Brooks’ Essential Spring Playlist

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Fia Cooper

Staff writer Brooks Coleman shares his personal music picks for the spring.

Brooks Coleman, Staff Reporter

The following article includes music containing explicit content.

Need some new music for the springtime? I’ve got you covered. 

“Up Up & Away” by Kid Cudi

Scott Mescudi burst onto the scene in 2009 with his breakout album, “Man on the Moon.” The album closed with “Up Up & Away,” a track that really encapsulates the energy that Kid Cudi brings to the table. This entire song brings an upbeat energy that is just so uplifting to me and can get me motivated to do anything. Pair that with the flawless guitar line, and it’s really the perfect closer to a classic album.

“Never Enough” by Rex Orange County

Fans of FIFA games may remember this tune from FIFA 18’s soundtrack. Despite its gloomy message, this song is a shot of pure energy. The song’s first half would be good enough on its own, but its anthemic last minute is what really elevates it to another level. Rex Orange County can be inconsistent at times, but on this track, the British boy wonder puts it all together and shows the full range of his talents.

“Once Twice Melody” by Beach House

Beach House has been one of the most prominent voices in the dream pop scene for quite a while, and it’s easy to see why. The Baltimore duo creates songs and atmospheres unlike anything else in music today. The title track off their newest long play (LP), “Once Twice Melody,” is more of the same, beautiful and dreamy. It’s reminiscent of a day at the beach — fitting for a band named after a beach house.

“Empire Ants” by Gorillaz

This song is what I imagine a sunset sounds like. The light, twinkling strings in the background perfectly complement Blur frontman Damon Albarn’s soothing vocals before giving way to the song’s stunning climax around the two-minute mark. Featuring fantastic guest vocals from Little Dragon, this multilayered track is a must on any playlist, period.

“Dedicated To the One I Love” by The Mamas & The Papas

Transport yourself back to the 60s with this track from the famed folk group, The Mamas & The Papas. The song’s slow-paced intro perfectly sets up its rolling chorus, making it all the more spectacular. A masterpiece in song structure, this upbeat classic will make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

“Sundress” by A$AP Rocky

On Sundress, A$AP Rocky shows a side of himself that we’ve rarely seen. The laid-back drums and guitar complement some beautiful singing by the Harlem MC. It’s an impressive song, especially for an artist who is usually known for his upbeat tempo and braggadocious style.

“I Feel Good” by Abstract Mindstate

This is a song about feeling good. “I Feel Good” comes in at a neat and tidy two minutes and 28 seconds, but it still packs more than enough energy into its short runtime. The Mississippi rap duo may have taken a decade off, but on this track, it sounds like they never left. This song will have you skipping and snapping your fingers to the beat in no time.

“Standing On The Shore” by Empire Of The Sun

Empire Of The Sun was a band that was truly ahead of its time. “Standing on the Shore” was our first official introduction to the duo, and what an introduction it was. The twangy guitar line in the background ties together an eccentric fantasy of a track. Even though the song was released in 2008, it sounds like it came out yesterday.

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Did you enjoy these songs? Did you hate them? What are you putting on your spring playlist? Let me know in the comments.