Study beats, a beloved genre blending diverse musical influences, has been around since the early 2000s—possibly even earlier. While many tracks in this style share a familiar vibe, making it tough to find something that feels fresh, we’ve got good news. If you’re on the hunt for new study beats, Rock the Pigeon has you covered. We’ve discovered a standout powerhouse in the genre!
Spoken Thought is an artist and producer from Topeka, KS. He was always destined to be a successful musician. He is classically trained under the Suzuki method, starting with piano at age 4. Furthermore, he also played bass violin in Symphonies and Jazz Bands throughout his adolescence, giving him a deeper level of experience that just cannot be faked. Under the Suzuki method, children learn music in a specific, highly supported way, that becomes an extension of their native language. This brings an organic touch to the music composition and performance, which can be heard throughout the record. The talent is pouring out of these songs and arrangements.
“The method led me to being able to have a good ear, as I found could play back songs just listening to them a couple of times.” – Spoken Thought
Spoken Thought is back with a brand new 16-track album that’s sure to broaden both your mind and musical taste. Beats is a sonic journey, running just over 35 minutes, packed with rich soundscapes, samples, and analog textures. Rock the Pigeon is excited to dive into some of our favorite tracks from the LP. Ready to embark on this musical adventure? This record takes you on a ride from start to finish. Let’s explore!
“Low Key” kicks off the record with a burst of energy, contradicting its name. While it incorporates lo-fi elements, the track packs a punch, thanks to its trap-inspired drums and powerful vocal refrain. The distorted vocals, reminiscent of an old-school speaker, project intensity even though the lyrics are tough to make out. But the focus isn’t on the words—it’s on the vibe the track delivers. It perfectly sets the tone for Spoken Thought’s sound, showcasing his skillful blending of genres. Jazz and hip hop weave through the song, alongside hints of world music, especially as the melody shifts out of key, adding a distinctive, unexpected twist. This song will keep the listener latched in from start to finish. It’s a brilliant first impression to Spoken Thought. He also shares that this song is his personal favorite on the LP. We can understand why!
“My personal favorite out of these is Low Key, as it really feels like a new type of sound. It’s a modern take on the trap sound that really punches through. It might not be super catchy, but the vibe is there.” – Spoken Thought
A standout track on the record is “Sunday,” which perfectly captures mellow, laid-back vibes. The lead guitar riff immediately grabs attention, radiating happiness and peacefulness. Alongside it, a soothing background vocal hums a catchy, pleasant melody, mixed just right to complement the instrumentation without overpowering it. With warm electric piano tones and soulful vocal hums, the song leans into a smooth, nostalgic feel that pulls the listener in effortlessly. This one could be played on a loop and listeners would still feel satisfied.
Spoken Thought has done it again with “Inner Space”, unveiling a darker, more introspective side of his production style. Right from the start, the jazzy horns pull listeners into the atmosphere, their seductive melodies setting the tone for the track. A bright, reverb-heavy piano adds another layer, echoing across the speakers with a shimmering sustain that feels almost ethereal. The way the piano dances playfully from left to right, teasing the horn section, creates a dynamic interplay that keeps listeners hooked, never quite knowing where the music will take them next.
The contrast between the piano’s light, airy quality and the rich, warm depth of the horns is masterful. It’s as though the two are having a conversation, just enough interaction to be engaging, but still allowing each element its own space to breathe. Beneath it all, a tight hip-hop drum groove anchors the track, driving it forward with a steady rhythm that balances out the more experimental soundscapes. A subtle vocal sample is woven into the mix, adding warmth and texture without pulling focus away from the main instrumentation.
This thoughtful layering of sounds, combined with the track’s genre-blurring influences, showcases Spoken Thought’s ability to blend jazz, hip-hop, and lo-fi elements in a way that feels fresh and innovative. “Inner Space” invites listeners into a rich, immersive soundscape that’s equal parts playful and haunting, making it a standout moment on the album.
“Closer” introduces a fresh vibe to the album, bringing something new to the table. This track makes you move differently from the others, thanks to its blend of R&B and Top 40 pop influences. The warm tones of a keyboard, reminiscent of a classic Fender Rhodes, add richness and depth, elevating the entire song. When used effectively, this sound brings a dynamic texture, and here, it feels like the track expands in the listener’s mind. Its wide range of tones and intricate production give it a full, immersive quality. Although it’s more laid-back compared to earlier songs, it’s far from simple. It’s layered, complex, and sonically huge.
“I started producing music in 2002 when I was in undergrad and playing professionally in Jazz quintets for a couple of years. I listened to HipHop off and on throughout my childhood but was also really influenced by Jazz and Classical. I moved to Chicago in 2003 to finish my undergrad. By that time, I was heavily listening to producers like Pete Rock, Madlib, and J. Dilla, where I would listen to their beat tapes and their production style quite regularly. I was also heavily getting into sampling music using my computer and MPCs. Because I could actually play many of the instruments myself, I just started sampling myself while learning how to sample.” – Spoken Thought
If you are into the type of keyboards that make you feel like you are at church, you will love “Beautiful.” This song really calls out the choir and makes them want to belt. This song calls for listener participation. The listener and the artist have just joined as one. Spoken Thought is not just a musician, now he is a magician, and his magic trick is bringing out creativity from the listener. This production also proves that study beats aren’t just for focusing and studying, they’re for sparking inspiration and encouraging the listener to create something beautiful of your own. At the same time, they provide an exciting backdrop for a laid-back lifestyle. On “Beautiful”, soulful piano notes float over syncopated drums and horns, with the drum beat subtly pulling the listener in. It’s a track that instantly stands out as a favorite.
“Summertime” has always been a timeless song to cover, but with so many versions out there, it’s tough to make it truly unique. Spoken Thought, however, rises to the challenge and delivers a fresh take that stands out. He strikes the perfect balance, offering listeners something both familiar and nostalgic while adding his own modern twist. His version honors the song’s classic essence while giving it new life. The funky bass line, in particular, elevates the track, bringing an infectious energy that makes it shine all over again.
Listen to the LP now:
Written by Ryan Cassata
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The post Exploring the Sonic Journey of Spoken Thought: A Fresh Take on Study Beats appeared first on ROCK THE PIGEON.