Best Pandora stations for every occasion

It seems as if everyone is using some form of internet radio these days – everything form 8tracks to Spotify; Pandora to Songza. I oftentimes find that there are so many internet radio stations, I struggle to decide upon just one station, and waste far more time than I should trying to pick one station that will match my mood perfectly. However, over the years I’ve discovered a few Pandora stations that I return to time and time again, especially when I’m going through my daily routines. I’ve included them in the list below, organized by the daily routine that usually accompanies my listening. Feel free to leave your favorite Pandora stations in comments below, and be sure to check some of them out next time you’re stumped on what to listen to.

Best Stations for Studying

Film Scores Radio – It might seem a little over-dramatic when the score from Schindler’s List begins to play while you’re working on your geology homework, but this station is sure to keep you focused without too much distraction. Expect to hear scores from a number of classics like Pride & Prejudice, Braveheart and Atonement.

Bon Iver Radio – Talk about mellow. This station plays a lot of music with folk influences and lots of instrumentals, perfect to block out all the clamor of daily life and get down to business finishing your homework. Artists regularly featured on this station include Iron & Wine, The Shins, Daughter and Fleet Foxes.

Best Stations for Working Out

Pop and Hip Hop Power Workout Radio – This station is exactly what it sounds like – a Pandora station full of high-energy pop songs, perfect for getting you through a cardio workout. Songs from artists like Britney Spears, Ke$ha, Pitbull, Rihanna and Eminem can be expected.

Imagine Dragons Radio – This station is perfect for the person who prefers a more eclectic mix of indie hits to get them through their workout, rather than an angry rap song. Expect to hear music from artists like Bastille and AWOLNATION, but also artists like Bon Iver and Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros.

Rap Strength Training Radio – While this station isn’t necessarily my usual cup of tea, I find it to be especially effective, as the station’s name suggests, during strength training or in the weight room. Common artists played on this station include Jay-Z, Dr. Dre and Eminem.

Best Stations for Relaxing and/or Unwinding

The Lumineers Radio – This station is perhaps one of my favorites, and I always find myself turning it on when I don’t know what else I’m in the mood for. Full of indie/folk music, the station does a wonderful job of mixing well known songs with lesser known ones. Expect to hear artists like Mumford & Sons, Bon Iver, The Avett Brothers and Of Monsters and Men.

Classic Soul BBQ Radio – While this station, judging by the title, is intended to be played at a backyard summer cookout, I find that it functions well on a number of different occasions, especially when I’m relaxing in my room after a long day. This station features a number of classics from artists such as Etta James, Otis Redding, Stevie Wonder and Smokey Robinson.

Best Stations for a Party

Today’s Hits Radio – This one almost seems too obvious to include, but it really is a great mix of current music, mostly pop and hip-hop, that is sure to keep the party going. Expect to hear hits from a very wide variety of artists, from Jason Derulo to Lorde, and OneRepublic to Ke$ha.

Bruce Springsteen Radio – I’ll admit I’m a little biased here, as Springsteen is one of my all time favorite recording artists, but I guarantee there isn’t a person who won’t sing along when “Born in the U.S.A.” comes on (and it inevitably will, on this station). It often plays artists like Tom Petty, Van Morrison, The Rolling Stones and Creedence Clearwater Revival.

Passion Pit Radio – A mix of upbeat indie hits with electronic influence, this station is perhaps best for the pre-party. Commonly playing artists like MGMT, Bastille, M83 and Pheonix, Passion Pit radio knows how to keep the mood energetic.

Photo by Tess Haadsma