Whether you’re vacationing down in Panama City Beach, Florida, cruising through the Bahamas, staying at an all-inclusive resort in Mexico or returning home to Long Island or “Jersey,” — that should cover most of us — you’ll need a solid playlist for the week. I hope this read provides you with some sound advice for your break.
One of the main requirements for spring break music is that it needs to be upbeat and lively — spring break is supposed to be happy, after all. Take this time to find a pond that is actually full of water and daydream about accessible parking, stop worrying about the looming exams or the pending papers and celebrate the time you have off away from cluttered classrooms and boring discussion posts.
Let’s hope you are doing spring break correctly by spending it outside, enjoying the wonderful weather and soaking up the sun, as my first recommendation suggests.
“Soak Up the Sun” by Sheryl Crow
If listening to this song doesn’t make you feel like you are in Zoey 101, then you simply aren’t listening hard enough. Crow starts off with “I don’t have diddly squat / it’s not having what you want / it’s wanting what you’ve got.” This sentiment couldn’t be more true. She is desperately pleading with you to stop worrying about whether the grass is greener and just be content with what you’ve got. So my advice to you is: quit looking down and start looking up. Let everyone know about all the sun you are soaking up while you’ve got the chance. Because who knows, in three weeks you might be locked inside replying to someone’s AI-generated discussion post.
“Ribs” by Lorde
I’ve included this one for its perfect harmony pair with hot sand and easy breezes, provided that you don’t listen too hard to the gut-wrenching lyrics detailing the fears of growing up. I imagine at some point you’ll be driving with your sunroof down and your hands in the air, feeling the wind through your fingers as the sun creeps down the horizon. That moment would be the best time for everyone’s favorite nostalgic anthem.
“Mama Said” by The Shirelles
I recently had to grow up and start learning how to cook. If you also find yourself going through this hurricane of a life event, take a listen to The Shirelles. It’s the perfect background music for any cooking disasters or mishaps — seriously, what were you thinking, cooking 6 servings of tortellini in a 4-quart pot? Just get a meal plan or utilize that Grubhub+ subscription.
“No Sleep Till Brooklyn” by Beastie Boys
Some of you will probably be driving home during the break, and if you just so happen to be traveling to a specific one of the five New York City boroughs, then boy, do I have the perfect tune for you. If you can get past the old-school sound and subpar lyrics, then you’ll learn a decent lesson about pushing past boundaries and getting to your desired destination.
“A Bar Song (Tipsy)” by Shaboozey
You just aced all your midterms, your roommate finally filled up the Brita, you have an internship lined up for the summer and your campus crush added you on Snapchat. Please listen to some Shaboozey. You’re simply having too much success and need to be brought down a peg.
“Motorcycle Drive By” by Zach Bryan
You might even be partaking in the common man’s vacation in the mountains of Colorado. If so, consider giving a listen to the favorite artist of the worst guy you know while you enjoy the shiny slopes and timeshares of Vail or Breckenridge. What better song to help clear your mind of your busy schedule ahead? I know the stress of deciding next year’s bid day theme is weighing you down, so please take a well-deserved break. Find peace in knowing that Briffany will have it all sorted out by next month’s chapter.
If this article has struck a nerve and you’re finding yourself offended by my mostly unserious music suggestions, then please take a break and consider tuning into a podcast — someone has to. I recommend The Daily. Or, even better, try out The Tiger’s Den, The Tiger’s very own and very best podcast.