mario kart music for homework

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Teens are using Mario Kart music to finish last-minute homework

It’s anxiety-inducing, and that’s the point

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When people think about tunes meant to help you study and focus, the first thing that might come to mind are the relaxing tunes of lo-fi beats . But when the clock is ticking and you’ve got an essay due in the morning that you haven’t even started, “chill” may be the last thing you want.

This might explain why, in late October, a TikTok of a woman hunched over a computer as the fast-paced tunes of Mario Kart boom overhead has gone viral , with well over a million likes on the video platform. “My stress levels went [up] but so did my word count,” the caption reads.

@daniellev98 my stress levels went but so did my word count #fyp #school #foryoupage #viral #foryou #mariokart ♬ original sound - Danielle

To be more specific, the song appears to be what plays when you use an invincibility star in Mario Kart. While the item is active, the music shifts to highlight both your newfound power as well as its limited-time status. You are meant to try and make the most of it as fast as you can, which is why it lends itself so well to a stressful situation like pulling an all-nighter or busting out a multi-page essay.

“I’m totally doing this,” the top comment on the TikTok says. “WHY IS THIS SO SMART,” another exclaims.

Consequently, Mario Kart music in general has seen a surge on platforms like Spotify, according to chart trackers. What’s curious is that none of the uploads on any sites, whether YouTube or Spotify, are Nintendo-official. There is now a huge demand for something that the Japanese company is not providing.

The Coconut Mall theme music from 'Mario Kart Wii' debuts at #15 on the US Spotify Viral 50 chart, top new entry. — chart data (@chartdata) October 23, 2020

On social media, a cavalcade of teenagers are saying that they are trying the method out, or reporting how using Mario Kart music is helping them finish their homework.

“I AM LITERALLY LISTENING TO MARIO KART MUSIC WHILE I DO MY SCHOOLWORK AND TELL ME WHY I FEEL LIKE IM ON ADDERALL RN LIKE IM SO FUCKIN CONCENTRATED IT IS INSANE,” one tweet reads .

“Guys listening to mario kart music while ur working IS SO EFFECTIVE i’ve been doing work for two hours straight & it felt like 30 mins this is magic,” another tweet says .

“I just wrote 600 words out of my 1000 [word] essay in half an hour, this shit really works,” another Twitter user says , in reference to Mario Kart music’s effectiveness.

Most tweets seem to agree on one thing: Mario Kart music helps you put words on the page faster. Are those words any good? Hard to say, but quality may be beside the point when you just want to get a draft on the table.

Polygon spoke to one 19-year-old student, cosplaybysab , who recently tweeted about using Mario Kart melodies to complete a 1,000-word essay for her mythology class. According to cosplaybysab, the ditty helped her write 500 words in less than half an hour.

While many are jumping in on the trend now, for her, Mario Kart’s effectiveness is nothing new — she’s been a gamer long enough to know video game music.

“I’ve actually been using Mario Kart / fast Nintendo music for years and it works for all of my classes really!!” she said over Twitter message. In the past, she says she has also used Kirby music as well as dubstep to get in the right mindset to crank out words.

The synergy between video game music and productivity makes sense, as many tracks are specifically constructed to help put players in the zone while doing repetitive in-game tasks. This just happens to be one of the more stressful choices one could make, and accordingly, it’s not a method that works for everyone .

In cosplaybysab’s case, she doesn’t know whether or not her mythology essay got a good grade yet. But she’s very happy that more people are discovering the magic of video game music paired with homework.

“People deserve to get good grades and finish work fast!” she said.

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The 10 best Mario Kart music tracks to study to

Spice up your study sessions with some Mario Kart tunes.

• January 15, 2023
• Guides Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

Image via Nintendo

One fun life hack you may have seen making the rounds on TikTok is using Mario Kart music during intense study sessions. The vast catalog of music from the racing series contains mentally stimulating or relaxing songs, with the most popular one being the fun, chaotic theme of Coconut Mall from Mario Kart Wii.

That said, Here are ten frantic or chill Mario Kart track songs in alphabetical order, besides those mentioned above, that you can cram in last-minute work too. We also have a similar recommendation with each song to cover more ground.

Related: The 10 best handheld Nintendo Switch games – games to play undocked

Do you need more of that anxious  Coconut Mall  energy? Look no further than Baby Park, the smallest, shortest, and yet the craziest track from Mario Kart: Double Dash. It’s a whimsical tune that juxtaposes well with the pandemonium of a close-quarters Mario Kart race. For added chaos, listen to the Mario Kart 8 remix, which increases in speed with each lap until it becomes nightmarish. It’s perfect for rushing to finish that essay just in time.

