With the winter funk whisking away and the warm weather hitting Lasell’s campus, most students are waiting for the day to sit out on the quads with their friends. The warm weather brings life to campus in so many different ways, but the music that people listen to is personally my favorite part. I think about last year in particular and how I met so many new people by talking to them about the songs or artists they were listening to on the quad. I don’t know if it is just me, but warm weather and good music soothe the soul. So, I present my spring playlist in the spirit of music being the universal language. (maybe reword this last sentence)
“Good Days” – SZA
I don’t think you can have a playlist that reflects the changing of the season without “Good Days.” The opening instrumentals feel like a warm breeze has hit your skin and get you ready for what’s to come. SZA’s lyrics in “Good Days” remind us to push forward, though we don’t know what’s yet to come. The song helps people transition into a new phase of life, hoping the future will be bright. “Good Days” is the epitome of springtime and is a great song to listen to with the windows down in the car. That is why I believe that this song deserves this number-one spot on the playlist.
“Changes” – Joy Oladokun
Joy Oladokun’s “Changes” defines the generational experiences of growing up in the era of technological advancement. The lyrics “Life’s always been a little dangerous, But I don’t want to stay the same so, I’m tryna keep up with the changes” are how so many people feel trying to navigate the world and their future when everything seems to be falling apart. The song’s mellow mood makes me reflect on myself and the society we live in. This song really resonates with me, as it helps motivate me to push forward, even when I don’t know what the future holds. The growth in nature that spring brings, emphasizes the song’s message of growth in ourselves, which fits perfectly for the transition to the warmer weather of the summer.
“Make Your Own Kind of Music” – Cass Elliot
This 1969 classic emphasizes the importance of being your own person and forging your own future. “Make Your Own Kind of Music” sends a message that you should love yourself for who you are and never change for anyone. The chorus builds into a crescendo that makes me feel like I’m running through a field, with nothing holding me back. Partnered with the warm weather, this song gives a new perspective to life and brings a sense of hope for this upcoming season.
“Catch & Release” -- Matt Simons
This song is a perfect throwback that I have always adored, and yet it never gained traction. There are so many windows-down car rides and childhood trips to the beach that I associate with this song. It has a perfect, peaceful melody and playful percussion in the background to create the most satisfying fusion of sound. Once you learn the lyrics, singing along becomes inevitable, and I think the lyrics are a beautiful message to incorporate into your preparation for spring.
“Going to California” -- Led Zeppelin
Another old-school classic I find myself going back to when I want to embrace the warm weather is “Going to California” by Led Zeppelin. The song has a chill vibe, only building in vocals while keeping the same melodic hum in the background. The lyrics make me feel so hopeful, which is exactly the type of vibe I am going for when I see the sun peaking out from the clouds for the first time in the spring. It is a song about the hope you feel when you are met with natural beauty for the first time in a while, and it evokes natural feelings of adventure and new beginnings.
“Waking Up In Vegas” -- Katy Perry
Steering away from the calmer songs, I am throwing in a classic throwback with Katy Perry’s “Waking Up In Vegas.” When most people think of Perry, they think of staples like “Firework” or “Teenage Dream,” but this song is an underrated hit. It brings the energy immediately and can get me hyped up for almost anything within minutes. Everyone knows the words, so it’s a great song to play to bond with the people you are hanging with. Every playlist needs a few songs that everyone will know, and this one is almost necessary to include.
Spring could arguably be the best season for personal growth and the music and weather are huge factors in influencing that growth. These songs have empowered me to live my life as my authentic self and help me push through the tough times. If you are in a similar boat, I hope these songs bring a little happiness to you in this unseasonably cold weather.
Comments