The weather is getting warmer, and as it does, I find myself wanting to make a spring playlist. Every season has a distinct vibe, and it feels good to lean into that vibe through music. When the flowers are blooming, and the sun is out, I want to listen to songs that sound the way that spring feels. Here are a few indie pop songs that I’m adding to my spring playlist this year.
“Can we talk about Isaac” – Rachel Chinouriri
Rachel Chinouriri has been killing it in the alternative/indie pop arena. Her first album, What a Devastating Turn of Events, was released in 2024. This album had the breakout single “Never Need Me,” as well as hits like “Robbed” and “All I Ever Asked.” In 2025, Chinouriri released her Little House EP featuring “Can we talk about Isaac?”
The song is an upbeat indie pop-rock banger about being obsessed with someone while feeling like you’re not good enough for them. Chinouriri captures that desperate energy so perfectly through her lyrics and delivery. The bridge is a repeated refrain with an emotional build-up, and it leads to a chaotic instrumental break before the final chorus. “Can we talk about Isaac?” is a song you want to scream in the car with the windows down.
Here’s the cutest part: “Can we talk about Isaac?” is about Chinouriri’s real-life partner, Isaac Farley. Chinouriri has called Farley her hero, saying that he protects and cares for her deeply. Given this context, it makes lyrics like “He’s so perfect, God, I hate him” seem playful. You can feel that Chinouriri really loves the muse, and any spite in the song is exaggerated for effect.
“Sunshine Baby” – The japanese House
The Japanese House, the project of Amber Bain, has many songs that give off spring vibes, but I had to go with “Sunshine Baby” for this playlist. Even the song title sounds like warm weather. “Sunshine Baby” is a nostalgic song about a past relationship. Bain explained the title’s meaning, saying, “Sunshine baby is my nickname for my dog, and my ex and I always used to lie on the beach together being sunshine babies.”
Throughout the song, Bain expresses a longing to return to a time when everything felt like it fit perfectly, with lyrics like “the feeling when the windscreen wipers line up with the song.” Everyone can relate to missing some sort of belonging, whether it’s in a relationship or a time in your life. Lines like “I don’t know what’s right anymore, I don’t want to fight anymore,” pack an emotional punch, but the song never gets bogged down by it. “Sunshine Baby” remains a soft and wistful song through the instrumentals and delivery. Bain expresses, “Hold on to this feeling ‘cause you won’t feel it for long,” a reminder to cherish things while you have them.
Fans of The 1975 might also recognize a familiar voice in the background of the last chorus. Bain and Matty Healy, The 1975’s lead singer, are longtime collaborators and friends. Healy’s background vocals add depth to the end of this beautiful song.
“Cinnamon Bread” – Ryan Beatty
“Cinnamon Bread” is the most mellow addition to my spring playlist. It’s the third track on Ryan Beatty’s most recent album, Calico, and it perfectly showcases what makes his music special. Beatty is a talented singer, as well as a superb songwriter. Beyond his solo projects, Beatty is a former collaborator of BROCKHAMPTON and has co-written songs for Beyoncé and Tyler, The Creator.
“Cinnamon Bread” is a slow, acoustic song that leads to a beautiful outro. Calico is one of my favorite albums because of the specific lyrics and the gorgeous instrumentals, and both of these factors are on display in “Cinnamon Bread.” Beatty sings “you hummed a little out of tune and somehow you sounded cool,” which captures the song’s sweet yet imperfect appeal. “Cinnamon Bread” is a love song, but it acknowledges the imperfections of the muse and the anxiety that comes with loving someone who has a past. It’s the perfect song for slowing down and feeling your feelings.
“Icarus” – Olivia o’brien
“Icarus” is the most recent song on this list, having been released just a month ago. Even so, it’s been on repeat in my head (and my headphones). Olivia O’Brien had her first hit in 2016 with “i hate u, i love u”, and has been releasing music consistently ever since. “Icarus” is the lead single from her upcoming album, although details like the title and release date are still a mystery.
“Icarus” is an introspective bedroom pop track. O’Brien’s voice fits the song perfectly, with her occasional talk-style delivery. I can imagine listening to this song and running through a field on a warm day. The song directly references the myth of Icarus, who flew too close to the sun, with lyrics like “I only want it if it hurts me, wanna fly so close to the sun that it burns me.” O’Brien has also said that this song has one of her favorite lyrics she has written: “Can’t dig your own grave and complain that it’s dirty.”
Spring is the season of new beginnings, which is why “Icarus” is the perfect song for this phase of the year. It’s all about growing, changing, and becoming a new you. O’Brien says it perfectly with the line “I need a new obsession to lose myself within, to add to my collection of people I have been.” O’Brien is starting a new era, and I’m excited to hear the full album when it releases.
Spring has sprung
Spring is the best time for long walks or lying in the grass, both of which are made better by the perfect playlist. Of course, this playlist is perfect for me, but everyone will have different songs that feel like spring to them. There are different types of spring playlists; some are upbeat, some are mellow, and some are a mix of everything. For me, indie pop represents the spring season best, but I hope everyone will make a playlist that captures that spring feeling for them.