As the University community rolls into spring break, students and faculty alike are preparing to leave for their respective destinations. Whether those plans involve returning home or traveling somewhere new, an exciting playlist can elevate any journey. A collection of tracks can take a listener somewhere far away, ground them in place or even introduce them to something new. Whatever the personal listening goal may be, these songs are the perfect starting point for a spring break playlist that can maintain positivity all week long.
“Love Takes Miles” by Cameron Winter
Gentle and heartfelt, this folk-rock hit is ideal for those reminiscing on their connections, whether that arises from visiting a hometown or seeing loved ones far away. Winter’s signature baritone muses on the desperate feeling of wanting companionship while recognizing the dedication it can take to maintain it, something many may grapple with while catching up with old friends over break.
The lyrics “Love will call / Love will make you fit it all in the car” celebrate that dedication, admiring the lengths to which those in love are willing to go — because as Winter says, “Love takes miles, love takes years.” Pair with fellow folk artists Big Thief and Labi Siffre for an emotional listen, best enjoyed while looking out a vehicle’s window on the way to someone you love.
“HEAVEN TO ME” by Tyler, The Creator
Opening with a bright vocal sample and crisp drum beats, this song’s mood fits with any adventurous, sunny beach vacation or day trip. In his typically smooth flow, Tyler raps about the success he has earned and the “heaven” he hopes to achieve as his career continuously evolves.
Tyler takes pride in the small details of his life, from the “alligator logo on [his] cotton polo” to his lack of “psyche hiccups” — expressions of gratitude that could encourage listeners to take stock of their own achievements. For those with the privilege to enjoy a warm day or a new place this spring break, “HEAVEN TO ME” might just inspire a moment of appreciation that takes your holiday to the next level. To curate the most “heaven”-ly vibe, listeners can mix with jazzy hits from vocal talents like Frank Ocean and Jungle, whose floating tunes can raise the mood on any track.
“Normal Girl” by SZA
For anyone who finds themselves looking to reset halfway through the semester, “Normal Girl” is just the song to put on. Over its four minute duration, vulnerable lyrics about insecurity lead into a triumphant bridge as SZA realizes she has nothing to be ashamed of, making this song a powerful anthem to personal growth.
In her wonderfully conversational style, SZA explains that all of her insecurities about not being a “normal girl” were caused by external factors, as she does not fit society’s sanitized mold of what a woman should be. SZA’s epiphany can inspire listeners to examine their own lives, removing unnecessary outside pressures to find the most authentic version of themselves. Songs by similarly alternative artists like Clairo and Lorde in combination can lead a playlist that cultivates positive change and self-acceptance.
“Springsteen” by Eric Church
During hometown group hangouts or adventures with college friends, the catchy melody of “Springsteen” makes it a perfect choice for anyone on aux. In a tribute to youth and young love, Church combines a familiar country guitar with melodic piano backing to sing about reminiscing on his teenage past.
“Funny how a melody sounds like a memory,” Church sings, saying “When you hear ‘Born in the U.S.A.’ / Do you relive those glory days so long ago?” The song evokes a kind of nostalgia anyone in college can understand, as it captures the feeling of yearning for adolescence amidst the process of transitioning into adulthood. Alongside country hits from artists like Turnpike Troubadours and Ty Myers, this track can form a playlist that may one day be a reminder for a youthful past.
“Swim Between Trees” by flipturn
As spring break arrives halfway through the semester, its end may evoke feelings of uncertainty towards how developing relationships will fare during the next quarter. But for those nervous about the future of their personal life, this song recognizes that even the strongest relationships are not always perfect.
“Swim Between Trees” tells an emotional story about perseverance, where the singer admires how he and a partner have prevailed through challenges and matured together. Whether the song evokes a platonic, romantic or familial relationship, the lyrics “All this time I can’t believe / You’re still coming home with me / My mind’s a river draped with leaves / And you’re still swimming through the trees” might put words to feeling that have gone unexpressed.
The demands of college can be straining, but this song is a reminder that maintaining human connection is always worthwhile. Next to additional anthems from indie artists such as Djo and Maggie Rogers, “Swim Between Trees” makes for an inspiring listen that can keep any student calm in the face of challenges.
Whatever spring break has in store, these songs can be the first step towards a playlist that will complete a vacation routine and help one make the most of this long-awaited week off. The time to relax and reflect is here — one should enjoy it with some great music.
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