Special Issue: Spring Playlist

Spring distilled into 25 uplifting songs that will bring sunshine no matter the weather

Welcome back to Band Practice where it’s time for another one of my meticulously curated, obsessively crafted seasonal playlists! And, boy, let me tell you, I think I perfected this one. If you’re looking for uplifting (but not in a corny way!) new music that will get you through the highs and lows of spring, this is for you. It’s good vibes only, bitches!

In my spring playlists, I like to find a balance between energetic and chill—something that will hold up to both spring’s grey skies and its dazzling sun breaks. I sorted through hours of spring-esque songs that I collected since late last year (most are 2024 releases) and whittled them down to 25 tried and true bangers. The mix of genres is, as always, eclectic. There’s a little bit of R&B, indie pop, Americana, Afrobeats, alternative, and more (I’ll let you be surprised by the “more”).

This playlist is great for many things—cooking, gatherings, seasonal ennui—but I have heavily field-tested it for walks. I’m a fast walker and a two-mile walk gets me about halfway through the playlist, but you may get through more if you like to slow down and take in your surroundings (a novel idea!). Four Tet’s “Daydream Repeat” is perfect for strolling and admiring budding cherry blossoms. Little Simz’s “SOS” will bring you to a fierce, catwalk stomp. And “Target” by Rui Gabriel is the perfect pace for climbing the Mt. Tabor stairs. (This is an exclusive tip for my PDX readers. I’m sure if you have stairs wherever you live, it will also work.) However you enjoy it, it is sure to put you in a better mood.

As always, I’ve included annotations for some of my favorite songs on the playlist. Read them before, during, or after you listen—whichever you choose.

I made this playlist for you, dear readers, to bring you joy wherever you are. If I succeeded, I would love to know. You can drop me a note in the comments or reply to this email. Happy listening!

Apple Music link

P.S. If you have Apple Music, setting the crossfade to two seconds enhances the flow.

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The annotated playlist

Caroline Polachek, “Spring Is Coming With a Strawberry in the Mouth”

A staple of every playlist is a strong opener. Another staple is an excellent cover. This, by mysterious non-deistic providence, is both. The original comes from 1980’s synth-pop band/experimental theater troupe Operating Theater, which was led by composer Roger Doyle. Though decades old, the song sounds like it was made for Polachek with notes that soar into the stratosphere. She takes liberties with its lyrics, interspersing some of her own from her 2023 single, “Blood and Butter” (one of my favorites). It is transformed into something modern and otherworldly while still maintaining the charm of the original. I think it nicely sets the tone for the playlist (it also inspired the cover art).

Jamila Woods, “Tiny Garden”

Three songs on this playlist make me misty (in a good way) and this is the first. It is one of the most romantic love songs I have come across because it celebrates real, lasting love—the “verb” kind of love. “It's not gonna be a big production / It's not butterflies or fireworks / Said it's gonna be a tiny garden / But I'll feed it every day,” Woods sings. Yes. That right there is the stuff. It also has some nice slammy piano chords that drive home the message.

Kacey Musgraves, “Deeper Well”

Song number two that makes me well up (pun unintended). Off her latest album by the same name, Musgraves sings about finding a deeper fulfillment than what external sources can offer. Its descending melody in the chorus pulls you down into her well of contentment, offering serenity. I tell ya…I didn’t anticipate someone singing about a “gravity bong” to move me this much.

(P.S. One of the reasons this song sounds so good after “Ruin”—even though they’re in different genres—is because they’re in the same key. I use “harmonic mixing” like this throughout the playlist.)

Four Tet, “Daydream Repeat”

I thought about putting a song that would make a smoother transition from “Colossus of Roads” here, but I decided I liked the sudden jolt into a brand-new environment. It’s the only electronic song on the playlist, but its bright, twinkly nature definitely checks the “spring vibes” box and makes it feel like a magical interlude.

Joy Oladokun, “Taking Things For Granted”

I’ve been thinking about this song since it came out last year. I really like Oladokun’s songwriting and how instinctual it feels. Her pop-folk style (though more folk-leaning) makes me think of Ed Sheeran for some reason—if he had depth and could write a good song. So maybe not so much like him but what he probably aspires to be. It’s in a little “in my feelings” section along with the three songs that follow it. Introspection! Try it, Ed!

Ayra Starr, “Commas”

Ayra Starr never misses. I think I’ve included her songs in several of my playlists now, and her smooth Afropop always captivates. While I don’t understand all of the lyrics, it has such a nice mood that it really doesn’t matter. It is carefree yet grounded and backed by an unshakeable rhythm—elements that I tried to incorporate as much as possible throughout the playlist. I need her to release another LP soon (please)!

Olivia Dean, “Carmen”

I love the album this is from, Messy, but I sadly wasn’t able to fit a review of it into one of last year’s issues (go listen to it if you like this song!). I have been waiting for the perfect place to use the album’s closer, “Carmen” and I think I nailed it. It is song number three on the playlist that gives me all the feels. Dean tells a moving story of her grandmother’s immigration from Guyana to the U.K. It has a great, dramatic build and is a celebration of love, bravery, and family. And what better way to bring things to a close than celebration?

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Coming up next…

Thanks for reading! In the next issue of the newsletter, I’ll review my favorite albums from March. It could be the new Beyoncé album, it could be some others that I’ve really been enjoying—or all of them! You’ll have to read for yourself to find out. Make sure you’re subscribed so you don’t miss it.

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I love hearing what you have to say! If you have feelings about this playlist, questions for me, album recommendations, or any other thoughts, send them my way by leaving a comment or replying to this email. You can also reach me at bandpracticenewsletter@gmail.com