To build my perfect spring playlist, there are a couple of key factors at hand. Spring as a season feels hopeful to me. It reminds me of the cycle of growth and life, and how much there is to be thankful for. The songs must reflect how special it is to watch nature grow around you; to feel the sun come out for the first time in months. Â
I love folk music and Labi Siffre is the quintessential folk artist to me. Perfect for any occasion, upbeat and romantic, jingly guitar and a clear beautiful voice. Released in 1972, this song feels timeless. Â
The Cocteau Twins are always going to scratch the spring itch for me. This song from their 1990 album is spring in a song. Its ethereal nature pulls you into their world (even though you can’t really understand what they’re saying). This song makes me feel like I’m floating around in the portal dimension from Big Hero 6 that Baymax gets left behind in. RIP to him, I bet he would’ve loved the Cocteau Twins.Â
This song starts off with a sample from John Frusciantes and is a perfect easy listen. The backing riff feels bouncy and weightless and pairs perfectly with his deep gravelly voice. Â
This is the perfect indie rock song to me. As a constantly changing musical collective, Broken Social Scene really has a song for every occasion. The occasion for this song to me is dancing in the mirror while getting ready and pretending that I can play my imaginary drums with my toothbrush.Â
What better way to welcome spring than with a little Marvin Gaye. He has such a smooth melodic tone; it feels like a calming lullaby. The saxophone break feels like walking on air. Â
Blood Orange is an incredible producer, and this is on perfect display in this song. He mixes different textures together to create something incredibly cohesive. He starts with a simple riff, and layers on a stronger beat, then continues to layer multiple different voices that all complement one another. Caroline Polachek is a great feature here. She has such a distinct voice and is classically trained in opera! Â
What a classic! Tangerine is such an easy listen that always lifts my mood. Its simplicity is what makes it great; it perfects all of the basic elements that make for a spring song.Â
This is a perfect song. No other way to say it. She has a beautiful voice and sings over a hypnotizing guitar riff and steady kick drums. It’s organic and natural rather than over produced and processed. The layered vocals tie it all together elegantly. Â
This is another song that focuses on raw vocals and guitar. It’s not heavily produced. This is a cover of the 1999 song by the band Modest Mouse, but I prefer this version to the original because of its stripped-down nature.Â
This song blends multiple genres in one. It’s got a new wave, indie pop, and rock sound. It captures the hopeful and upbeat nature of spring to me.