Good Vibrations for Tedious Citations: Songs To Write To

When I was in college, I realized that when I would write a paper, it wasn't just about hearing the clicking of the keys in sync to the rhythms of my thoughts. No, I had to have something else to pull me through. Complete silence would work for some periods of time, but it wasn't long after that I realized I need something to help me plug through.

While I did love the wonders of YouTube, it only could do so much to click on a song/video, wait for it to load and have it play. I had an iPod and iTunes so I figured it would be easier to form a playlist of artists and sounds that would help me write.

Now granted, alot of people do work better in silence but sometimes I do listen to the words of a song to help me think of ways to put things. So in this hub I'd like to present a sample playlist of good songs to write to.

Some artists to me are great to listen to when you're happy, some are great when you're sad or pensive, some are even great when you want to tell someone how you really feel. But what about when you're brainstorming or drafting that term paper? There has to be music for that right? I think so and below here are some songs I like for thinking.

Viva La Vida -Coldplay

I recently heard Chris Martin describe this as a French Revolution breakup song. While that may be true, the introductory chords for some reason hit me with great music to manically start thinking with. Now, I know it may sound funny but to me I could imagine myself getting excited to write. It worked, so I guess it isn't that funny.

Rocket Man- Elton John

If I could probe the mind of any singer-songwriter, it would definitely be Elton John. I mean, how did he come up with something so inventive as a man living and working on Mars away from his family? He's definitely one of the more innovative artists that inspire me. It gets me going about how I think about things and how to break it down in such a way that's understandable.

Melt with You- Modern English

As romantic as this song is, at it's very core it is a wonderful love story. The protagonist is willing to do anything to be with his lover. I liked to get lost in this song while trying to organize my papers and if I didn't sing along, it was usually successful.

Something - The Beatles

This song is known for being the one megahit not written primarily by Paul McCartney and/or John Lennon. However, as quiet and shy as George Harrison was, in one of the few times he expressed himself it was beautiful, descriptive and just great for getting me in the mood to write.

When I would write, I would get into a very specific zone. I was focused but also aware of what was going on around me. I didn't completely tune out, so I would listen to music that helped me focus but also not too distracting to the process.

Take Me Home- Phil Collins

I really began to love listening to Phil Collins in college. I always knew who he was, but could never fully appreciate his artistry until I was older. One of my favorite songs by him is "Take Me Home." It wasn't his biggest hit, but it tells a very real story and the mellow downbeat kept me bouncing into long hours of writing.

Virtual Insanity- Jammorquai

Many people forgot about how awesome Jammorquai was in the 90s. I mean people literally became transfixed to that video and the song was pretty neat as well. This song helped to push me through when I start to feel sluggish in the middle of a paper. It's danceable but it's also very insightful which is another plus.

Human Nature- Michael Jackson

I have loved Michael Jackson as an artist since I was a kid. When I was younger, I was all about the fast paced beats of "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'" and "Don't Stop to You Get Enough" but as I got older, I appreciated his ballads more. "Human Nature" is one of my favorite songs by him period and it's mellow enough to help me keep writing.

When you near the end of a paper, there's a feeling of excitement as well as anxiety. Anxiety mainly because you have to not only write a cool conclusion, you also have to wrap up lose ends and edit. So for me it was all about something bouncy to keep me going.

Atomic Dog - George Clinton

This song is great to groove to, but the idea of chasing always makes me think of pursuing a goal which is great when your trying to write the last sentence of the final paragraph. It has a great groove for you to nod to while finishing up the parts of the paper you're not too excited about.

We've Got It Goin' On - Backstreet Boys

Regardless of what you think of BSB, they do have some great jams. "We've Got It Goin' On" is a great confidence booster for those moments you aren't too sure about what you've written. And plus if your with friends who aren't down with BSB, you can mess with them by singing along (quietly that is).

Mama Said Knock You Out- LL Cool J

When you really want to drive a point home, you put this song on. Not only does it get you riled up, it also helps you think of that term paper as the mortal enemy it can sometimes be. But just remember, you're the one with the power to knock it out!

I hope this helps when you're writing the big one, but just remember it's all about attitude and confidence.