My last month in songs of the spring semester! My study abroad has come and gone and, with the warmer weather beginning, it’s hard not to feel happy. My goal from my March article was to listen to songs that make me feel excited for summer, and this April I curated a playlist that makes me feel joyous and bright. A combination of country, jazz, and some throwbacks, here are just some of the tracks that are making me love where I am and that are beginning my summer.
“Loving Life Again” • Ella Langley
I don’t really drink, but I think a fun game would be to read through my articles and, every time I rank a song on an invisible list, take a shot. “Loving Life Again” is my number one Ella Langley song right now and very high on my list of favorite country songs. Langley just released her album, Dandelion, and it’s amazing. This song makes me emotional in particular, because it’s so true.
It never ceases to amaze me how artists who are complete strangers to most have the capability to capture a feeling that so many experience not only in lyrics, but then compose instrumentals to go along with them.
When this big old world gets a bit too much/ when days are long, I drift away, I play that song I used to play/ When skies are always summertime blue/ Just like that, I’m back to loving life again.
“These Days” • Nico
I have been out walking, and I have been thinking a lot about the things I forgot to do. On Monday, I was supposed to go to a museum. I, however, only remembered this fact on Tuesday while listening to “These Days” — a full day after the ticket was for. The best way I can describe this song is a hug. The song is reflective, contemplative, and honest. The lyrics are vague enough that, when I think a little too hard about how similar my life has been to this song, I tear up.
I’m going to be the annoying study abroad student who comes home and will not stop talking about their time away. These days I seem to think about/ How all the changes came about my ways. Not only has my lifestyle changed, but I have grown so much over the course of the last few months that, in many ways, I don’t recognize myself. Now, thinking back over the last semester, all I can think about is how I can’t wait to not stop bringing up, oh when I was in Italy, and changes that have come because of it.
“Cardinal” • Kacey Musgraves
At the rate I’m listening to her music, I wouldn’t be surprised if Kacey Musgraves found a spot in my Spotify Wrapped top artist category. I’ve had her album, Deeper Well, on repeat. Cardinals are often seen as spiritual messengers who symbolize the presence of someone who has passed away.
Musgrave’s “Cardinal” is a beautiful interpretation of this symbol, her story being weaved throughout the track. I saw the sign or an omen/ On the branches in the mornin’/ It was right after I/ Lost a friend without warnin’/ Words unsaid/ Scarlet-red/ Cardinal/ Are you bringing me a message from the other side?
“Some Nights” • fun.
I actually cannot stop listening to this song. Not only is “Some Nights” on my April playlist, it was previously on my March playlist too. I’ve listened to this song since it came out in 2012, and it never lost its charm. However, for some reason, every time it comes on, I’m more excited to hear it than the last time.
The last recorded occurrence of this was when I couldn’t stop listening to Morgan Wallen’s “Miami” . It might be time for me to put “Some Nights” and “Miami” on their own playlist and see if I get tired of either. Sometimes, I’m still not sure what I stand for, but I do know I stand for this song.
“Sunny Side of Heaven” • Fleetwood Mac
I love instrumental tracks. “Sunny Side of Heaven” is what I’ve been needing for the past few months in Florence. It’s amazing to me how much of a band’s identity lies in their instrumental sound. Even without Stevie Nicks singing, you can tell this song belongs to Fleetwood Mac. The guitar is so melodic and so reminiscent of the 70s when it was released.
“ALL THE TIME” • John Summit, The Chainsmokers
This song was an immediate yes before I even heard it. While releasing promotional material for his album, Summit posted a video of him running — a hobby he is known for — past a group of smokers and saying, “Fucking chainsmokers”. Low and behold, the camera pans and standing there is The Chainsmokers. This song has a great beat and has recently been a must for my walks to class.
Sometimes I just need a song that’s easy to learn. Something I love about electronic music is that the lyrics often repeat throughout the song while the instrumentals are what change. This is so smart to me, because I think it lets anyone be able to join in on the song. After a few seconds of hearing the lyrics, suddenly you know the basic pattern allowing you to dance and sing along.
“Welcome to Vulf Records” • Vulfpeck
My new favorite tradition that my sister and I started last year is going to the Newport Jazz Festival. Last year, I barely knew any artists on the lineup and went just to enjoy some new bands. This year, I have a 139 hour playlist composed of all the artists’ music.
I’m hoping that, over the course of the summer, there will be some standout songs that will lead me to have specific artists I want to see. Headlining the first day is Vulfpeck, and his song “Welcome to Vulf Records” is already something that interests me in his sound. I can’t wait to see what other artists I’m also drawn to.
“Will I See You Again?” • Thee Sacred Souls
Speaking of Newport Jazz Fest, last year I discovered Thee Sacred Souls. “Will I See You Again?” came up on a random Spotify mix, and it immediately landed a spot on my April playlist. Their performance was one of my favorites; he ran around in the crowd, letting people sing into the microphone. At one point, the lead singer, Josh Lane, walked right in front of my sister and I, and his energy was so radiant that he became so mesmerizing to watch.
While I don’t remember their specific setlist, I vividly remember watching “Will I See You Again?”. Not only is it channeling positive vibes for the end of my semester, but it’s making me reminisce and has me excited for the upcoming summer.
“Dime Store Cowgirl” • Kacey Musgraves
I love any song where the artist embraces their roots. Musgraves tells us that, no matter where she goes, she’ll always be a “Dime Store Cowgirl”, Cause I’m still the girl from Golden/ Had to get away so I could grow/ But it doesn’t matter where I’m goin’/ I’ll still call my hometown home. The little stories about the places she’s seen and the experiences she had tell such a beautiful story, and as someone who also resonates heavily with where they’re from, this song hits home for me.
“Mixed Up” • Hannah Montana
Yeah, I needed a curveball on the playlist, and this month it comes in the form of a Hannah Montana song. “Mixed Up” resonates with me right now because I ended up really loving Florence. For the first two months, the constant rain and less than friendly locals made me miserable. However, a few weeks later, after forming connections with business, restaurants, roommates, and teachers, there’re so many things I am going to miss about Florence.
In true Disney Channel fashion, for the last few days you could’ve caught me on my nightly walk to the Arno River listening to this song. While I don’t invalidate the feelings I had at the beginning of my semester, I’m happy that I did find a love for Florence and maybe am a little less “Mixed Up”.
“Life’s No Fun Through Clear Waters” • Addison Rae
Addison Rae’s Coachella set got me to jump back into her music. After seeing her live, I got more into her music, however I’ve overlooked “Life’s No Fun Through Clear Waters”. The lyrics repeat throughout the track, and the instrumentals give the essence of sirens. I love the idea that this song is about how seeing something clearly may not be the most exciting thing. Sometimes it’s the things we don’t know or can’t see that keep life entertaining.
Last month of the spring semester! So many songs and so many more months to look forward to. I cannot wait to see what songs I find over the summer. See you in the fall!