Graphic by Hannah Anderson
Spring comes to the Midwest at least four times a year. False starts to spring frustrate me to no end. The confusing weather makes it difficult to dress and plan for the day. Shifting winds even affect my listening habits — resulting in listening that reflects the flux of the season. Few albums, artists, and tracks manage to capture these feelings well. Spring is a confusing time, so I listen to different music based on the weather. Hopefully, my suggestions will inspire how you can match your listening habits to the different vibes of spring.
For rainy days
Spring brings waves of nostalgia for the chills of past springs and autumns. I listen to Joni Mitchell’s album “Blue” whenever I feel nostalgic about the smell of Bradford pear trees or the familiar shapes of budding flowers. Mitchell put her music back on Spotify after a multi-year-long refusal to let it be streamed on the platform. The return of her music fills me with the same mix of happiness and sorrow of gaining and losing the ability to wear shorts. I recommend “The Last Time I Saw Richard” on “Blue” for lethargic walks across the quad, where you watch the admitted students and remember your campus tours.
On those rainy days when I’m soaked down to my socks, I find solace in the song “Northern Downpour” by Panic! at the Disco. With its vivid lyrics about rain and the masterful audio engineering, this track has the power to revive me even in the dreariest weather. The entire “Pretty Odd” album perfectly fits these kinds of days, and I reserve it exclusively for the spring season.
For cool, dreary days
On gray days, I enjoy listening to contemplative music. A current favorite is Mitski’s 2023 album “The Land is Inhospitable and So Are We.” In my humble opinion, the guitar parts are some of the best Mitski instrumental compositions. I enjoy listening to this album and thinking about the emotional weight of living in this world.
For sunny days
New releases offer the same breath of fresh air to our ears that the new growth of spring offers to our lungs. I have been listening to many new charting pop songs this spring and have enjoyed the refreshing, energetic beats as I soak up all the sun before it disappears again.
The most fun of all is Sabrina Carpenter’s “Espresso.” With its silly lyrics and retro feel, the song has me feeling myself as I break out my spring wardrobe.
Another trendy artist whose work fits those rare sunny days of Minnesota spring is Chappell Roan. Her debut full-length album, “The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess,” has a plethora of bops that will leave you bobbing your head as you walk to class.
Finally, Beyoncé’s “Renaissance” and “Cowboy Carter” are part of my sunny day rotation. Both of these albums are better under the sun.
