The Advanced Placement (AP) season has officially begun with Somerville High School’s first two exams. Students have been diligently preparing for their exams- looking over notes, creating flashcards, and taking practice tests. The build up to the exam and the exam itself are arguably the most stressful period of the class. However, if students want to take a break from their studies or think they deserve a dance break to clear their mind before hunkering back down to complete their reviews, then they can check out these albums related to certain AP classes. 

AP United States History (APUSH)- Hamilton by Original Broadway Cast 

Hamilton features important moments from Unit 3 of the APUSH curriculum and the songs are easier to remember than all the information students learned last year. Many of the dates, important events, and the progression of the early country are highlighted in these songs. Not to mention the Hamilton-Jefferson Debates are helpful ways to remember the different ideologies of the two early cabinet members. 

AP Environmental Science (APES) – Stick Season By Noah Khaun 

The album’s title track “Stick Season” has nothing to do with sticks or the outside! The album has a fun title that somewhat connects to APES which students can listen to in the background when they look over their review book or take a practice test. 

AP Calculus  – ÷ (Divide) By Ed Sheeran 

While math or calculus are not explicitly mentioned in this album, each of Sheeran’s projects are titled with math symbols. Enjoy a break and listen or listen to this album or the others while you work out your math problems. 

AP Literature  – The Tortured Poets Department By Taylor Swift 

Patti Smith, Dylan Thomas, and typewriters. All literature focused on things featured in Swift’s newest album. Along with her lyrics which use rhetorical devices, high vocabulary and sometimes even a rhyme scheme, make it the perfect album to listen to during the build up to the exam 

For students taking the exams, good luck and enjoy the albums that are loosely based on the exams you will be taking.