Music has become a constant companion for many, from answering emails to completing household chores. While listeners often select tracks instinctively, choosing the right music can enhance concentration, support memory retention, and increase motivation, according to experts. Research shows that music influences mood, memory, and focus by engaging multiple brain regions and reducing stress. Tempo, measured in beats per minute (BPM), is key, with different ranges supporting specific activities. Slower tempos around 50–80 BPM are linked to calm, alert states ideal for cognitive tasks, while faster rhythms energise physical or repetitive work.
Sarah Gillan, Head of Music at Kelvinside Academy in Glasgow, emphasised the importance of minimising mental effort. “You want music that reduces the cognitive load and limits distraction. It should help you focus, not give you more to think about.”
Reading, learning, and remembering
Best BPM: 60–70
“Someone Like You” by Adele, “Before You Go” by Lewis Capaldi, “Fix You” by Coldplay, “When the Party’s Over” by Billie Eilish
For absorbing new information, simplicity is key. “The best music to listen to while revising is music without lyrics,” Sarah explained. “Anything that isn’t going to disturb your train of thought.”
Recommended options include classical music, particularly baroque pieces, as well as film and gaming soundtracks. “Gaming music is excellent because it was written to be engaging, but also not obtrusive,” she said. Instrumental tracks support language and memory tasks by reducing interference, while slower tempos ease stress and promote sustained focus. Familiar playlists played repeatedly in the background may also aid retention. “If you have a playlist you’ve listened to over and over again and it just kind of goes on in the background, it can even help you retain information,” Sarah added.
Writing, creative work, and ideas
Best BPM: 70–90
“Let It Be” by The Beatles, “No Woman, No Cry” by Bob Marley, “Thinking Out Loud” by Ed Sheeran, “Counting Stars” by OneRepublic
Creative activities benefit from slightly higher energy. “If you’re writing or doing something creative, you can go for something a little more upbeat,” Sarah said. “Something that gets your creative juices flowing.” Minimalist compositions and instrumental jazz work well, with composers like Einaudi and Philip Glass highlighted. “Piano music can be really good as it’s something quite simple and flowing rather than too full or overwhelming.” Moderate tempos induce a relaxed yet alert alpha state in the brain, facilitating idea generation and creative thinking.
Deep focus and problem-solving
Best BPM: 60–80
“Stay With Me” by Sam Smith, “Do I Wanna Know?” by Arctic Monkeys, “Driver’s License” by Olivia Rodrigo, “Let Her Go” by Passenger
Sustained attention requires steady input. “You don’t want to be adding more to think about. You want to be taking that away so you can really focus on what you’re doing,” Sarah explained. Consistent tempo and volume help maintain mental continuity. Ambient, lo-fi, and minimalist music can establish a reliable rhythm, while personal taste remains essential. “It should be quite personal to you. If you don’t like it, it’s not going to reduce your stress,” she said.
Housework and motivation
Best BPM: 100–130
“Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars, “Mr Brightside” by The Killers, “Wake Me Up” by Avicii, “Levitating” by Dua Lipa
Faster music boosts energy for physical tasks. “Rock and roll is great if you’re cleaning the house or trying to get going,” Sarah noted. Lyrics and familiar songs enhance engagement. Singing along or recognising favourites makes chores more enjoyable. “It’s about getting yourself moving. Something that lifts your mood and gets you going,” she added.
Building your perfect everyday playlist
- Creating an “auditory bubble” with headphones helps reduce external interference and supports longer concentration.
- Gaming music is particularly effective for productivity. “It’s written so that people can listen to it for hours. It has to be engaging, but it can’t be distracting or annoying. It’s designed for concentration,” Sarah said.
- For songs with lyrics, instrumental or karaoke versions provide a compromise. “You still get the music you enjoy, but without the distraction,” she explained.
Experts note that individual responses vary, but matching tempo, instrumentation, and familiarity to the task can optimise everyday performance. Thoughtful music selection can transform routine moments into more productive and enjoyable experiences.