7 Best Playlists to Help You Concentrate at Work

“I get so pumped up with my throwback pop hits that I end up using my stapler as a microphone and doing desk karaoke.”

“I play my favorite songs on repeat until I can't stand them anymore. I need fresh tunes, stat!”

Can you relate? If so, I've got you covered. Here are some playlists designed to help you sail through your day with just the right balance of energy and focus. Whether you’re working on your next big project or simply organizing your workspace, these curated tracks—from laid-back beats to white noise—will keep you in the zone without being too distracting. Here we go.

1. Architecture | Design | Workshop 0.1

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Great for: Creative Inspiration

This aptly named playlist is a bit like “random” mode on an elliptical machine. The tempo and mood ebb and flow, creating an ever-changing soundscape that's perfect for sparking creativity. With a mix of atmospheric electronic, jazz, funk, folk, and hip-hop influences, it keeps things interesting without letting you slip into a lull. It's ideal for those moments when you need a diverse musical backdrop to fuel your design process.

2. My Life Is a Movie

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Great for: Nostalgic Vibes

We’re all living in our own stories, right? This playlist brings that movie-scene feeling to your workspace with a blend of mellow and cheerful soft indie rock hits. Expect a mix of familiar favorites and obscure gems that will have you humming along and taking occasional work breaks. It’s perfect for when you want to feel like the protagonist in your own design journey.

3. Folk Fabrique

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Great for: Thinking Outside the Box

Folk Fabrique is a whole trip around the world. Brimming with diverse global inspirations, it’s great for when you need to think outside the box and step out of your comfort zone. If you’re stuck in a creative rut, this globally inspired music might be just what you need to get out of it. Plus, if you don’t speak the language of the song, it's less tempting to sing along and more conducive to focused work.

4. Pop Instrumental Covers

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Great for: Easygoing Flow

Sometimes you want something familiar to hum along to, but without the distraction of lyrics. This playlist offers gentle instrumental covers of popular songs, giving you the best of both worlds. It’s perfect for maintaining an easygoing flow while working on tasks that require a bit of mental engagement.

5. Lofi Beats

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Great for: Steady Focus

Lo-Fi Beats is your go-to for mellow, instrumental hip-hop tracks that create a calm and focused atmosphere. Ideal for long design sessions, it helps you stay in the zone without any lyrical distractions, making it perfect for deep work.

6. Atmospheric Focus

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Great for: Stress Relief

When work gets you too...worked up, Atmospheric Focus is here to help. This peaceful and tranquil set of tracks is perfect for taking your heart rate down and easing stress. It’s a great choice for moments when you need to calm your mind and regain your focus.

7. HyperFocus Noise

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Great for: Blocking Out Distractions

For fans of white noise, HyperFocus Noise provides just the right amount of gentle sound to fill the void and stimulate your mind. It might not be what you’d hear during a sleepy spa treatment, but rather a perfect blend of ambient noise that helps drown out background distractions and keeps you in the zone.

There you have it! Time to plug in your headphones (or turn up the speakers), hit play, and let these playlists guide you through a productive and creative workday. Happy listening!

xx, Danae