Six songs to put some spring in your step

Featured in the masterpiece album, 3 Feet High and Rising, “Eye Know” heavily samples funk and soul tracks. Amidst the 1990s gangsta rap boom, De La Soul shone a positive beam in the field of music. (Kelly Park)

Eye Know - De La Soul

With a catchy guitar riff and shuffling drum intro, Otis Redding’s “Sittin' On the Dock of the Bay” provokes instant bliss as the opening sample on “Eye Know” by De La Soul. The 90s hip-hop staple features numerous historical samples and a playful, light beat. Further vocal, guitar and keyboard excerpts are pulled from the classic “Peg” by Steely Dan. Otis’ whistles drift over the snares, while bright keys weave it all together as the bassline bounces.

This track gives a sense of ease and refreshment: it radiates optimism, warmth and curiosity. “Eye Know” captures the start of spring with the possibility that comes all season.

Both artists faced critical receptions for their previous behaviors. Caesar, cancelled for advocating white influencer YesJulz, for racist behavior against other Black influencers. Rex Orange County faced assault charges.

Rearrange My World - Daniel Caesar & Rex Orange County

Released on Valentine's Day this year, “Rearrange My World” by Daniel Caesar and Rex Orange County stirs emotions and delivers tender vocals that mirror the warmth of spring. Both artists croon soft harmonies about the vulnerability of human connection.

The arrangement showcases major chords with falsettos and bright instrumentals, painting a picture of newly blossomed flowers — delicate, yet full of life. Besides Caesar and Rex Orange County, Mustafa and Devonté Hynes from Blood Orange fortify the instrumental section with their signature keys.

Dominic Fike, though raised in an adventurous childhood with addict parents, ended with a record deal and a voice that turned pain into poetry. His first EP “Don’t Forget About Me, Demos,” peaked in charts in Australia, Ireland and the UK. With the success, he signed a $4 million deal with Columbia Records. (Olivia Park)

misses - Dominic Fike

With its breezy and bright solo guitar intro, Dominic Fike's “misses” feels like a laid-back day on spring break. The effortless charm is characterized by the aforementioned soft guitar strums in the opening, which transition into a sun-soaked vocal. The casual delivery pairs seamlessly with the mellow production, which results in a strong sense of nostalgia.

Unlike the sunny beat, the lyrics narrate unrequited sentiments: a contrast between the carefree sound and emotional depth. Despite its brief duration, barely over a minute, the tune leaves an impression like spring, which seems both fleeting and fresh.

When Ocean sings “I wanna see your pom poms from the stand,” it nods to the football scene in Forrest Gump. In the scene, Forrest’s back number is 44, as referenced in “I was screaming run 44.” Following the line are dialogue snippets from the scene, an easter egg for fans. (Kelly Park)

Forrest Gump - Frank Ocean

With allusions to the 1994 cinematic masterpiece “Forrest Gump,” this B-side from Frank Ocean’s “Channel Orange” screams bittersweet spring with a hint of tangy aftertaste. On the surface, Forrest Gump presents a sunlit sound — delicate keys, relaxed tempo and Ocean’s ethereal voice. Rather analogous to a certain someone on a bench, “Forrest Gump” unravels memories.

More on the production: the bouncy keys evoke the ending credits of a coming-of-age movie. Everything sounds light on the ears but heavy on emotions — the perfect juxtaposition.

The cut contains numerous allusions to the film’s namesake, told from the perspective of the love interest, Jenny Curran. Bruised by life and full of love, Jenny watches while Forrest runs through challenges and suffers heartbreak, which aligns with Ocean’s metaphor of his ‘Forrest.’ “Forrest Gump” reflects the pain of unrequited love. Paired with the dreamy outro, “End,” it becomes a final sigh as the flowers bloom.

“Someday” was released as the third single of their iconic debut album “Is This It,” an album often credited with reviving garage rock in the early 2000s. Additionally, the Rolling Stone included the songs in its list of The 100 Best Songs of the 2000s.

Someday - The Strokes

Spring’s final stretch keeps students in anticipation as the excitement of summer teeters. “Someday” by the Strokes complements that tension with its jangly guitar intro. The opening riff instantly reminds me of the end of the school year buzz which feels so brisk in hindsight. The crisp guitars and laid-back rhythm heighten the energy.

In comparison, Julian Casablancas’s raw vocals entice students to reflect on the end while on the cusp of change. The lyrics mirror that uncertain optimism — the sensation of time slipping too quickly, but with promise just around the corner. It’s a perfect soundtrack for those moments where everything is poised to shift, but unsure which direction.

The album cover of “Cherry Blossom” was painted by the messiah Lana Del Rey herself. The self-made reflects the rawness in this album, as no label edited her music — just Del Rey.

Cherry Blossom - Lana Del Rey

Quite the self-explanatory pick, “Cherry Blossom” by Lana Del Rey, conveys the epitome of spring: cherry blossom season. A short stint of the year when breathtaking pink and white flowers overwhelm the eye and leave people in awe of nature. Just like the brevity of the season, the track feels fleeting, soft like a whispered secret.

Del Rey’s vocals float above the sparse piano, and the lullaby-like atmosphere reflects the quiet wonder of spring’s arrival. As for the production, no grand crescendo appears, only stillness and sentiment.

The lyrics speak to a ‘little ghost,’ someone who may no longer be present, but lingers in thought. Del Rey places this figure on a sycamore tree, known to symbolize protection and eternity. This imagery hints at the grip of a short-lived memory, as if the song attempts to hold onto cherry blossoms before they slip away.

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Six songs to put some spring in your step

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