After the festive music of winter dies down and Mariah Carey drops from the number one spot on music charts everywhere most people skip straight to music reminiscent of the summer, forgetting spring. Oftentimes spring music is just branded as summer music but they both have their own unique elements and feelings when it comes to music. So why doesn’t spring have its own playlist just like summer?
When it comes to the season of spring, people often just think of it as the precursor to summer but spring is its own season. Spring has a refreshing, new, and bright feel to it. It marks the beginning of a new year where you can start anew and become better than before, and I think the music you listen to should reflect that.
A good spring playlist includes elements of pop, indie, pop ballads, R&B, and some experimental genres such as electropop. You should be able to visualize the flowers blooming and the birds chirping. It should give you a feeling of joy and a fresh start to your year. Taking all of these into consideration, I have created a playlist amazing for the season of spring.
“Put Your Records On” - Corinne Bailey Rae
One of four singles from English artist, Corinne Bailey Rae’s, self-titled debut album is the 2006 song “Put Your Records On.” This song combines elements of 2000’s pop, UK style R&B, and soul to create a smooth, upbeat tune for the spring season. Her lyrics were written as a message to herself and other black women about embracing their natural hair and themselves. Overall, this 2006 hit can provide a really good spring song with an amazing meaning and message.
“Like Real People Do” - Hozier
In 2014, Irish musician Hozier released his self-titled debut album with the lead single “Take Me to Church'' which swept charts nationwide. With this album also came a indie folk b-side titled “Like Real People Do.” This song heavily is inspired by Irish music and the Irish poet, Seamus Heany’s, Bog Poems. It has an acoustic, warm instrumental and somewhat haunting vocals from Hozier that creates a perfect early spring song.
“After the Storm” (Feat. Tyler, the Creator, Bootsy Collins) - Kali Uchis
Fast-forward to 2018, Colombian-American singer-songwriter Kali Uchis, released the third single from her debut studio-album, Isolation, titled “After the Storm” featuring rapper Tyler, the Creator and singer Bootsy Collins. This song has a really funky beat and Kali’s vocals work so amazingly with Tyler’s rap. It creates the feeling of a late spring storm.
“Sofia” - Clairo
In 2019, singer Clairo, released the single “Sofia” as the third of her debut album. She wrote this song as a cheesy, love song about discovering her sexuality. The song alludes to her first two memorable celebrity crushes Sofia Vergara and Sofia Coppola. It has a bedroom-pop, indie feel to it with a more experimental instrumental. It is a really refreshing song, especially on long drives during nice spring weather.
“Sunflower, Vol. 6” - Harry Styles
In December of 2021, after his debut solo album, former One Direction member, Harry Styles, released his second album, Fine Line. One of the tracks on his album titled, “Sunflower, Vol. 6” is the next addition to this list. “Sunflower, Vol. 6” is an indie, pop style song, with an electronic, reggae-inspired instrumental. Harry’s refreshing voice and the addicting chorus combine into a beautiful song perfect for your annual spring cleaning.
“Lilac” - IU
In 2021, veteran K-Pop artist IU, released her fifth studio-album, Lilac, with the title track of the same name. This album was written as a goodbye to her 20s and a hello to the new chapter of her life she would be starting. It combines elements of pop, citypop, 70s/80s disco, and ballads. In IU’s words it is a bittersweet song reminiscent of a spring typhoon, which I think makes it the perfect addition to this list.
“Comedy” - Gen Hoshino
The next month, on April 8, 2022, Japanese singer-songwriter, Gen Hoshino released the digital single “Comedy.” It has a very classic Japanese pop sound, which gives it a really warm, spring/summer vibe. Listening to it, you can imagine the flowers blooming and the trees becoming green again. All of his music could honestly fit this list, but this is one of my favorites.
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