THE SPRUNG PLAYLIST
(No, that's not a typo. Spring has sprung!)
After the winter we’ve had, there is no doubt that we are all pining for spring. Spring is a time of new beginnings, warm weather, barbecues, day-drinking and if you’re truly adventurous, actually leaving your apartment to see your friends.
These are the songs I’ve been listening to as I get myself back into the spring mode. Give ‘em a try and I guarantee you’ll forget about winter immediately. Check out the playlist on Spotify by clicking here.
Matt and Kim - Hoodie On
Perfect for a day drinking session or a backyard barbecue. Their simple and relatable lyrics always seem to resonate no matter what kind of mood you're in, and the beat is irresistible. “Hoodie On” has already become one of my spring anthems and I guarantee it'll be stuck in your head for days on end.
Plus, spring nights are perfect hoodie weather ...
Father John Misty - Chateau Lobby #4 (in C for Two Virgins)
If you find yourself wanting to continue your relationship past “cuffing season,” you might feel a strong connection to this song. This is a perfect song for a relaxing evening or a low-key picnic. I got into Father John Misty when his first album came out a couple of years ago but this new joint blows that out of the water. It's trippy, it's raw, it's emotional and it's been on heavy rotation for me this spring.
Action Bronson - Baby Blue feat. Chance the Rapper
It reminds me of a much more mature (musically and emotionally) version of Big Sean's “I Don’t F*** With You.” If you're going through a break-up or just want to hear some truly clever wordplay, add this, and the rest of his debut studio album, to your spring rotation. Bronson has been on fire lately, but if you haven’t heard him yet this is a perfect song to start with.
Caution: don't listen to Action Bronson on an empty stomach, he's not shy about his former life as a chef.
Kings of Leon - Fans
I’ve been a fan of Kings of Leon since the release of their first album and they haven’t let me down since. “Fans” is by no means a new song, but few things are as refreshing as singing the chorus at the top of your lungs on a warm, sunny day.
The New Pornographers - Brill Bruisers
This song came out last summer, but I still can't get enough of it. That epic intro and chorus make it a perfect song to play when you're driving around town and it's finally warm enough to roll the windows down.
Kendrick Lamar - Alright
I was nervous about Kendrick’s ability to follow-up the already classic good kid, m.A.A.d. city, but my first listen of To Pimp a Butterfly assuaged those fears real quick. It might take a few listens to soak in the meaning of the complex and layered lyrics, but after a long, cold winter you might just need to yell out “we gon’ be alright.”
Nicki Minaj - Truffle Butter feat. Drake & Lil Wayne
I defy you to not dance as soon as you hear this song. That beat is infectious and as much as it pains me to say this, Drake is on fire these days. I mean the man can even make a Nicki Minaj song worth listening to, which is a feat in itself.
San Cisco - Fred Astaire
I fell in love with San Cisco when my now fiancée and I stumbled upon their performance in the Toyota Tent at Lollapalooza in 2013. There were maybe 20 people there, but their energy was amazing. Calling them an Aussie response to Vampire Weekend is an understatement, but the influence is clearly there. I‘ll apologize ahead of time because this song will be stuck in your head for days and you’ll definitely start dancing on the spot.
A Tribe Called Quest - Electric Relaxation
I would be lying if I said this track isn’t on 90% of the playlists I've ever made, but the song just doesn’t get old. No matter what the event is or what the crowd is like, this song never ceases to please. I don’t know what it is about it, but as soon as spring hits I just want to drive around with my windows down playing it.
The Kinks - This Time Tomorrow
Spring is about new beginnings, adventures, rebirth, etc … “This Time Tomorrow” is the epitome of a spring song. Whether you’re embarking on a trip, or you need motivation to start your new job or to get through a big move, add this to your playlist and you just might find that inspiration.
iSHi - Push It feat. Pusha T
Anyone who knows me knows that I think “EVERYTHING IS PUSHA T.” From Clipse to his solo work, everything Pusha T touches is gold. On this track, he’s teamed up with Swedish producer iSHi and it’s a match made in heaven. I tried to find a spring connection for this song and I couldn’t, but I just had to include it because it’s just that good. Enjoy. You’re welcome.
By: Roberto Henry