It's almost that time of year again, where finals are rapidly approaching and professors are beginning to pile on homework. Many essays will be written by students all over the country in the next couple of months, and if you're like me, you probably prefer to write those essays to the sounds of music rather than just the dreary silence of your dorm or the library. However, I always find it much more difficult to write to music that is lyrical because I find it easily distracting. What I choose to do instead is to listen to tracks from various cinematic film scores. This way, I am not distracted by any lyrics that I may want to sing along to, but rather I am more focused and inspired to write a better essay. Listening to movie scores gets me in my writing zone and helps inspire me to do better, and believe it or not, it even helps me with my thought process, making things clearer in my mind.

I highly recommend listening to film scores the next time you are required to write an essay for anyone of your various classes. To help with your selection of what tracks to add to your playlist, I have compiled a list of my top 15 favorite score tracks to listen to while writing.

15. "Fairytale" from "Shrek," by Harry Gregson-Williams and John Powell

You probably know exactly what this track is without even listening to it. "Fairytale" is the track from the beginning of the first "Shrek" movie, which actually plays before every DreamWorks Animation movie when the DreamWorks logo appears (the little boy fishing while sitting on a crescent moon). This is a soft and soothing lullaby-esque piece that calms my mind and helps words flow.

14. "The Grey Havens" from "Lord of the Rings: Return of the King," by James Galway

This is from the final scene of the final installment of the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy. This is a very emotional scene, when Frodo says goodbye to his friends who have accompanied him on his journey to Mordor, who fought against the forces of evil by his side, who have always been his best friends. Frodo boards a ship alongside Gandalf, Elrond, Celebor, and Galadriel to venture towards "The Undying Lands", home of the Valar. This track is soft, yet emotional, which causes excellent spurts of emotion and passion whilst writing painful essays.

13. "The Tour" from "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire," by James Newton Howard

This track starts out slow and sort of eerie, but as it progresses, it gets much more emotional. I like to write this one because of the various tones it uses. Also, it reminds me that there are worse things I could be doing instead of writing an essay, such as going on a victory tour celebrating the other children I murdered in a government orchestrated event.

12. "Buchanan Mansion and Daisy Suite" from "The Great Gatsby" (2013), by Craig Armstrong

This is an amazing track to write to because it reminds me of the vast bay and mansion Daisy and Tom live in, as depicted by Baz Luhrmann in his 2013 film adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby." The track reminds me of the bright and vivid scenery, as well as the glamorous image of wealth that surrounds the life of the Buchanan's. The soft instrumental tones help to retain focus to my writing, as well as the bold statements Craig Armstrong uses in his music to explore this idea of vast wealth. I find it fascinating how a composer can make me feel this way, and think a certain way, just by the notes he writes and produces on a piece of paper. It's inspiring to say the least.

11. "Gravity" from "Gravity", by Steven Price

This is the main theme for Alfonso Cuarón's space epic "Gravity", in which Sandra Bullock must struggle to survive in outer space as she finds a way back home. This piece is expertly crafted because as the song begins, it is soft and hushed, almost like a whisper, as it plays, however, it builds into a brilliant and inspirational piece that moves me to think harder and type faster as I struggle to complete an assignment.

10. "Main Title/Nemo Egg" from "Finding Nemo", by Thomas Newman

I love this track, it reminds me of my family and especially my brother, who's favorite Pixar movie was always "Finding Nemo" (for the same reason I could also suggest "N o No Following", from "The Iron Giant" by Micheal Kamen. "You stay, I go. No following."). It makes me feel happy, with a little bit of emotional sad tossed right in there, that somehow I am able to incorporate into decent writing tactics. The tone of the song is uplifting and sentimental, and I think anyone who hears it can find a way to be attached to the song, and make it work for them in their own way.

9. "Theme from Jurassic Park" from "Jurassic Park", by John Williams

What good is any list of cinematic scores without a piece from the esteemed John Williams? Honestly, that is all the reason I need for this track. I love the sound of this piece because it is very elevating and astounding, which helps me as I write. It tells me that I too can do great things. Plus, who doesn't love the familiar "Jurassic World" theme we are all so familiar with.

