- “Pop! Goes the Weasel”
This song and other similar ones were literally created for the purpose of infiltrating my crammed brain during tests. I try not to mentally voiceover the quadratic formula too, lest I distract myself from the very serious English essay I’m working on.
- “Double Concerto for Two String Orchestras, Piano, and Timpani” by Bohuslav Martinu
The syncopation in one of our orchestra pieces has me tapping my toe even outside of M101. I guess it’s just easier to hum than to play — probably just a skill issue.
- “Smooth Operator” by Sade
This 1984 hit has crept into my playlist and is, unfortunately, a bit too catchy for the ideal test-taking setup. If only it wasn’t such a hit (I’m not mad).
- Kahoot waiting music or the “Jeopardy!” theme song
Might’ve been from French yesterday … or just because it’s a vibe. Nothing like having waiting music be your soundtrack; I’m always waiting for the answer to magically pop into my head, like a Jeopardy answer.
- Literally any jazz artist or crooner
Amy Winehouse, Frank Sinatra and Laufey may or may not be in my subconscious 24/7. The loose rhythms are what I usually listen to in the background when studying or walking; therefore, it’s pretty reasonable to have them playing in loops in my head during tests too. I probably get these most frequently from my day-before-test-cramming sessions.
- “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” by Bobby McFerrin
I only have to listen to this piece of musical genius once before it’s cemented into my head for months. While it’s great to have it stuck in your head, the whistling part is both very catchy and very distracting.
- “APT” by Bruno Mars and Rose
Recently added to the list, I don’t even listen to the song that much. The beat is strong and simple, yet familiar (though I don’t know from where), melody still creeps in and often adds a rhythm to my arithmetic. I feel like the subject of a YouTube video whenever it’s on.
- Whatever I heard on the radio that morning or what’s on trend
Frequently Taylor Swift and Sabrina Carpenter, occasionally a song from the ‘90s I’ve only heard twice. In any way, the music is largely overplayed and therefore ends up in my brain when I zone out.
- “16 CARRIAGES” by Beyonce
The song actually hits and is probably one of my most played, but the lyric-focused-ness of it makes it very difficult to take tests (or do homework) with it on without mentally singing it too. Regardless, though, it’s always nice to have Beyonce in the back.
- “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen
Nothing like crying out to your mom about murder when you don’t know the answer to a question. Luckily, I don’t frequently find myself there, but I predict hearing more “Bohemian Rhapsody” in future years.
