The flowers around campus have bloomed, the sun has returned and people have begun to sunbathe on the Horseshoe. This can only mean one thing: spring has sprung. In other words, it’s spring-cleaning time.
Whether you're moving home for the summer or just trying to organize your closet, there is one thing that remains certain: you’re going to need a great playlist to make the ordeal more bearable. Here are ten songs to get you into your most productive, organized mindset.
- "This Must Be the Place (Naive Melody)" - Talking Heads
The theme of this playlist is fresh and upbeat, and I think "This Must Be the Place" by Talking Heads encapsulates exactly that. The instrumentation (guitar and Prophet-5 synthesizer), paired with David Byrne’s vocals, makes for a funky, lively sound that’s perfect for getting you out of bed and into the cleaning mood.
2. "Sister Golden Hair" - America
Like the previous song, "Sister Golden Hair" by America is another fresh, upbeat song. The song was inspired by the music of Jackson Browne and was part of the Billboard Hot 100 for a week in 1975 (for good reason)! It also hit #28 on the chart for easy listening and who doesn’t love a little easy listening to get them through a deep cleaning session?
3. "Knew You Well" - Art Lown
The lyrics of this folk-pop song describe the thoughts of someone processing a breakup by reflecting on the relationship and appreciating the good times, which is why it fits so well into this playlist. After all, spring is the perfect time for reflection and new beginnings.
4. "Girl Inform Me" - The Shins
This song is described as having a catchy “off pace” electronic sound. Some think that the song has a similar sound to the music of The Beach Boys. It’s exciting, upbeat and cheerful, which is exactly what’s needed for a cleaning playlist.
5. "Only A Fool Would Say That" - Steely Dan
In all honesty, any Steely Dan song could’ve made the cut for this playlist. The band is known for their witty music that blends jazz with rock, pop, R&B and funk. Their music--- and this song in particular--- just makes you want to get up and move.
6. "Miffed It" - Way Dynamic
This is another song with that easy-listening sound. Described as an indie-pop and soft-rock song, I think it sounds a lot like Nick Drake’s music. The lyrics are about exploring regret and mistakes. It’s another song about reflection, much like "Knew You Well" by Art Lown.
7. "Keep Those Teardrops from Falling" - Natalie Bergman
This soulful, indie-pop song is also about processing grief while keeping the return of happiness in mind. In my opinion, that’s exactly what spring cleaning is all about. It’s a time to reflect on the old and make room for the new, and Natalie Bergman’s 60s-inspired song fits that mindset well.
8. "Seabird" - Innovations
This is yet another song about escaping personal turmoil. With its yacht rock, sunshine-pop sound, I think it fits well with the other songs in this playlist. It’s fun and dreamy and exactly the kind of music I love to listen to while cleaning.
9. "He Can Only Hold Her" - Amy Winehouse
I had to include Amy Winehouse in this playlist. She’s hands-down one of my favorite artists and her music reminds me of my childhood since my dad played it around the house so frequently growing up. This song is described as a reflective piece about self-destructive habits. As I said before, spring’s the perfect time to be reflective. Spring cleaning doesn’t only apply to material things and physical spaces; it can also be applied to mental wellbeing.
10. "It Ain’t Over ‘Til It’s Over" - Lenny Kravitz
Honestly, I just love this song. However, what makes it even better is that it fits perfectly into this playlist! It is about persistence and hope and how a situation is not finished until it’s officially over. Everything about this song is upbeat, lively and hopeful. With those themes, what could possibly be a better song for cleaning?