16 Songs to Ring in Spring

Songs from Max Frost, Glass Animals and Phantogram are sure to help you reset.

03.30.22
16 Songs to Ring in Spring (Levi Guzman via Unsplash)

Downers Grove; IllinoisThe word “spring” often precedes many inviting things about the season: spring break, spring in your step, spring cleaning, spring weather. Face it, we all were tired of the dreary winter and we’re thrilled spring is here! 

While it may not always be sunny and we’re sipping on sweet iced coffees, spring is a wonderful opportunity to start fresh, seize the day and sort out your life. 

Be it cleaning out your closet, getting outdoors more or simply seeing friends after a long semester, here are the 16 songs to help ring in spring! 

“Good Morning” by Max Frost

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N5xMlDeGFBU

Nothing will put a pep in your step more than the cheerful, upbeat stylings of Max Frost. This type of song is best paired with a bad attitude because by the end, your mood will have done a 180, and you’ll be ready to welcome the season with spirit. 

“I Don’t Wanna Talk (I Just Wanna Dance)” by Glass Animals 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9nrEaHinGmY

You can’t go wrong with any song on Glass Animals’ super-successful album, "Dreamland." Their hit song "I Don't Wanna Talk" radiates the kind of excitement and energy that evokes passion. Dust the furballs off from being cooped up all winter, turn this jam on, and party among your people. 

“Dangerous” by Big Data and Joywave

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8b4xYbEugo

If spring cleaning is at the top of your to-do list, tackle it by force by starting with Big Data and the boys of Joywave. ‘Dangerous’ will make you want to face your tasks head-on and give you a boost to begin so you can get closer to the end.

“You Don’t Get Me High Anymore” by Phantogram

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jryzEU7WAlg

Turn on Phantogram's "You Don’t Get Me High Anymore" if you've hit a lull in cleaning out the closet or sorting through your memory box. The song will help you separate the memories from the actual item and realize that you don’t need that hoodie from high school to be happy. 

“Sweater Weather” by The Neighbourhood

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ao81ziiXHhs

Pair this popular single from California rockers, The Neighbourhood, with a sunny view and an iced coffee, and you've got yourself a sweet spring morning to start your day in style. 

“Sunrise” by Klaus Layer 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bBPqo5QMsAw

If lo-fi beats are more your thing, relish and relax in the soothing style of Klaus Layer. The benefits of listening to lo-fi music include lower anxiety, increased brain function, and an all-around better mood.

“Fast Lava” by Riz Ahmed 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tlP1_nvf9KI

Is spring cleaning putting you in a sour slump? Riz Ahmed’s full-throttle lyrics and fast beats will have you up on your feet and working your way through any mess — in no time flat. Riz Ahmed's 2020 album "The Long Goodbye" is chock-full of rapid-fire hits, so use "Fast Lava" as your kickstarter. 

“I Am The Walrus” by The Beatles

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TKuvJLTeJYY

While you watch the flowers flourish and the animals come out to play, listen to this classic from the Fab Four. For other favorites by The Beatles to queue up after "Walrus," check out “The Magical Mystery Tour,” “Strawberry Fields Forever,” “Julia” and of course “Here Comes The Sun."

“ICU” by Phoebe Bridgers

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDGWhJmnack

Indie darling Phoebe Bridgers gives fans a hard refresh with their track, "ICU." The cut from their sophomore album should be your first pick for a hazy, bittersweet take on change and interrogating new feelings the season has to offer. 

“Sledgehammer” by Peter Gabriel

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJWJE0x7T4Q

"Sledgehammer" captivates listeners with the upbeat production mixed with the intimate, tongue-in-cheek lyrics. Turn this on if you need to shake things up. 

“Dawn” by Jean-Yves Thibaudet 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5t2ODQAhv8

If you’re an early riser because you enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of a sunny morning, ‘Dawn’ is for you. Fans of "Pride and Prejudice" will recognize this serene track as the opener to the 2006 film and is best enjoyed the same way Elizabeth Bennett does onscreen: walking in the morning sunlight with a good book in hand.

“caricias” by tres islas 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uV0e5XeHAYc

While ‘caricias’ probably sounds better on a rainy day, the contemplative instrumental by tres islas will reduce anxiousness and stress. Lo-fi music gets another honorable mention on the spring playlist as spring showers sprinkle fall our way. 

“Ride” by Twenty One Pilots

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pw-0pbY9JeU

Break out the bikes for a springtime ride! "Ride" isn’t just one of Twenty One Pilots’ most popular songs, it's also the perfect track for getting outdoors and embracing adventure. Check out all sorts of new things popping up in warmer weather, from pretty flowers to chic outdoor spots to hang out. 

“Shotgun” by George Ezra

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_B3qkp4nO4

If you can turn sunshine into a song, ‘Shotgun’ would be it. George Ezra gleefully takes you on a wonderfully whimsical listening trip, complete with bubbly beats and joyful jams. For a pick-me-up, check out the music video that constantly features Ezra grinning from ear to ear throughout the changing scenery. 

“A Spoonful of Sugar” by Kacey Musgraves 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eWsj9wC9zMU

Before her award-winning album "Golden Hour," Kacey Musgraves charmed listeners with her cheery cover of "A Spoonful of Sugar." Kacey’s cover of the popular Disney song offers the same amount of motivation and magic as the original. Have it on while you clean your closet or get the garden in order, and "don’t forget-in every job that must be done, there is an element of fun!" 

“Fever To The Form” by Nick Mulvey 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ds0jtuyslbI

For a lazy spring weekend, take comfort in relaxation and easy listening. English folk star Nick Mulvey brings a subtle and soothing take on stripped-down songs, featuring pleasant vocals and a backing guitar that encourages you to take time to enjoy the beauty of the day. 

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