8. "Hedwig's Theme" from "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone", by John Williams

Another John Williams classic, the "Harry Potter" theme. This mystical melody and enchanting tones will without a doubt help you and your writing as you recall the vast journeys and adventures Harry and his friends encounter during his time at Hogwarts, as composed and scored by John Williams.

7. "Married Life" from "Up", by Michael Giacchino

I know what you're thinking. Why the most depressing cinematic scene in the history of animated movies? I like this one because it is bouncy and sweet, very uplifting, but also serious. As I choke back tears, I focus very well on the task at hand while listening to Michael Giacchino rip my heart to shreds. This score won an Academy Award for a reason.

6. "Rey's Theme" from "Star Wars: The Force Awakens", John Williams

I absolutely love this track from the newest "Star Wars" installment. I remember sitting in the theater watching the movie for the first time, and hearing this track as Daisy Ridley moved across the scene as Rey, and thinking, "I have to add this to my studying playlist." Don't get me wrong, I love everything John Williams has done for "Star Wars", but you won't see the "Star Wars" theme on this list because I find it too distracting to write to. I get too excited and start singing (if you can call it that) along. However, "Rey's Theme" is an interesting piece that is pleasing to the ears, that also gives you that "Star Wars" / John Williams feel without the loss of focus.

5. "Sugar Storm" from "Gone Girl", by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross

This movie's score was a roller coaster from start to finish. I love the eerie metallic sounds used by Reznor and Ross, but this track stands out the most for me. Other tracks from this score are too jarring and intense, making them distracting for me. However, "Sugar Storm" is the perfect amount of intense and calm. I feel calm and relaxed as I listen, but I also feel the need to focus and pay attention, as if something bad is going to happen, which if you are familiar with this film, you can relate.

4. "The Baudelaire Orphans" from "A Series of Unfortunate Events", by Thomas Newman

Believe it or not, for a film that didn't do as well as it had been projected, "A Series of Unfortunate Events" had an amazing score. It is creative, interesting, and unique. I highly recommend this entire score for writing papers to, but "The Baudelaire Orphans" is my favorite piece. It's sweet and sentimental piano melody makes for a great track to write to.

3. "Bundle of Joy" from "Inside Out", by Michael Giacchino

From the minute I heard Michael Giacchino's theme for Pixar's "Inside Out", I was in love with the sweet and poignant tune. It is bouncy, bubbly, and hopeful, which is exactly what a person needs when they are writing an essay. This Score is also a score I would recommend in full. The tracks "Tears of Joy", "Free Skating" and "Overcoming Sadness" are also excellent additions to anyone's study playlist that deserve a listen.

2. "Anyone Can Cook" from "Ratatouille", by Michael Giacchino

Gotta love Michael Giacchino and his Pixar scores. The "Ratatouille" score in its entirety is definitely a staple for my study / writing sessions. I love the overtones he uses to create an entire world, just for our ears. This track however, is probably my favorite because of the gentle melody and tone it uses. Other excellent pieces from the soundtrack include "Ratatouille Main Theme" and "Le Festin." However, "Le Festin" does include lyrics performed by Camille, but these do not bother me because they are sung in French, which I find to be calming.

1."Hymn to the Sea" from "Titanic", James Horner

To conclude my list, I end with my absolute favorite track from my favorite score. The late James Horner created a masterpiece when he scored "Titanic." This track in particular, is very emotional and brilliant, using bagpipes as well as an accompanying chorus to add an ethereal feeling of love and passion to the mood of the piece. The entire score itself is brilliant and deserves to be added to anyone's writing playlist. James Horner perfectly encompasses the feelings and beauty of the movie into an epic soundtrack that enthralls and captivates listeners every time. Other amazing tracks from the score include "Never an Absolution," "Southampton," "Rose" and "An Ocean of Memories." I implore you to seek out this soundtrack and listen to it for yourself so we can share in the simple complexity of its brilliance. Well done, James Horner.

As you write your way through the last few weeks of this semester, go ahead and give these scores and tracks a try! Listen to them yourself and get lost in your world of essays, with a new found love for cinimatic scores.