Finals are in less than a month, and with technology becoming more pervasive by the day, many students are finding it harder to drown out distractions and focus on their work. Music has been some students’ answer to the distractions, and so I’ve compiled a list of albums to put on when in the midst of a study session.

Miles Davis-Kind of Blue

Jazz is great to listen to when trying to work, especially the fusion of hard-bop and cool jazz that Miles Davis perfected on his landmark 1959 release, Kind of Blue. While the music reveals itself to be more complicated under more attention, it can easily fade into soothing background noise.

Ratatat-Ratatat

Ratatat’s first self-titled album blends elements of classic rock and hip-hop into peaceful electronica soundscapes. No intrusive lyrics, just the relaxing hum of the bands’ guitars to help your focus stay on your work.

The xx-xx

The xx, much like Ratatat, take elements of classic rock and turn them into sweeping electronica music. However, opposed to Ratatat’s summery jams, the xx’s debut album fashions their sound into a dark minimalist masterpiece. The lazily driving guitars and simple but propulsive percussion sound barren, but are enough to make sure you stay on track.

The Pains of Being Pure at Heart-Belong

Nearly any washed out indie rock or fuzzy punk album could fit in this slot, but Belong earns the spot because of how well it marries both of those aesthetics together into music that can double as intricate Smashing Pumpkins-inspired alternative rock and fuzzy melodies fit for studying to.

J Dilla-Donuts

Donuts is the masterpiece from the late Detroit rap producer, with his aesthetic of chopped-up samples and percussive instrumentals on full display. The album is short and easy to sit through, and is easy to lose yourself in, especially when focused on something else. The instrumentals pass quickly, and after you think you’ve only gotten through a couple songs, the album is almost done, along with your homework.