Ace Those Exams: 28 Best Songs to Study & De-Stress

Finals week got you feeling stressed? Need a soundtrack to power through those all-nighters and conquer that exam anxiety? Then look no further! We've compiled the ultimate list of the best songs about exams, guaranteed to energize your study sessions and maybe even inspire a little academic magic. From anthems of perseverance to tunes that perfectly capture the rollercoaster of emotions surrounding exam time, this playlist understands the unique pressures and triumphs of student life. Whether you're craving upbeat motivation or something mellow to help you focus, this curated selection will become your go-to companion during those intense weeks. So ditch the pre-exam jitters, grab your headphones, and let the music fuel your success. Get ready to discover the perfect soundtrack for acing those exams!

Ace Those Exams: 28 Best Songs to Study & De-Stress
SongArtistAlbumListens
1. Roar Katy Perry PRISM 4B+
2. Titanium David Guetta
Sia
Nothing but the Beat 2.0 2B+
3. Firework Katy Perry Teenage Dream: The Complete Confection 1B+
4. Happy Pharrell Williams G I R L 1B+
5. Break Free Ariana Grande 1B+
6. Can't Hold Us Ray Dalton
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
Macklemore
Ryan Lewis
The Heist 1B+
7. Eye of the Tiger Survivor Working Class Dog 1B+

1. Roar (Katy Perry)

Anthemic Power: Roar's powerful vocals and driving beat provide the perfect soundtrack for conquering the challenges of exams, infusing you with a sense of strength and determination.

Empowering Lyrics: The lyrics about overcoming adversity resonate deeply with the struggles and triumphs of exam preparation, offering a message of resilience and self-belief.

Motivational Rhythm: Its upbeat tempo and catchy rhythm can help maintain focus and energy during long study sessions, making it an ideal study companion.

Roar - Katy Perry

2. Titanium (David Guetta ft Sia - 2025)

Uplifting Melody: Titanium's powerful, driving beat and soaring melody can provide the energy and focus needed to tackle even the toughest exam.

Sia's Empowering Vocals: Sia's incredible vocal performance imbues the song with a sense of strength and resilience, perfect for channeling inner strength during stressful exam periods.

Motivational Anthem: The lyrics, while not explicitly about exams, speak to overcoming challenges and pushing through adversity – a relatable feeling for students facing high-stakes testing.

Titanium - David Guetta,Sia

3. Firework (Teenage Dream: The Complete Confection)

Uplifting Melody: Katy Perry's "Firework" offers a powerful, anthemic melody that can provide the boost of energy needed during stressful exam periods. The soaring vocals and driving beat create a sense of momentum, perfect for pushing through challenging study sessions.

Inspirational Lyrics: The lyrics focus on inner strength and believing in oneself, themes deeply resonant with the challenges and self-doubt that can accompany exams. Hearing the message of potential and overcoming obstacles can be incredibly motivating.

Emotional Release: The song's celebratory feel provides a fantastic outlet for releasing stress and anxiety. Use it as a reward after a long study session or a way to de-stress before an exam.

Firework - Katy Perry

4. Happy (Pharrell Williams - 2025)

Upbeat Tempo: Happy's relentlessly positive rhythm provides a powerful antidote to exam stress, making it ideal background music for focused study or a celebratory reward afterwards.

Infectious Melody: The instantly catchy tune and Pharrell Williams' smooth vocals create a sense of effortless joy, helping to alleviate anxiety and boost your mood during stressful periods.

Positive Affirmations: The song's lyrics subtly convey a message of optimism and resilience, reminding you to stay positive and persistent throughout your exam journey.

Happy - Pharrell Williams

5. Break Free - 2025

Upbeat Tempo: "Break Free" possesses a driving rhythm perfect for powering through study sessions or celebrating a successful exam.

Anthemic Quality: Ariana Grande's powerful vocals and the song's soaring chorus create a feeling of empowerment and resilience, ideal for tackling academic challenges.

Stress Relief: The song's energetic nature can serve as a much-needed break from intense studying, offering a moment of joyful escape.

Break Free - Ariana Grande

6. Can't Hold Us

Upbeat Energy: "Can't Hold Us" possesses an infectious energy perfect for powering through study sessions or celebrating a successful exam.

Triumphant Vibe: The song's celebratory feel aligns well with the accomplishment of finishing exams, making it an ideal soundtrack for post-exam relaxation.

