As the days get warmer and a false spring finally makes way for the real one, it’s time to have your playlist match that mood. With longer hours of sunlight, blossoming flowers and weather good enough to gleefully walk to class again, the music that’s paired with it should be just as cheerful and carefree.
While we welcome the season of cool breezes, open windows, spontaneous evening walks and quad picnics, here’s a playlist to go along with it.
Click here to access the full playlist on Spotify, and continue reading for some featured highlights.
“This Must Be the Place (Naive Melody) – Live” by Talking Heads
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Here’s a song that simply radiates happiness. The live version of the track from Talking Heads’ “Stop Making Sense” tour comes with an energy that’s hard to capture in studio recordings. The repeating melody in the backtrack, combined with the group singing, results in one of the most charming, feel-good songs of all time.
Although it’s unlikely that this was its original intent, as a college student, I’ve found that many lyrics speak to my experience settling into the University. No matter what challenges face you this spring, it’s important to remember — “feet on the ground, head in the sky/ It’s okay, I know nothing’s wrong.”
Most of Talking Heads’ discography captures a similar, fun-loving attitude that everyone’s spring playlist could use more of.
“Hit It and Quit It” by Funkadelic
If spring were a genre, it wouldn’t be too crazy to say that it’d be funk. One of the best funk albums is “Maggot Brain,” which features this infectious, dynamic song. It has all the staples of a fantastic funk track — the maximalist, layered production locks you into a groove that’s hard to forget, and the catchy, repetitive backtrack heightens its energy.
Whether you’re speeding down the streets of Champaign-Urbana on a Veo bike or speed walking through Main Quad to make it to your next class, this song’s enthusiasm is just right to get you moving. If you’re making way for a spontaneous, adventurous spring, this song is your perfect soundtrack.
“L.A.” by Elliott Smith
Known for his more melancholic work, Elliott Smith’s discography features an underappreciated collection of music focused on hope and persistence. This track from his album “Figure 8” is one of his most optimistic ones, and its catchy guitar riffs are the perfect backdrop to a sunny spring day. It’s hard to have a bad time when listening to Smith sing — “Good morning all, it’s a beautiful day.”
As great as it is to focus on the good, Smith’s layered songwriting gives way to an optimism that’s more rewarding than just blind positivity. He sings of a time when he wanted to “throw it all away,” but still looks forward to a better future, making this song especially sweet.
So, to those who maybe had a rough start to the semester and feel hesitant about diving into the rest — spring is new, and Smith will help you get excited for the better times that await you.
“Supernova” by Liz Phair
This angsty, unorthodox love song from Liz Phair’s “Whip-Smart” brings an energy that feels unique to the ’90s alternative-rock scene. As a songwriter, Phair doesn’t shy away from much, so her tackling the hyperbolic infatuation that comes with developing a crush results in a track more fun and honest than other romantic songs.
Plus, the energetic drums and electric guitar combination throughout the song make it perfect for an upbeat playlist like this one. The chorus, even with its repetitiveness, is memorable and lively.
This spring, maybe you’ll find the one, or maybe you’ll find someone who only seems like the one. Either way, it helps to let Phair’s playfulness carry you through it.
