With spring break right around the corner, WSUM's Music Journalism Club has put together a list of the best songs to welcome in the warm weather.
“Farewell Transmission”, Songs: Ohia
Alternative country legend Jason Molina and his project Songs: Ohia scream of freedom and new beginnings. Coming from the album Magnolia Electric Co., “Farewell Transmission” feels like a long drive on a desert highway and a battle between good and evil; also known as my plans for spring break. Where this track (and the rest of Magnolia Electric Co.) elicits thoughts of goodbyes and new beginnings, the changing of seasons often does much the same.
– Cole Smith
“Mud”, Waxahatchee
Waxahatchee's latest single “Mud”appears to occupy the same sonic vein as her latest record, Tigers Blood. In this song, Katie Crutchfield bites back at a failing lover who takes advantage of her companionship, selfishly using her to pull themselves out of the woods. She also references another female lover (implied to be the new partner) whose plight she sympathizes with but also wants to jealously “have it out / down in the mud.” Coupled with complementary vocals from MJ Lenderman (Wednesday, + solo work), Mud brings an energetic alt-country jaunt to your warmer spring walks!
– Dana Bumbalo
“More More More”, Mt. Joy
This new release is a fresh addition to your Spring Break playlist. Based in Los Angeles, this indie rock group always brings the warm weather vibes and their upcoming album will be no exception. Watch for the build and the jam at the end of this track. It's a welcome twist.
– Joely Emerson
“Bloom”, Matilda Mann
The melancholy feeling of stepping into a new season of life is perfectly captured in Matilda Mann's 2021 single, “Bloom.” While juxtaposing a mixture between lively drums and poignant lyricism, Mann arranges the perfect scene for a fuzzy, warm feeling to exist amongst. An indie-pop masterpiece, “Bloom” is for the bizarre feeling of happily dancing alone.
– Lillian Hescheles
“King of Echo Park”, TV Girl
A song from TV Girl's 2018 third album, Death of a Party Girl, “King of Echo Park” maintains a warm and sleazy feel as you enter the spring season. A perfect song for lounging at the park, or strutting around town with friends, this indie pop gem is sure to fuel your warm and wet days.
– Ryan Mercer
“The Stars Keep On Calling My Name”, Mac Demarco
Off of his album 2, Mac Demarco's “The Stars Keep On Calling My Name” has the perfect chill yet upbeat energy to bring with you on your spring break adventures, or for just doing some spring cleaning. The guitar has a bouncy feel to it, and when coupled with the tambourine makes for some groovy instrumentation. I love to listen to Mac once the weather starts to warm up, and hopefully you will too!
– Christine VanDen Heuvel
“Naive”, The Kooks
The Kook's indie rock sound brings me straight to the beaches of the American west coast, gliding across the waves on a surfboard. “Naive”, their most popular song off of Inside In/Inside Out, is the perfect jam for your spring break adventures, whether you're surfing the waves or hitting some spring slush skiing and snowboarding.
– Emily Collins
“You're here that's the thing”, Beabadoobee
“You're here that's the thing” has a cozy and upbeat sound that feels like coming home. The lyrics of the track from Beabadoobee's 2022 album Beatopia describe living in the moment by moving on from the past and spending time with those you love. This song is my soundtrack for reuniting with friends and family after a long time apart and making sure to appreciate my time with them.
– Evelyn Krohn
“Honey”, Mariah Carey
Mariah Carey's “Honey” is what I consider to be the perfect spring break song. The energetic, pop-rnb sound comes together to bring in the warm weather as it finally starts to stay for good. This song is what I listen to on the first warm day of the year, and is instantly uplifting. Making you feel like the only thing you want to do is lay out and soak up the sun.
– Allison Lukas