Dolphin Shoals

The underwater theme of Dolphin Shoals from  Mario Kart 8  starts calm enough, with a lovely ambiance. But once you drive up to the surface, this tune suddenly transforms into a godly saxophone jam. If you find the full version of this music track, you’ll be able to experience a full sax solo, and boy, does that sax player go hard. For a similar saxual experience, listen to the Mario Kart remixes of F-Zero tracks  Mute City  and  Big Blue , which contain perfect mixes of jazz and rock.

Donut Plains

One of the most frequently used tools of Mario Kart music is the whistle. It’s a nice way to maintain the fast and wild pace of a Mario Kart race, but many find it quite annoying. In the context of academic motivation, the whistle might be exactly what you need — enter Donut Plains from the original Super Mario Kart. The  Mario Kart 8 remix , in particular, has a lovely bossa nova feel, but you have to earn the whistles by being in the first place. Many Double Dash tracks have whistling, but  Sherbet Land  has some of the highest-tier whistles.

Luigi Circuit/Mario Circuit/Yoshi Circuit

Ah, the Double Dash soundtrack. The tunes from the Gamecube Mario Kart were catchy to a fault. There is so much manic energy underneath these instrumentals that they are sure to be stuck in your head for days on end. The main Circuit theme of Double Dash is one of the first tunes you’ll hear in the game, and it will surely be the only tune in your head for a while. The Mario Kart 8 remix adds a bit of live-orchestrated funk, but for more Double Dash tunes, the  Waluigi Stadium & Wario Colosseum  theme has a similar vibe.

Mount Wario

Citing Mout Wario as a favorite is almost cheating, as it’s practically the top track and top music theme on everyone’s Mario Kart 8 list. Online players will always vote for this one, and there has been more than one credible essay or video written about the musical theme. It’s an unusual track that has you go downhill from the top of a mountain. The music adapts depending on which section you’re driving through, changing in each section of the track, and it builds up to an incredible finale.

The music from the 3DS title Mario Kart 7 might not be the best in the series, but Music Park is a worthy entry. I mean, the track is literally centered around musical instruments. It’s upbeat and quirky, but it also makes excellent use of real-world instruments, both in the track’s theme and on the track itself. You’ll drive over giant pianos and xylophones to match the melody.  Electrodrome  from Mario Kart 8 is a similar track, although it feels more like an electronic rave than an orchestra.

Shy Guy Falls

There’s an adventurous tone to Shy Guy Falls — the track is quite arresting and exhilarating to drive in, but the combination of pan flute and strings make this a genuinely wonderful song to listen to. It’s also a great example of adaptive music in Mario Kart, as the Shy Guys themselves chant to the music.  Koopa Cape  in Mario Kart Wii also has wonderful adaptive music and a similar waterfall setting.

Sunshine Airport

Think of the joy you experience when traveling somewhere on a sunny day. Sunshine Airport from Mario Kart 8 captures that exact mood. It’s one of those pieces of music that instantly transports you and projects pleasant imagery into your mind. Use this track as motivation to earn your next vacation. Follow it up with  Peach Beach  from Mario Kart: Double Dash, which has a lovely tropical feel to it.

Toad Harbor

We’re all too busy during the day, but you’d be lying if you say that you’d never wanted to find some free time for a joy ride. Toad Harbor in Mario Kart 8 has a free and joyful sound to it, like you’re exploring a wide, active, and clean town right next to the shore. And for lack of a better term, the guitar on Toad Harbor absolutely rips.

Wario’s Gold Mine

Have you ever wondered how fast someone can play the banjo? Probably not, but Wario’s Gold Mine will sneak that question into your brain. This track has yee-haw energy that is unmatched in Mario Kart, besides probably the country-themed  Moo Moo Farm & Yoshi Valley  from Mario Kart 64. The  Wii version of the music  has some adaptive features, with the music changing to something harsh and industrial when you drive into the titular gold mine, while the Mario Kart 8 version features the same charming Shy Guy chanting from Shy Guy Falls.

About the author

Chris Compendio

Chris Compendio is the Managing Editor of Gamepur and has been covering pop culture for over five years. Their work has been published on Paste, Destructoid, DualShockers, Polygon, Fanbyte, and several other publications. Besides gaming, their interests include creative writing and comedy performance.

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The best study music of 2020: Mario Kart

Hoo hoo! Mario on his way to save Princess Peach with trusty Yoshi by his side, bumping into Bowser and Waluigi on the way. Did you ever think this storyline would be helpful to help you study? That the famous Mario Kart theme will be just what you need to kickstart to finally get started on that essay due in the morning that you haven’t even started? The answer is yes. Mario Kart is the best study music to emerge this year, thanks to a viral TikTok of a student typing furiously with the video game theme blasting in the background. 