Motivational Lyrics: While not explicitly about exams, the themes of overcoming obstacles and achieving success resonate strongly with the experience of studying and testing.

Can't Hold Us - Ray Dalton,Macklemore & Ryan Lewis,Macklemore,Ryan Lewis

7. Eye of the Tiger (1982)

Driving Rhythm: Eye of the Tiger's relentless, pounding beat provides the perfect soundtrack for pushing through the late-night study grind, mirroring the determination needed to conquer exams.

Anthemic Vocals: Survivor's powerful vocals inject a surge of motivational energy, transforming the pressure of exams into a challenge to be overcome with strength and resilience.

Unwavering Optimism: The song's message of perseverance and triumph resonates deeply during stressful exam periods, offering a potent reminder that hard work and focus will ultimately pay off.

Eye of the Tiger - Survivor

8. Whatever It Takes (Imagine Dragons)

Driving Rhythm: Imagine Dragons' "Whatever It Takes" possesses a relentless, driving rhythm that mirrors the focused energy needed to power through exam preparation. The beat keeps you moving forward, even when the material feels overwhelming.

Anthemic Quality: Its anthemic chorus provides a sense of empowerment, transforming the stressful experience of exams into a challenge to be conquered. The soaring vocals inspire determination and resilience.

Motivational Lyrics: While not explicitly about exams, the lyrics' themes of perseverance and achieving goals resonate deeply with the struggles and triumphs of students facing academic pressures. It can become your personal study soundtrack.

Whatever It Takes - Imagine Dragons

9. Stayin' Alive (1978)

Upbeat Tempo: Stayin' Alive's relentless, four-on-the-floor beat provides a powerful, driving rhythm that can help maintain focus and energy during long study sessions, combating exam-related fatigue.

Infectious Melody: The instantly recognizable and incredibly catchy melody is surprisingly motivating, acting as a positive reinforcement loop while you work.

Nostalgic Comfort: Its pervasive presence in pop culture creates a sense of familiarity and comfort, potentially reducing stress and anxiety associated with exams.

Stayin' Alive - Bee Gees

10. Fight Song (Wildfire)

Anthemic Quality: Rachel Platten's powerful vocals and driving rhythm in "Fight Song" make it the perfect soundtrack for conquering the stress of exams. The soaring chorus is incredibly motivating and inspiring.

Relatable Lyrics: The lyrics about perseverance and overcoming challenges resonate deeply with students facing academic pressure, offering a message of hope and resilience during exam season.

Empowering Message: "Fight Song" provides an emotional boost, transforming anxiety into determination. Its uplifting tone makes it an ideal study break or pre-exam pump-up anthem.

Fight Song - Rachel Platten
  • We Will Rock You
    11

    We Will Rock You

    Queen

    1977

    News Of The World (2011 Remaster)

  • Hall of Fame
    12

    Hall of Fame

    The Script,will.i.am

    2012

    #3

  • Stronger
    13

    Stronger

    Kelly Clarkson

    2011

    Stronger (Deluxe Version)

  • The Climb
    14

    The Climb

    Miley Cyrus

    2009

    Stages (Deluxe)

  • Don't Stop Believin'
    15

    Don't Stop Believin'

    Journey

    1981

    Escape (2022 Remaster)

  • Lose Yourself
    16

    Lose Yourself

    Eminem

    2002

    2001

  • Survivor
    17

    Survivor

    Destiny's Child

    2001

    Survivor

  • Unstoppable
    18

    Unstoppable

    Sia

    2016

    This Is Acting (Deluxe Version)

  • Dream On
    19

    Dream On

    Aerosmith

    1973

    Aerosmith

  • Rise Up
    20

    Rise Up

    Andra Day

    2015

    Cheers to the Fall

  • I Will Survive
    21

    I Will Survive

    Gloria Gaynor

    1978

    Future Bound

  • Born to Run
    22

    Born to Run

    Bruce Springsteen

    1975

    Born To Run

  • Don't Give Up
    23

    Don't Give Up

    Peter Gabriel

    1986

    So (25th Anniversary Deluxe Edition)

  • Heroes
    24

    Heroes

    David Bowie

    1977

    "Heroes" (2017 Remaster)

  • Strawberry Swing
    25

    Strawberry Swing

    Coldplay

    2008

  • Invincible
    26

    Invincible

    Kelly Clarkson

    2015

  • Shake It Off
    27

    Shake It Off

    Taylor Swift

    2014

    1989

  • One Day
    28

    One Day

    Imagine Dragons

    2021