There’s no question about it: Spring quarter at DU is rough. When winter bids Denver its final farewells and the sun warms our backs and our spirits, the last thing students want to do is sit in class.
However, there is light at the end of the tunnel. Come June, students can relax to their hearts’ content outdoors and not hear the clang of the carillon urging them to head indoors and go to class.
The following playlist has been compiled in hopes of drawing into students’ springtime creativity and giving them a little extra push to stay positive, even when they’re stuck in Sturm. The selections evoke feelings of renewal, freedom, determination and joy in their inspirational yet raw lyrics that have the ability to transport the listener.
“Luna” – Bombay Bicycle Club
This ethereal track evokes the freshness of spring and new beginnings in its electronic beats and organic vocals, perfect for beginning spring quarter. The opening lyrics to the song, “I will bathe myself/ Then I’ll wear you for the night/ Colours fading, frayed at the sight” are indicative of the lightness and spontaneity that is often felt when the snow melts, our shorts are dusted off and romance feels so new and exciting.
“Oh, What a Life” – American Authors
“And we laughed, and we cried and thought oh/ What a life.” The American Authors’ new album “Oh, What a Life” is an upbeat, charming record perfect for late-night studying, full of inspiring lyrics to help students keep pushing through spring quarter to summer.
DU junior and Colorado native Anna Hendricks, who studies English, notes that the American Authors’ songs are varied and describes the band’s tunes as “upbeat and hopeful; each is unique but recognizable to the band.”
The American Authors bring a freshness to the music scene, incorporating elements of folk, pop and alternative rock into one distinctive and appealing sound.
“Brand New” – Pharrell Williams feat. Justin Timberlake
Where would a spring playlist be without an addition by the energetic and happy (pun intended) Pharrell Williams? Off his new album “Girl”, “Brand New” combines an undeniably catchy beat with Pharrell’s incredible range and cheery lyrics about getting a fresh start.
DU art history senior Mollie Braen who is from Los Angeles describes Girl as “super summer-y and it gets me excited for the end of school and beginning of summer.”
“Invisible – (RED) Edit” – U2
On a more classic note, legendary Irish band U2 released a single called “Invisible – (RED) Edit.” The song focuses on personal identity, and Daniels finance graduate student Jonny Havey, who is also from Denver, comments:
“I think U2 is the best band in history and they have been together forever.” He continues, “They are still producing award-winning music and having very important message [in their lyrics].”
“Invisible – (RED) Edit” speaks to the issue of othering people different from ourselves, expressed through the lyrics “There is no them/ It’s only us.” Even in 2014, U2 strives to spread awareness of social issues through song.
“Can’t Be Broken” – Twin Forks
For folk lovers, the emerging band Twin Forks is a project formed by Dashboard Confessional’s Florida-based lead Chris Carrabba who, according to Spotify’s band page, characterizes the band as “stripped-down but hyped-up folk.” Twin Forks combines an acoustic sound with drums similar to the Lumineers in songs such as “Can’t Be Broken” in their self-titled 2014 album. The unique juxtaposition of Carrabba’s often gritty vocals with folk melodies creates a signature sound that is unexpected and keeps the listener interested.
