By Kristen LaRue-Sandler — November 14, 2023
It’s crunch time—a.k.a. time to finish those term papers and start the end-of-the-semester drum roll! Speaking of drums: we asked several members of the ASU English leadership team about their favorite “music to write by.” Maybe these melodies could serve as study partners?
Without further ado, here is our gift to you: a curated list of inspirational tunes.
- Richard Thompson, “Summer Is Acumen In,” Dusty Springfield, “Son of a Preacher Man,” and Lucinda Williams, “Are You Alright?”
- Recommended by Sally Ball, director of creative writing
- Natalie Merchant, “Retrospective 1990-2005” album
- Recommended by Aaron Baker, director of film and media studies
- Ana Tijoux, "La Bala" and "Vengo"
- Recommended by Lee Bebout, director of literature
- Taylor Swift, “The Archer”
- Recommended by Jessica Early, associate chair of personnel
- Allison Russell, “Nightflyer”
- Recommended by Julia Himberg, associate chair of curriculum
- NSYNC, “Bye Bye Bye”
- Recommended by Kyle Jensen, director of Writing Programs
- J.S. Bach, "Goldberg Variations"
- Recommended by Matthew Prior, director of linguistics and applied linguistics / TESOL
- Sonic Youth, “Washing Machine”
- Recommended by Bradley Ryner, director of graduate studies
- Ben Howard, "Old Pine" and Elliot Smith, "Between the Bars"
- Recommended by Christina Saidy, director of English education
Good luck, Sun Devils!
Image at top credit Marco Verch Professional Photographer on Flickr. Used under CC 2.0.