10 Songs That Will Bust You Out of Your Creative Slump

As brand experts working for our clients, it is our duty to always bring our A-game. Tackling client work requires insane levels of creativity, but maintaining a constant flow of cutting edge ideas can prove to be tiresome, especially when your creative juices just aren’t flowing. 

According to scientific study, listening to music while working improves your mood and allows you to focus better. Basically, your ideas are more likely to manifest when accompanied by some background tunes. 

Different genres of music inspire different aspects of your creativity, and we capture it all in this playlist. Below are ten songs guaranteed to have you churning out your best work yet: 

1. Countdown by Beyonce 

   It’s pretty hard not to feel inspired by this pop masterpiece. In the song, Queen Bey pairs strong throaty vocals with trumpets and rattling drum beats, all in a clever way that gives you no option but to bob your head to the beat. Listening to ‘Countdown’ is a great way to set the mood and start your creative process with energy and vigor.

2. B*tch Better Have My Money by Rihanna

   We are boss b*tches at Hoot, and what better way to affirm this than listening to Rihanna, the baddest boss b*tch to ever live? This hip hop phenomenon features staggered drum beats and empowering lyrics. With this tune ringing in your head, you’re definitely going to feel in charge of whatever project you’re working on.  

3. BMO by Ari Lennox

   This tune is necessary to cool down from the previous two bangers. While energy is necessary during the creative process, too much energy can be inhibiting. ‘BMO’ provides a much-needed  balance. In this song, Ari Lennox takes on a fusion of R’n’B and hip hop, providing warm vocals while maintaining a consistent cool vibe. This song will keep you bobbing your head, but not so much to have your hair flying in the air. 

4. Going Nowhere by St. Beauty

   This song is perfect for when you’re deep in the zone and want to hone in on your craft. Its beauty (no pun intended!) lies in its hypnotic nature. We always feel inspired by the  almost-whispery tones and snazzy guitar renditions in the harmony. 

5. Don’t Bother Calling by Moses Sumney

   This is the most chill song on this playlist. Moses Sumney’s sound has an ethereal feel. His voice penetrates your soul and leaves you no option but to give in to his sound’s tenderness. ‘Don’t Bother Calling’ is guaranteed to soothe your brain as you work, which you need , because brand work can be strenuous and taxing. 

6. Shine by Leon Bridges

   Leon Bridges is currently the face of modern soul music. For a genre that is largely associated with the 60s and 70s, he makes it feel current and trendy. His song ‘Shine’ has a moderate-to-slow tempo, hinging on sultry vocals and classic church piano background melodies. The song’s all about the desire to shine and light up the room, which is the perfect message for anyone looking to bust out of a creative slump.   

7. Boatline by Roman Gianarthur

   ‘Boatline’ has quite a sexy feel to it. It’s the perfect pick-me-up song that’ll wake you up when your energy wanes. In the song, Roman Gianarthur relies on clouded drumbeats and synth percussion, giving the song an electronic-adjacent sound. This song might have you doing small body rolls in your seat, but it’s all good because you need to keep your creativity flowing.

8. Old Town Road by Lil Nas X ft. Billy Ray Cyrus

   This song made everyone go crazy last year. It’s catchy, current, and just plain enjoyable. It’s also a great mood booster. The song is a fusion of country and hip hop and its bouncy beat will have you bouncing in your chair!

9. Daddy Lessons by Beyonce

   It’s only fitting that we have another Beyonce song on the list; she is THE queen and deserves more than one spot on any playlist. This song is experimental on Beyonce’s part. While she’s mostly known for her electric pop tunes, this song is an exploration of her Texan country roots. The song features guitar strumming, rhythmic claps, and a few vibrant horn moments. So, don’t be afraid to experiment with your ideas the way Beyonce did with her sound here.

10. Truth Hurts by Lizzo

    Besides ‘Old Town Road,’ ‘Truth Hurts’ was the anthem of 2019. The song was so popular, staying atop the charts for seven weeks. We love a girl power moment at Hoot! ‘Truth Hurts’ is a catchy list of personal affirmations. Its classic lyric, “I just took a DNA test, turns out I’m a 100% that b*tch,” is the empowerment creatives need. It makes you feel secure in your abilities and confident in your work.

We hope you enjoy this mix! Let us know in the comments what songs you listen to get your creativity bubbling!