Best Mixes to Listen to While You Work

I recently stumbled upon an article from The Next Web called, “Listen while you work: What music does to your brain.” In the article, Mikael Cho, co-founder of ooomf, discusses how listening to music “triggers the release of the ‘pleasure chemical’ dopamine” which essentially makes you feel good and helps you get your work done faster.

In a study published in the journal of Neuroscience of Behavior and Physiology, it was found that a person’s ability to recognize images, letters, and numbers was faster when rock or classical music was playing in the background compared to when there was no music.

A similar effect was noted when workers on an assembly line listened to music. The workers who listened to music were more happy and efficient and made fewer errors.

So whatever type of music you like, as long as you’re listening to something, you’ll enjoy repetitive or boring tasks more and get them done faster.

It’s the whole “whistle while you work” mentality and I’ve used it at work and at home. I’ve decided to put together a list of the best mixes to listen to while you work. Some are old, some new. Some aren’t even mixes, they’re entire albums! Enjoy.

1. Claude VonStroke – VONSTROKE 2013 ESSENTIAL MIX – UNCUT & NO RADIO TAGS!

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I love this mix because a) it’s Claude VonStroke b) it’s got that continuous four-on-the-floor beat with some occasional breaks when you need them c) it doesn’t have those annoying “BBC RADIO 1!” interruptions.

This mix is perfect for: doing some relaxed blogging at home.

2. Deadmau5 – Random Album Title

By far and away my favorite Deadmau5 album, Random Album Title is another four-on-the-floor heavy album that plays like a continuous mix — as long as you don’t have it on shuffle (who does that anyway?).

This mix is perfect for: studying for a final or reading a book.

3. Wolfgang Gartner – Live at The Palladium

Download Wolfgang Gartner – Live at The Palladium right here.

Wolfgang has always been and will always be one of my favorite producers and live performers, and whenever I’m missing the ol’ guy I’ll throw this mix on. It might be a little old but the set is timeless in my mind.

This mix is perfect for: cleaning your entire house while cracked out on Red Bull

4. KID KAMILLION – Never Sleep Mixtape 2K14

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Download KID KAMILLION – Never Sleep Mixtape 2K14 right here

Just when I thought KID KAMILLION was out of the game he comes back and slaps me in the face with this incredible mixtape that is still my favorite of the year thus far. Featuring a number of killer remixes and throwbacks, the Never Sleep Mixtape 2K14 is a must have for any trap head.

This mix is perfect for: a road trip to Southern California

5. Anna Lunoe – 100% DANCE MUSIK JUNE ’13

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Download Anna Lunoe – 100% DANCE MUSIK JUNE ’13 right here.

For whatever reason, Anna Lunoe still remains one of the most talented unearthed talents in dance music. But with deep house/garage on the up and up, I’m sure that will all soon be changing. This mix is exactly what the title suggests: pure, sweaty, sexy dance music.

This mix is perfect for: having a dance party.

Didn’t see your favorite mix make the list? Tell us! We’ll definitely be doing this again so we want to hear from you!

Best Mixes to Listen to While You Work