drums stoke your fighting spirit.

It’s the lead single from their 2017 album Evolve, and in the U.S.

it achieved the remarkable feat of spending 29 consecutive weeks at No.

1 on Billboard’s rock chart.

It also drew attention as a song used in a Nintendo Switch commercial, so many of you may find it familiar.

It’ll give you the energy to tackle the task in front of you, so give it a listen when you need peak focus.

In My BloodNEW!Shawn Mendes

Shawn Mendes – In My Blood

While laying bare his own vulnerabilities, Shawn Mendes’s work gives you the strength to face adversity.

Its melodies, carrying anxieties and inner conflicts on a powerful rock sound, will surely give you a push—saying “Don’t give up!”—when you’re stuck and your studies aren’t going well.

Released in March 2018, the song was included as the lead track on the album “Shawn Mendes.” Its message was highly praised, earning nominations in major categories at the 61st Grammy Awards in 2019.

It was also embraced as an anthem supporting Portugal’s national soccer team.

There may be nights when your grades plateau and you feel alone.

But if you hold onto the resolve to rise again and again, you’ll surely find the courage to sit back down at your desk.

HappyPharrell Williams

Pharrell Williams – Happy (Official Video)

This song by American artist Pharrell Williams features a refreshing rhythm that blends elements of neo-soul and funk, expressing the joy of life and a positive outlook.

Its lyrics convey the importance of staying happy even in the most challenging situations, empowering every listener.

Released in November 2013, it was created for the soundtrack of the animated film Despicable Me 2 and was later included on the album G I R L.

Its appeal is evident from its achievement of holding the No.

1 spot on the U.S.

Billboard Hot 100 for 10 consecutive weeks.

It’s perfect as background music for event entries or dance performances at school sports days, with the power to unite all participants.

Bye Bye Bye*NSYNC

*NSYNC – Bye Bye Bye (Official Video)

The song “Bye Bye Bye,” used as the opening for the film Deadpool & Wolverine, is, as everyone knows, a classic hit by *NSYNC.

Perhaps because it was used almost in full within the movie, the association of Deadpool = Bye Bye Bye has really stuck.

Surprisingly, the song sits in a relatively low vocal range and doesn’t require the kind of intricate, R&B-style melodic runs.

As long as you keep the groove in mind, you should be able to sing it without any issues—so consider adding it to your repertoire.

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