Groove, then break: 5 bite-sized albums I play to get work done

If you want to make sure that productivity plummets in our household, simply play a song which has lyrics. We both work with words and code – sometimes, in close proximity to each other. We need music to focus and to filter out the outside world. Today’s post is about this kind of music. What are some good albums to listen to? Here are my five picks. I’m not including links – feel free to find these on any music website you like!

0. How I use music to time my breaks

It’s not a secret that taking frequent breaks helps you preserve your focus and energy (if it’s a secret to you, read up on some of the most conclusive research). Many techniques exist to make sure you get some rest at regular intervals.

I’ve found that 50-minute stretches of focused effort are best when I try to get some digital editing work done. After 50 minutes, I take a 10-minute break. This means that it’s easy to plan my workday around several full hours’ worth (give or take).

Of course, I could be using any of the traditional timers you’ve heard so much about – or the new-fangled tools which track your time. But fortunately, music comes to the rescue: the album is still a familiar format, and many albums come in neat 40- or 50-minute packages.

This means that I can do my digital editorial tasks while listening to some tunes – and take the cue to arrange a quick break around the time when album finishes.

Here are five of my recent favourites, arranged from the shortest to the longest.

1. Brian Eno, “Ambient 1/Music For Airports”

For many, this is the quintessential ambient sound, and the album which catapulted the genre into the mainstream. “Music For Airports” is 48 minutes long. The album consists of four movements.

The mood of this 1978 album is bright and optimistic, but unhurried. This will probably not be enough to cancel out any loud noises in your surroundings.

I come back to “Music For Airports” on a regular basic – as my yearning for journeys, discoveries, and the future (any future, really) intensifies. It’s soothing to think that someone was able to imagine an airport the way Brian Eno did. And that some day, someone might do so again.

2. Steve Reich, “Music for 18 Musicians”

This is my workhorse, my solid-effort staple. Depending on the recording, this will live in your ears for anything from 56 up to 59 minutes. And I think you’ll be glad it moved in.

Premiered in 1976, this piece was a breakthrough for minimalism. The whole composition is made up of 11 movements (called “Pulses”), and each pulse transforms into the next seamlessly.

I’ve listened to this piece for long enough to be able to get used to its energy, but the first few listens are likely to not be productive for you. It’s hard not to admire the intricacies of what Reich does to the notes, chords, and rhythms – how players take turns to deconstruct, augment, tweak what you hear – and how this translates into an ever-changing adventure between your ears.

There are several takes on this piece – the recording I’m most fond of is the one which opens Reich’s “ECM Recordings” collection.

3. Brian Eno, “Neroli/Thinking Music Part IV”

We’re back to Brian Eno with this 57-minute piece. The word “neroli”, as I found out, refers to an essential oil which you produce from a bitter orange tree blossom. And on this occasion, I think the name suits the piece perfectly – as does Brian Eno’s description.

This is a sharp departure from Reich’s richness. There isn’t much here, you may think at first: the sounds are resonant but sparse, the melody – almost non-existent. It’s sweet, metallic, sticky (just like the oil).

I play this when I need to work things out. I’m playing it now as I’m writing this piece. It becomes a space for your thoughts to unfold, for the hurry to subside. Good headphones or speakers are definitely recommended – this sound needs some hardware help to do its work.

4. Austin Wintory, “Journey (Original Video Game Soundtrack)”

Video game soundtracks are always around when I’m trying to get things done. This spot on the list was, for a long time, a toss-up between the above title and the soundtrack to “Donkey Kong Country 2” (if you think I’m joking, search for “Stickerbush Symphony”, and thank me later). “Journey” just about wins due to its consistent mood, and general non-disruptiveness.

The game itself is a moody, gorgeous travel-around-and-find-out affair. The soundtrack is a perfect illustration of the unknown, but exhilarating adventure which the main character embarks on – no words, just a constant sense of wonder, and plenty of peace.

There are ebbs and flows to this album, which makes it perfect for these days when you need a tiny bit more energy in your brain. This “Journey” will take you just under 1 hour.

5. Hiromi, “Alive”

Play this when you run out of coffee, and you’ll be fine for the next 64 minutes. Jazz trios come in all shapes and sizes – this (Hiromi Uehara’s post-2011 Trio Project) is one of the more up-beat and energetic ones.

“Alive” is an album which does what it says on the tin. Hiromi’s style of play and composing makes her one of the most exciting pianists to listen to, and each tune on this album will, sooner or later, lift your spirits – or, at least, your heart rate.

There’s plenty you can expect from the sacred bass-drums-keys connection. In this case, expect buzz, pace, and an occasional commitment to noise – but rest assured that the harmonies and melodies will always come back to save the day. “Neroli’s” polar opposite – music for doing.