What’s up! I’m Alejandro, and let me tell you, music is my constant companion—whether I’m driving to work or winding down on the way back, my Spotify playlists are always on. That’s why I’m so excited to share how Praktika’s Spotify playlists can make learning English feel like a groove, not a grind. Whether you’re just starting your journey or already mastering intermediate English, these playlists turn practice into a vibe. So, hop in, turn up the volume, and let’s explore how music can help you jam your way to fluency!
Why Learning with Music is a Game Changer
Songs don’t just bring the party—they supercharge your memory too. Studies, including research from Johns Hopkins, show that music activates brain areas linked to memory and alertness, giving your mind a workout while you listen. Think about it: every time you hear your favorite song, you probably remember specific lines without even trying. That’s the magic of music—it makes learning words and phrases effortless. Plus, you’re not just picking up vocabulary; you’re practicing pronunciation and absorbing natural expressions, just like how people really talk.
Beginner Playlist: Start with the Basics 🎤
Beginners, this one’s for you! Starting out with English can feel like a whole new world of sounds, words, and phrases. Music makes it easy to pick up new vocabulary without feeling overwhelmed. Our beginner playlist is packed with songs that have simple lyrics, clear pronunciation, and vocabulary you’ll actually use in everyday life. And these songs? Totally sing-along-worthy. No tricky tongue-twisters here!
So, how do you get started? First, hit play and listen while reading the lyrics. Seeing the words as you hear them is a fantastic trick for locking in new vocabulary. Take “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston. While it’s a love song, you’ll also pick up common words like “hope,” “wish,” and, of course, “love.” Then there’s “Don’t Worry Be Happy” by Bobby McFerrin — a super chill song that introduces positive phrases and feel-good words, like “worry” and “happy.”
Pro tip: choose one or two words from each song and make it a goal to use them throughout the week. For example, after listening to “Don’t Worry Be Happy,” challenge yourself to use “happy” or “worry” in a sentence each day. Think of it as homework you can dance to! With these songs on loop, you’ll start recognizing these words in real-life conversations faster than you’d expect. So go on — press play, sing along, and let’s start building that English foundation together!
Song Suggestions
“I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston
Focus: Common emotional words and expressions.
Here are some words to look out for as you listen:
Stay – a common verb that means to remain in a place or situation.
Way – often used to talk about a path or direction, but here, it refers to being an obstacle.
Bittersweet – a mix of happiness and sadness, used to describe complex emotions.
Memories – things remembered from the past, especially happy moments.
Goodbye – a way to express farewell when parting.
Cry – to shed tears, usually because of strong emotions.
Kind – used to wish someone well, meaning to be nice or gentle.
Joy – a feeling of great happiness.
Happiness – a state of being happy, another positive emotion.
“Don’t Worry Be Happy” by Bobby McFerrin
Focus: Positive phrases and everyday words like “happy” and “worry.”
Here are some words and phrases to keep an ear out for:
Don’t worry – a comforting phrase that means not to stress or be anxious.
Be happy – a simple and uplifting way to encourage positivity and joy.
Trouble – a word often used to describe problems or difficulties.
Frown – the opposite of smiling; when you turn the corners of your mouth down because you’re unhappy.
Double – to make something twice as much or twice as intense.
Lay your head – a way of saying “rest” or “sleep.”
Intermediate Playlist: Level Up Your Language 🎶
Alright, intermediate learners, it’s your turn! If you’re ready to go beyond the basics and dig into more complex vocabulary, expressions, and storytelling, our intermediate playlist has you covered. These songs are packed with lyrics that explore deeper emotions, everyday idioms, and a touch of romance — all great for leveling up your English. They’re sing-along-worthy, too, but with a bit more challenge to keep things interesting!
Following along visually while hearing the words to get comfortable with new phrases. Let’s kick it off with “Love Story” by Taylor Swift. This song tells a story inspired by Romeo and Juliet, and it’s full of words you’d use in conversations, like “wait,” “love,” and “tired.” Plus, it’s got phrases like “I’ll be waiting,” which is a nice way to practice expressing that you are looking forward to plans.
Another perfect choice is “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis Presley. This classic love song introduces beautiful, timeless expressions like “only fools rush in” and “take my hand, take my whole life too.” These phrases may sound poetic, but they’re still super relevant in everyday English, especially if you’re talking about emotions. Elvis’s words are great for building your vocabulary and understanding how native speakers describe feelings.
