Summer is here, and the heat has come. We must say goodbye to the mild weather of spring and hello to the blazing heat of summer. While to some saying goodbye to the best season of the year can be hard, a little bit of music can always soothe the soul as we embark on our various summer journeys. These 10 songs, five to help bid farewell to spring and five to welcome in summer, will be helpful as you prepare to change with the seasons.
GOODBYE SPRING SONGS
1. “Partridge – Recorded at Electric Lady Studios” by Clairo, released May 12, 2023
The first song on the list is a newly arranged and live performed version of “Partridge” by Clairo. “Partridge” is about letting go, more specifically it’s about letting go of a lover. Hoping that shared love is strong enough to reunite the relationship sometime in the future as they separate to go off and experience new memories. A perfect goodbye song as we change seasons, create our own new memories and cherish what may have come before. The newly arranged version brings a full band compliment and backup vocals for Clairo. There’s also a guitar solo, which leads into a saxophone solo that blows the previous version of “Partridge” out of the water. The entire album, “Live at Electric Lady,” can be streamed exclusively on Spotify and YouTube. Do yourself a favor and watch Clairo’s live performance for each of her songs off this album, it’s a real treat.
2. “Lose My Head” by Alice Phoebe Lou, released on July 7, 2023
The next goodbye spring song, “Lose My Head”, comes off Alice Phoebe Lou’s fifth studio album “Shelter”. A song about being cautious, we have all been there, and learning from past mistakes. But Alice always has more in store for her listeners as the song changes gears and melodies as the real lesson is to take the chance, you deserve it. “Shelter” can be streamed on your preferred streaming service.
3. “Think About It” by Dev Lemons, released May 26, 2023
When saying goodbye, memories can flash before your eyes as a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions hit you. “Think About It” by Dev Lemons from her second EP “Delusional” is one of those such songs. A song about change but more about someone incapable of change. This could be you or someone you know. The struggle of being stuck in a predicament that never changes and being furious about it. Dev Lemon’s EP “Delusional” can be streamed on all platforms. If you are feeling a little more musically adventurous look “Think About It” up on YouTube and set the playback speed to 1.25 and enjoy.
4. “Wandering Eyes” by Magdalena Bay, released April 13, 2023
Change isn’t always brought on through positive experiences. Sometimes life throws harsh truths at you making for painful revelations that send you back to look inward. “Wandering Eyes” by Magdalena Bay fits into this idea perfectly. If you had a rough spring and are looking towards yourself more than towards others, well look no further. “Wandering Eyes” can be streamed on your platform of choice. Part of Magdalena Bay’s “mini mix vol. 3” the entire album has a music video accompanied by each song. Each mini mix can be streamed on Magdalena Bay’s official YouTube.
5. “Cartoon Clouds” by Miya Folick, released May 26, 2023
Another introspective song, but instead of going back into your shell, Miya Folick sings about finally healing and beginning again. While many songs like to play upbeat tunes mixed with sad lyrics, Miya switches the time old classic. “Cartoon Clouds” beat is rather melancholy while the lyrics are more triumphant giving the song that healing touch you could be looking for as you step into the summer season. Miya Folick’s second studio album “Roach” can be streamed on all platforms. If you’re looking for an emotional journey, then listen to her entire album, I promise you will cry.
HELLO SUMMER SONGS
1. “Prescription – Extended” by Remi Wolf, released on May 12, 2023
Clocking in at a runtime of over seven minutes, this is the longest song on the list. But trust me when I say you will never want to listen to the edited version of this song again. “Prescription” by Remi Wolf is that feel good summer sing along you have been waiting for. It’s about love and wanting it to last as long as possible. Just like this song, you really don’t want it to end. The good news is, once it’s over you can just hit the play button again and be lost in bliss for another seven minutes. “Prescription” and its extended version can be found across streaming platforms.
2. “Space Junk” by Miso Extra, released June 14, 2023
If “Prescription” was too mushy and not how you want to start your summer season off then check out “Space Junk” by Miso Extra. A breakup song to free yourself from whatever boring, toxic, faded, relationship you were in and set yourself free. With heated lyrics like “Did I make you cry? Not my issue, my last reply” or “I must have been so high thinking you’re the one.” Miso Extra is clearly over her ex who seems to be clinging on. A song for new beginnings in your season changes with some truths that burn. “Space Junk” can be streamed on your preferred service.
3. “Haute” by Janelle Monáe, released June 9, 2023
Janelle Monáe’s new album “Age of Pleasure” is here and ready to kickstart whatever summer plans you have. Was spring sad? Turn on “Haute” and feel good about yourself. Was spring awesome and you want to continue your success? Turn on “Haute”. “Age of Pleasure” can be streamed wherever you find streams. Do yourself a favor and just immerse yourself in Janelle Monáe’s “Age of Pleasure” watch the music videos, listen to the entire album. It does not disappoint.
4. “Smiley” by BETWEEN FRIENDS, released June 30, 2023
I have now realized after going through all these songs that most of the music I have picked is about love. And if not love it’s love adjacent. It’s totally not because I am obsessed, it’s just a coincidence, yeah that’s it. Anyways, “Smiley” by BETWEEN FRIENDS, yes, all caps are necessary, is about crushing on someone hard. The beat will make you feel good and dreamy as they sing about their current obsession. If dreampop is right up your alley, then dive into the rest of BETWEEN FRIENDS’ music catalog as it’s all about the dreamy part of relationships. “Smiley” can be found wherever you stream.
5. “Dancing In the Courthouse” by Dominic Fike
This is your classic welcome to summer anthem. Dominic Fike sings all about feeling yourself and taking control of your life. If you need help finding your rhythm during this summer, then this song will get you ready to take back your power. Dominic Fike’s latest album “Sunburn” can be streamed on whichever streaming platform you enjoy.
Ricky Simmons can be reached at [email protected]