Now that Spring Break is over and the end of the semester is around the corner, the sun is beginning to shine brighter and we look forward to warm spring days at Saint Joe’s and eventually summer. One of the best parts of the switch of seasons is being able to drive with the windows down and jam to some good music. Getting a good queue going on your Spotify or Apple Music when driving around with your friends on a warm sunny day is a major mood. Whether it’s driving home from school, to and from class, or out to brunch on the weekend, here’s a list of 15 songs to add to your Spring 2018 playlist. They’re all upbeat for the most part and radiate positive vibes to go along with the weather.
1. We’re Going Home – Vance JoyThis song is from Vance Joy’s newest album Nation of Two, and it’s the perfect amount of upbeat and is about finding home in our friendships, perfect for a spring drive with friends. If you like this, check out Saturday Sun from the same album.
2. Cold Little Heart – Michael Kiwanuka
If you watched the show Big Little Lies (which you should!!), you’ll be familiar with this one. This song reminds me of being by the beach because of its cool beat and background vocals.
3. The Weekend – Funk Wave Remix – SZA and Calvin Harris
SZA’s vocals in the original version of The Weekend are amazing, but you can’t listen to Calvin Harris’ remix of this song and not dance. The beat that comes in halfway through the first verse is everything.
4. Loving Is Easy – Rex Orange County and Benny Sings
This song came out towards the end of 2017, is simple yet radiant, and is the perfect little love song. Some standout lyrics are “When you can’t even hide it, and it didn’t take forever to find it, I was all on my own, almost glad to be alone, until love came in on time.”
5. Carolina – Harry Styles
This is one of my favorite songs to listen to anywhere right now. It’s arguably the most fun song on Harry Styles’ last album. It has a good old school, retro soft rock sound but also has a summery feel to it.
6. Lost in Japan – Shawn Mendes
This brand new jam by Shawn Mendes reminds me of a Justin Timberlake or Bruno Mars song because of the swingy beat. The flirty and radiant vibes of this song are great for a drive or to just chill on Villiger lawn.
7. Summer Nights – Rascal Flatts
Love or hate country, this song is infectious. It has a similar sound to their song Life Is a Highway – it gets you hyped up for all the goodness summer has to bring.
8. Pink Lemonade – James Bay
Pink Lemonade is a whole different sound from James Bay’s typical mellow and alternative tracks. It’s more of an upbeat alternative song and sounds like the type of song that’s played over the radio in Urban Outfitters – smooth but still gets you moving.
9. Sit Next to Me – Foster The People
Another uplifting track with a retro edge. Sit next to me is similar to Pink Lemonade but has more of a pop and dance side to it.
10. Say Something – Justin Timberlake and Chris Stapleton
Who knew the vocals of classic JT and country artist Chris Stapleton could be so good. The lyrics of this one are relatable. “Maybe I’m looking for something I can’t have.” Summer???
11. No Option – Post Malone
The main beats in this rap song are awesome and make it ideal to bump in the car. A must add to the driving playlist.
12. End Game – Taylor Swift featuring Ed Sheeran and Future
“I don’t wanna hurt you, I just wanna be drinking on the beach with you all over me.” Need I say more?
13. Best Day of My Life – American Authors
This is one of my favorite songs to blast in the car on a nice day because of its optimistic message. It just makes you excited to live life and want to go on an adventure.
14. Sedona – Houndmouth
After going on APEX and listening to this song multiple times in the van, I can contend that this is one of the greatest driving songs. It gives off old fashioned energy but the band has a youthful edge that affects the vibe of this song that’s about the city of Sedona in Arizona.
15. Pompeii – Bastille
Remember this one?? “But if you close your eyes, does it almost feel like nothing’s changed at all.” This is a perfect anthem to stare out the window of a car a think about the lyrics to, while still bouncing your head along since it’s fun.
HCXO,
Colleen Duddy