What’s the reason behind this? Video game music is designed to keep you absorbed and focused on the game — great for memorising. Plus, Mario Kart’s wild high-speed racing game has a soundtrack that gets your heart racing — it’s the best study music to get things done without procrastinating.  Not only is this a nostalgic throwback for all the 90s babies out there, it’s a (mostly) free and safe adrenaline-inducing motivator for students. Below we take a look at some of the best Mario Kart music playlists aka the best study music of 2020:

Spotify: Mario Kart Songs

Including the most popular songs from all the Mario Kart games, this playlist is long and perfectly suited to help you finish whatever assignments you have on hand, and keep you focused on your task as well. Move over lo-fi beats, get your heartrate and word count up with this best study music. 

Super Star 10 Hours – Mario Kart 8

The song appears to be what plays when you use an invincibility star in Mario Kart. While the item is active, the music shifts to highlight both your new power as well the limited time status. Your mind automatically tries to make the most out of the music as fast as it can, which is why it’s perfect for a stressful situation like pulling an all-nighter or a multi-page essay. 

Dolphin Shoals – Mario Kart 8  

This music video is the underwater theme of Dolphin Shoals from Mario Kart 8 which starts off with calm ambience music, like being in an elevator. However, once you get to the surface, there is a full sax solo that will have you bouncing around in your seat — a total saxual experience in the best study music, if you will.

Donut Plains – Mario Kart 8

One of the most recognisable sounds in the Mario Kart soundtrack is the whistles. It’s usually fast and “Donut Plains” has plenty of that. This YouTube video s nearly 30 minutes long and guaranteed to get you to finish writing a couple of paragraphs!

Yoshi Circuit – Mario Kart 8

This Mario Kart music video is known as the Double Dash soundtrack, the tunes from Mario Kart Gamecube. If you know what that is, you truly lived. With so much manic energy in the instrumentals, it’s a tune that’s sure to stick in your head for days, like that song — Baby Shark. Only difference is you’ll actually benefit from the adrenaline rush it will give you.

Mount Wario – Mario Kart 8

Mount Wario is definitely a top-lister on everyone’s Mario Kart music playlist. Online players always vote for this unusual track that has had essays and videos produced about it. The music in the video game adapts depending which section you drive through. The finale is incredible, leaving you feeling triumphant and inspired to get all the words in your homework assignment written. 

Music Park (3DS) – Mario Kart 8

The music from this video might not be the best, but it’s a worthy track nonetheless. Upbeat and quirky, it makes the best use of real-world instruments driving over giant pianos and xylophones to match the melody. Immerse yourself into an electronic rave and get those essays done on time!

Wario’s Gold Mine (Wii) – Mario Kart 8

Does the banjo get you in a mood with itchy fingers, ready to get things done? Wario’s Gold Mine will certainly make you question how fast someone can play a banjo. This track has unmatched banjo energy. With its harsh industrial style, this tune is set to have you easily write out 600 words in three minutes (we know we did!)

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The 10 best songs in Mario Kart – Best music from Mario Kart games

Life hack: listen to Mario Kart music for a productivity boost.

• March 18, 2023
• Guides Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

Image by Gamepur

Mario Kart is where catchy beats and high-octane racing collide in perfect harmony. From the original game’s classic tunes to the latest installment’s adrenaline-pumping tracks, Mario Kart music is an essential part of the game’s experience. Seasoned racers and casual players gather around to race their hearts and tap their feet to the sound of these bops. So sit back, buckle up, and get ready to groove your way to the finish line with some of the most iconic game music ever composed.

Related : 10 of the best underrated gaming soundtracks

Rainbow Road (All)

Let’s start off with a strong one, shall we? Rainbow Road — is the quintessential Mario Kart track that needs no introduction. The music is a sonic masterpiece that transports you to another dimension, the visuals are eye-popping gorgeous, and the races are so intense that they should come with a warning label.

Big Blue (Mario Kart 8)

The Big Blue theme song from Mario Kart 8 is a musical masterpiece that perfectly captures the fast-paced, high-energy nature of the game. The track is an adrenaline-fueled mix of rock, electronic, and jazz that features thumping beats, electric guitar riffs , and a sexy saxophone solo that will have you grooving in your seat.

Donut Plains 3 (Super Mario Kart)

Donut Plains 3, a course from the OG Mario Kart game, is an actual test of skill for any aspiring racer. With deceivingly innocent looks, this course is not for the faint of heart. Tight turns, obstacles, and pitfalls make for a challenging ride. Donut Plains 3 paved the way for the thrilling and unpredictable courses that have made the franchise a fan favorite.

