It’s that time of year again! The birds are singing, the trees are blooming, and thoughts of the upcoming summer are distracting many of us from the last few weeks of classes. While the stress-free days of the next few months may seem far away, here are the five best artists to lift your seasonal depression and get you in the mood for spring!
- Rex Orange County
According to his biography, Alex O’Connor, a UK born singer/songwriter professionally known as Rex Orange County, has taken the world by storm in recent years with his happy-go-lucky sound. Inspired by other musical genres like soul and hip-hop, his unique style shines through in popular singles such as “Best Friend” and “Loving is Easy,” as well as on tracks like “Television/So Far So Good” on his 2016 album, Apricot Princess, and “AMAZING” from his most recent album, WHO CARES? If you’re looking for an artist as fresh as a spring day, check out Rex Orange County’s entire discography.
- Taylor Swift
A country sweetheart turned worldwide pop star, Swift has earned her fame for a good reason: her gift as a thoughtful lyricist and songwriter. While this ability appears in many different songs off various albums, her most beautiful lines emit a spring-like softness and remind listeners of the warmer days ahead. “Begin Again (Taylor’s Version)” alludes to new beginnings and fresh starts and “Fearless (Taylor’s Version)” conjures up images of April showers with the lyrics:
“There’s something ’bout the way
The street looks when it’s just rained”
- The Beatles
As their biography explains, this 60’s English band, made up of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr, acquired greatness for its appeal to rebellious teenagers at the time and the development of the rock ‘n’ roll music. Less appreciated, however, is the band’s mastery of meaningful lyrics. “Here Comes the Sun,” one of their most well known songs, depicts the changing of seasons with lines like ”Little darling, it’s been a long cold lonely winter” and “Little darling, I feel that ice is slowly melting”
- Lana Del Rey
One of my personal favorites since my early high school days, Del Rey has gained attention over the past decade for her glamorous representation of Americana pop culture and the golden age of Hollywood, as described in her biography. This romantic worldview, as well her tendency to look at life through rose-colored glasses, allows her music to be perceived as gentle and serene, much like springtime. Honeymoon, her fourth album, most closely resembles this feeling of lightheartedness, and especially tracks “God Knows I Tried,” “Burnt Norton – Interlude,” and “Swan Song.”
- Mac Miller
A Pittsburgh-based artist, Miller is a beloved rapper known for his fun-loving and easygoing personality. This carefree nature bleeds through into the lyrics of many of his songs, and when I listen to his music, it reminds me of springs and summers gone by where I felt free from the pressures of the classroom. “Senior Skip Day,” paints a picture of complete relaxation, a feeling sought after by stressed students, and “Good News,” references seasonal “spring cleanin’”.
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