Depends on the kind of concentration. If I'm programming or doing some kind of math, I want fury. I'm reaching for Slayer or Megadeth or the Doom sound track. Nothing like Angel of Death to plow through something.
If it's more contemplative, power ballads. Something I can sing without focusing on it. I Want to Know What Love Is. Keeps pace, but it's more emotional. Keeps me in that thoughtful place.
Cooking, woodworking, cleaning. Something active but not on the whole fast. Heavy metal, southern rock, or blues. Kiss, CCR, Lynyrd Skynyrd, BB King. Something even tempo that can pick up and come back down. Freebird followed by Fortunate Son is a good example.
I've been listening to breakcore lately. Gets me in the mood for serious work, it's like a microdose of adhd meds
Either ambient instrumental music (lots of Brian Eno) or any music that I know all the words to (so that my brain doesn't have to actively process the lyrics).
Been on the lofi Chopin and similar songs lately.
https://open.spotify.com/track/52gMaGkqtK2GIjWaIgwIW8?si=D8GI6SeVQe6BQGM4OWYVHg
There's a channel on Youtube called My Analogue Journey, I usually chuck that on.
buckethead. i cant focus with lyrics and i found his work perfect.
I've had the Billie Eilish's new album on loop recently. But before that I'd usually have some Floyd or god machine on.
video game music is designed to pump you up without breaking your concentration.
almost anything with lyrics in it is a no go for me if my goal is to have background music to relax/study to. also lofi.
Love me some Milt Jackson! The soft tones of that vibraphone are great for background music while studying
https://youtu.be/Fvmv7MCsCP0
breakcore (dnb), maidcore (progressive instrumental metal) or jazz fusion