DK Mountain (Mario Kart: Double Dash)

DK Mountain is an exhilarating Mario Kart track that takes racers through a vibrant jungle and down a fiery volcano. Scaling the volcano’s peak, avoiding boulders on the descent, and duking it out with competitors provide an adrenaline-fueled race.

Maple Treeway (Mario Kart Wii)

Mario Kart Wii may be a polarizing entry in the series. Still, one thing is for sure: it delivered some of the most memorable tracks in the franchise. Among them is Maple Treeway, a stunning racecourse set in a picturesque treetop setting, complete with autumnal hues, heaps of leaves, and giant, angry Wigglers. The track’s music is just as delightful as the scenery, perfectly complementing the overall vibe of the level.

Music Park (Mario Kart 7)

Get ready to rock and roll with Music Park, the course that will have you tapping your toes and racing to the beat. From sliding down pianos and xylophones to bouncing on drums, this course is a musical extravaganza. But it’s not just the instruments that make Music Park a standout track; it’s the unique theme that will have you humming along as you race.

Mute City (Mario Kart 8)

Let’s take a moment to appreciate Mute City. This futuristic and visually stunning course showcases how much the Mario Kart series has evolved in terms of gameplay and graphics. But let’s not forget about the equally impressive background music that perfectly complements the track’s high-energy and adrenaline-pumping design.

Peach Beach And Daisy Cruiser (Mario Kart: Double Dash)

In Mario Kart: Double Dash, Nintendo opted to use the same theme for two tracks — Peach Beach and Daisy Cruiser — both offer a serene vacation vibe but with an added dash of chaos. The beachfront Cataquacks are ever ready to flip karts, keeping racers on their toes. While maneuvering their carts through the sand and avoiding tidal waves, players can groove to the uplifting melody that perfectly captures the tropical atmosphere of the tracks.

Toad’s Turnpike (Mario Kart 64)

Toad’s Turnpike in Mario Kart 64 is the forefather of all highway and city-themed tracks that came after it. Its memorable music, alongside its thrilling gameplay, adds to the game’s legacy. The soundtrack of Toad’s Turnpike is the perfect accompaniment for a real-life road trip. Its electronic beats paint a picture of city lights zipping past your car windows.

Vanilla Lake (Super Mario Kart)

Vanilla Lake from Super Mario Kart is a prime example of how old-school game music can hold its own against more contemporary tunes. The track’s simple yet upbeat melody evokes nostalgia and is a delight to listen to. While the song may seem minimalistic compared to modern PS4 music, its infectious tune and catchy beats make it impossible to resist.

About the author

Cande Maldonado

Though Cande started her journey in the video game industry as a localization specialist six years ago, she soon realized that her true calling was to annoy NPCS, smash virtual pottery, and complete every side quest available in RPGs. Throwing that useless degree out of the window, she has been writing professionally for the past three years ever since. Her passion for games dates to 2006, when she mounted a Chocobo for the first time. Under Nintendo and Square Enix's chokehold, she will willingly pour hours upon hours into reaching 100% completion in the longest roleplaying games ever made. But hey, who needs fresh air and sunlight when you can just live in Ivalice?

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Teens Using Mario Kart Music To Finish Online Homework!

TEENS USING MARIO KART MUSIC TO FINISH LAST-MINUTE HOMEWORK

More and more teenagers are listening to music from the Mario Kart video game to inspire them to get their homework assignments done faster. It seems the music cranks up adrenaline and helps the students stay focused and working hard -- sort of putting them in “the zone” -- and helping them blast through otherwise long and boring school assignments. ( Nintendo Life )

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OPINION: Does listening to “Mario Kart” music help students efficiently work on homework?

By Lauren Anne Smith , Editor | November 28, 2020

    Going remote for the past two weeks has led to a lot of free time and procrastinating about homework. A recent trend on social media has been listening to  music from video game series Mario Kart to increase someone’s ability to focus on studying and getting work done. 

    People claim that the reason this music works is because it has a fast, upbeat tempo, which can increase productivity; it also brings back the memory in many students of hastily trying to finish a race in the game. This is the perfect feeling students need when working hard to complete an assignment.   Everyone has different ways to get work done, but this method was guaranteed to work according to  millions of anonymous people on the internet, so I decided to test it out myself.

    The most popular theme song was called “Coconut Mall,” but I found a playlist on Apple Music filled with multiple Mario Kart soundtracks and listened to them all while I did some homework. I was shocked with the results, I finished three homework assignments in less than 30 minutes. I’ve never completed so much work that quickly; the only thing I could not focus on was studying for a quiz because I kept getting distracted by the movement of the music.

    I have found that, for me,  Mario Kart music does help me work faster when I need to get through  homework assignments as quickly as possible. I recommend you should conduct this fun experiment on yourself, and see if it works for you as well as it worked for me.

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