As spring is approaching, it might be time to revamp your playlists. It’s fun to be a little insufferable in the winter by embracing sad music, but that era is coming to a close. Here are 17 song recommendations to get you out of the winter funk and ready for warmer days.
- “No Nein” by 1tbsp, Mietze Conte
This list is in no way ordered, but it’s starting out strong with 1tbsp and Mietze Conte! This song sounds like it was made for little fairies or bugs. It’s cute, magical, and whimsical. What better way to feel going into spring?
- “Lethargy” by Arca
“Dale flow mami!” She said it herself: give it flow, and flow is exactly what she gives. This song is about hanging out with friends and enjoying a little “green” if you will. Whatever your guilty pleasures may be, this song is perfect for all spring endeavors.
- “oh baby” by LCD Soundsystem
This one might be cliché, but what’s a New York spring without some LCD Soundsystem? They have a way of making you feel nostalgic despite your personal connection to them, and a little nostalgia never hurts. You can listen to this while hanging out with friends at a park or while staring longingly out a window. Versatility, baby!
- “See You All” by Koudlam
Koudlam’s music is an alluring mix of pop, alternative, electronic, indietronica, and so on, but it’s best just to listen rather than try to define it. The vocals on this track have a sort of ooze to them, and combined with the pop beat in the background, it’s a fun one to sway and bop around to.
- “Crazy Girl” by Club Eat
“Crazy girl, I’ll be that!” Ren G and Chicken of Club Eat have quickly become NYC nightlife icons. From playing local restaurants and clubs to a Celine afterparty and opening for artists like Cupcakke and Dorian Electra, Club Eat is gaining the popstar status they deserve, and it’s about time we had a good popstar revival. This song is hot, let’s leave it at that.
- “In My View” by Young Fathers
This group is named after all the members sharing their fathers’ namesakes. Isn’t that fun? It was hard to pick just one song to represent Young Fathers, but you can’t go wrong with this one. The way their vocals just melt together with the percussion is incredible. And even better, you catch them live at the Brooklyn Steel on April 4th.
- “Only Love Can Break Your Heart” – Masters at Work Mix” by Saint Etienne
This cover of Neil Young’s “Only Love Can Break Your Heart” from pop trio Saint Etienne has been remixed into oblivion—and honestly, it doesn’t get old. This particular version can start to feel a little too long, but it’s perfect to have on in the background if you feel like hanging out and dancing.
- “Living It Out” by Planningtorock
This song is cool, just like self-taught producer, singer/songwriter, and composer Planningtorock. With four critically acclaimed albums and a discography to die for, you will not be bored if you choose to dive into the Planningtorock universe. It’s sexy! It’s queer! And this song feels like a sweaty dance party in all the best ways.
- “Lindyhop” by Alamo Race Track
Here’s a little fun and quirky addition. Alamo Race Track is a pop/punk band from Amsterdam. This song is a knee-bouncer and finger-snapper, and who doesn’t love a good banjo moment?
- “It’s Alright” by Great Mountain Fire
Great Mountain Fire is an indie rock band from Belgium. This one is a little different, but something about the slow burn, dreamy feeling, and comforting lyrics is really satisfying. It’s easy on the ears and is nice to put on to zone out or to remind yourself that it is, in fact, alright.
- “Jesus Wants Me For A Sunbeam” by The Vaselines
The Vaselines had a little boost in popularity after Nirvana covered this song at their 1993 MTV Unplugged show. “Jesus Wants Me For A Sunbeam,” also known as “I’ll Be A Sunbeam” is an old Christian worship song. This is a parody version, The Vaselines changed the lyric from “Jesus wants me for a sunbeam” to “Jesus don’t want me for a sunbeam.” Religious undertones aside, it’s a fun tune for a nice day.
- “VYZEE” by SOPHIE
SOPHIE SOPHIE SOPHIE! You should go down the SOPHIE rabbit hole at some point — It’s a personal journey you must choose to embark on when you’re ready. In the meantime, jump around to “VYZEE.” Take some time to look at the lyrics while you listen too; they’re too cute to go unnoticed. And take it from SOPHIE: “You’ve got to twist your body, twirl it all around!”
- “King Tubby Meets The Rockers Uptown” by Augustus Pablo
Aside from being a prominent figure in reggae, Augustus Pablo is also a dub record producer, multi-instrumentalist, and label owner. His exploration of melodica changed Jamaican music forever. Any of his songs are pretty much guaranteed to offer the groove we all need sometimes.
- “Bass From Funky Jacky” by La Jungle
Another group from Belgium, this track is short and sweet. La Jungle’s hypnotic beats are addictive. They have some really cool but more obscure noise/trance-like songs, definitely worth checking out.
- “Sunshine” by Handsome Boy Modeling School
Handsome Boy Modeling School was a conceptual hip-hop project made up of Dan The Automator and Prince Paul. They had a short run, creating two albums between 1999 and 2006. Both members have extensive history producing for artists such as De La Soul, Gorillaz, Stetsasonic, Gravediggaz, and more.
- “Worms” by Viagra Boys
Coming to us from Stockholm, Sweden is Viagra Boys. If you don’t know them, you should, and if you ever have the chance to see them live, you must. They’re a weird, goofy, post-punk fantasy experience, and if you’re not already on the Viagra Boys freak train, now’s your time.
- “Red Blooded Woman – Narcotic Thrust Mix” by Kylie Minogue
Had to throw some Kylie Minogue in here. This remix from English electronic dance music duo Narcotic Thrust is just so fun, so enjoy. It’s hard not to.
Thanks for sticking with it until the end, hopefully your playlists gained a few fresh tracks after this read. May everyone’s spring be filled with good tunes and good times!