Pro tip: choose a phrase or two from each song and make a point of using it in your conversations this week. After listening to “Love Story,” try using “wait” or “tired” in sentences with friends, or describe something you “can’t help” but love after listening to Elvis. Think of it as practice with a melody. These songs will have you speaking more naturally in no time. Now let’s level up your English!
Song Suggestions
“Love Story” by Taylor Swift
Focus: Storytelling language and common expressions.
Here are some words to look out for:
Flashback – a vivid memory or mental image of something from the past.
Crowd – a large group of people gathered closely together; here, it emphasizes a busy setting.
Pebbles – small stones, used metaphorically as something simple or inconsequential.
Outskirts – the outer edges of a town or city, usually less populated or developed.
Fading – gradually becoming weaker or disappearing, often used for emotions or memories.
Knelt – the past tense of kneel, meaning to go down on one knee, often in a romantic or formal gesture.
Faith – a strong belief or trust in someone or something, often associated with hope and loyalty.
“Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis Presley
Focus: Emotional expressions and timeless phrases.
Words and phrases to keep an ear out for:
Rush in – acting too quickly, often used to describe impulsive decisions.
Wise men – individuals who are thoughtful and cautious, often used to describe people who give good advice.
Fool – a person who makes unwise choices; often used playfully.
Take my hand – an invitation for closeness, both literal and emotional.
Meant to be – a phrase used to describe something that seems destined or inevitable, especially in love and relationships.
Can’t Help – in this case, it means being unable to avoid or resist something.
Breaking Down Lyrics: Your Secret Weapon 🎶
Listening is cool, but let’s take it a step further. Try breaking down the lyrics and catching each line. Not only will you understand the song better, but you’ll also remember vocab like a pro. Pause the song, look up words, and sing them out. Karaoke, anyone?
Let’s look at one of my favorite songs, “Happy” by Pharrell Williams, and see what we can learn!
It Might Seem Crazy…
Lyric: “It might seem crazy what I’m about to say…”
Use it when you’re about to surprise someone! For example:
“It might seem crazy, but I just booked a trip to Paris!”
It’s a fun, casual way to introduce unexpected news. Try it the next time you want to make an announcement!
Feel Like a Room Without a Roof?
Lyric: “Clap along if you feel like a room without a roof.”
What does that even mean? Think of a “room without a roof” as a metaphor for feeling totally free and unlimited. Pharrell’s saying happiness is about feeling open and uncontained. Next time something makes you feel excited or limitless, try saying:
“Wow, this view makes me feel like a room without a roof!”
My Level’s Too High
Lyric: “My level’s too high to bring me down.”
Such a positive, confidence-boosting phrase! If you’re in a great mood, tell someone:
“I’m on a whole other level today; nothing can bring me down!”
Pro Tip: Pick one or two phrases and challenge yourself to use them this week. After listening to “Happy,” make it a goal to say something like “I feel like a room without a roof” whenever something makes you feel free. Breaking down lyrics like this helps each phrase stick in your mind—and makes learning English way more fun. Hit play, break down those lyrics, and see how much more you pick up from each song.
Turn Your Favorite Songs into Custom Lessons
Got a song you’re totally obsessed with? Let’s make it part of your learning! In the Praktika app, we can customize your lessons around the music that gets you hyped. I’ll help you break down the vocabulary, expressions, and unique phrases from your favorite lyrics — and work them into real conversations. Imagine practicing phrases like “What’s the Wi-Fi password?” or “I’ll have a grande coffee” straight out of your favorite songs. It’s all about making learning English feel personal and fun.
But we don’t stop there! With Praktika, I’ll set up a personalized study plan tailored just for you. Whether it’s deep-diving into song lyrics, picking up casual slang, or learning vocab that matches your interests, we’ll fit it all into our sessions. Think of me as your coach, guiding you through a study plan that’s 100% you.
Music as Your Motivation Boost
Learning a language can feel like a marathon, but music keeps things fun. Pick a song, learn the lyrics, and feel that pride when you can sing every word in English. And don’t just listen—live it. Let’s make English learning something you look forward to, one song at a time!
Your next English lesson is just a beat away. Join me in the Praktika app and let’s make learning as smooth as your favorite songs!
From Alejandro
Alejandro is a University of Barcelona graduate, former soccer player, and a seasoned expert in preparing students for IELTS and TOEFL exams—tests he’s aced himself. With his passion for travel and multicultural experiences, Alejandro brings a dynamic approach to every lesson. Alejandro is here to guide you every step of the way, helping you avoid pitfalls and achieve your goals with confidence.
