Spring break, that famed hallmark of college life, is upon us. Across the country, thousands of students will flock to our nation’s beaches for sun, sand and the wild kind of freedom that comes when you only have one week to let completely loose. Parties will be thrown, memories will be made, and you need the perfect playlist for all that activity (or for sitting on the couch and eating your way through seven days of solitude). Whatever your spring break plans, here are eight songs to provide inspiration for your spring break playlist.
- Dancing with a Stranger: Sam Smith, Normani
This collab from Sam Smith and Normani was released on January 11 of this year; with two popular singers in the credits, it would be easy to predict this song’s success. Dancing with a Stranger doesn’t let that hold it back, somehow eclipsing the simple formula and vocals to become nauseatingly good. The insistent beat keeps the otherwise calming song from becoming too drowsy and keeps the head nodding along.
- Sucker: The Jonas Brothers
The Jonas Brothers are back and this is already the best thing to happen in 2019. They’re on The Late Late Show, they’re respecting women and they’re releasing new music. Sucker is the only song they’ve released so far, but after it debuted at No. 1 and sparked phenomenal fan response, it’s safe to say the market is there for anything the Jo Bros are putting out. Sucker takes the band in a new direction while still paying homage to their past and showcasing their individual styles. But let’s not forget the stars of this new single: Danielle Jonas, Priyanka Chopra and Sophie Turner, who steal the show in the Sucker music video.
- Down: Jay Sean, Lil Wayne
You ever heard the phrase “an oldie, but a goodie?” That’s this song from Jay Sean, which reaches double digits this year. Somewhere in the back of all our minds we know all the lyrics to Down and we’re waiting for the opportunity to use them. Add this breezy, positive song to your Spring Break playlist and you’ll have that opportunity – along with the joy of listening to what can now be termed, a “classic.”
- Golden Hour: Kacey Musgraves
Kacey Musgraves won a Grammy for the album of this name, and while you could just listen to the whole thing, the title song is a good place to start. It’s not as upbeat as the rest of the songs on this list, but it’s perfect for the slower, lazy moments that inevitably arise over Spring Break, no matter your plans. It has a floaty, layered vibe that always makes me stop to appreciate the moment.
- I Guess I Just Feel Like: John Mayer
Another slow song, I Guess I just feel Like is John Mayer’s latest single. I like it for a Spring break playlist because it captures the restlessness that accompanies spring. We’re all longing for warm weather that’s not quite here yet, but is tantalizingly close. Being off from school means we’re stuck in limbo, stagnating while waiting to move on, excited by the possibilities of the rest of the semester but unable to make them get here any faster. A little introspective, a little moody and with a lot of guitar, this is another song to make you slow down and think.
- Overload: Georgia Anne Muldrow
I’m not well-versed in the language of music, so I would guess that Georgia Anne Muldrow’s music is R&B, maybe pop/soul. Genre is less important than feel, and this song feels good. I like the slightly techno beat, I like the climbing vocals, I like the subtle power behind her voice. Muldrow hasn’t broken into mainstream success yet, but she has her fans. This song will make you one of them.
- I think We’re Alone Now: Tiffany
Like everyone else in the YouTube comments section, I was brought to this song by The Umbrella Academy (a Netflix show I wrote about in my last article). There’s a lot I could say about the Umbrella Academy, but for now let’s leave it at this – the soundtrack is filled with bops. Diverse bops, ranging from classical to indie, familiar to foreign, and everywhere in between. Half the show’s delight comes from the fun pairings of song to scene. And this song, I Think We’re Alone Now, belongs to the show’s most iconic (and tender) scene. It’s fun, frothy and relentlessly energetic, perfect for getting ready to go out with friends.
- Girls Just Wanna Have Fun: Cyndi Lauper
Because it’s spring break and girls just want to have fun.
Enjoy spring break! I hope these recommendations give you some energy and get you psyched for the rest of the semester! Because yes, there’s still a whole half of a semester to go.