Spring break has arrived! Whether you have plans to travel somewhere warm or cold, spring recess is a time to relax and take some well-deserved time off from schoolwork. This week’s 13 Beats feature songs to help you unwind.
1. “Brazil” – Declan McKenna (2017)
The catchy guitar melody and vocals on this track always remind me of relaxing on a beach and not being stressed. Declan McKenna’s unique voice helped make this song a hit.
2. “Fade Into You” – Mazzy Star (1993)
“Fade Into You” is slow and nostalgic with its guitar and repetitive melody. “Fade into you / Strange you never know,” croons Hope Sandoval about giving all of herself to her relationship with her lover.
3. “Feels” – Calvin Harris, Pharell Williams, Katy Perry, Big Sean (2017)
“Don’t be afraid to catch feels, ride drop top and chase thrills,” sings Katy Perry about living in the moment and having no regrets. The song is the eighth track off of Calvin Harris’ “Funk Wav Bounces, Vol. 1.” The album contains similar tracks to put you in vacation mode.
4. “It’s Alright” – Motel 7 (2021)
“It’s alright, alright, alright,” repeats Motel 7 throughout this chill track. The minimalistic lyrics preach being at peace with things not necessarily going your way.
5. “Sedona” – Houndmouth (2015)
“Sedona” is one of my favorite soft rock tracks to watch a sunset or drive around while listening to. “Well hey little Hollywood / You’re gone but you’re not forgot,” croons Matt Myers about the movie history of Sedona, Ariz.
6. “Landslide” – Fleetwood Mac (1975)
“Even children get older / And I’m getting older too,” sings Stevie Nicks in this warm track about reflecting on growing up. Nicks wrote this piece when contemplating whether or not to continue her music career, and the tranquil sound of the song is perfect for listening to while unwinding over break.
7. “Hey Lover!” – Wabie (2019)
Wabie sings about the power of love as a gift in a relationship. Lyrics like “For love is just the same without fortune or fame” tell the listener that all the singer needs to be happy with his lover is her love and presence.
8. “Coastline” – Hollow Coves (2017)
This indie folk track pays homage to the lifestyle that living by a coast entails. The lyrics, such as “The summer air by the sea side / The way it fills our lungs,” depict the paradise that the band is singing about.
9. “Gasoline” – Haim (2021)
“Gasoline” is the perfect synth-pop rock anthem for a chill day. “You took me back / But you shouldn’t have / Now it’s your fault / If I mess around,” sings Danielle Haim, warning her lover about the feelings he reignited in her.
10. “Southern Nights” – Glen Campbell (1977)
“Free as a breeze / Not to mention the trees,” croons Glen Campbell about the magic of warm nights in the south. The song describes picturesque moments of a magical night.
11. “Wasteland, Baby!” – Hozier (2019)
Hozier’s raspy voice shines in this delicate track about falling in love. Lyrics, including “I’m in love with you / And I love too / That love soon might end,” illustrate the metaphor that Hozier draws between falling in love and an apocalypse.
12. “Slow Burn” – Kacey Musgraves (2018)
“Slow Burn” is an ode to letting things fall into place on their own time. “Takin’ my time, let the world turn / I’m gonna do it my way, it’ll be alright,” croons Kacey Musgraves about not letting the pressures of the world get to her.
13. “Towers” – Bon Iver (2011)
Justin Vernon puts his signature sound on this calm, funky folk track. Vernon repeats a catchy series of “whoas” that bring the track alive while keeping it relaxing to listen to.
