Spring break is finally here! The last checkpoint before the end of the year, Spring is the time to celebrate the warm weather and make new memories, while also catching a quick breather before the final lap of the school year. 

We at The Messenger have compiled a playlist to score that long drive to your vacation destination, casual kickback, or a rainy day that may come during your time off. Here’s some highlights:

“Dreams” – Fleetwood Mac

“Now here you go again, you say you want your freedom. Well who am I to keep you down?”

Our opening track is an undisputed classic. This calm folk rock ballad written by the great Stevie Nicks is a great way to start your spring break. The phased guitars, light drums, and mesmerizing vocals allow for feelings of nostalgia, and freedom. 

“1901” – Phoenix

“Counting all different ideas drifting away. Past and present, they don’t matter now, the future’s sorted out.”

Released in 2009, “1901” is a classic late 2000’s pop rock song that may remind the listener of a simpler time. The off kilter synths and distortion do not take away from the good vibes that come with the track and this is a perfect throwback for a road trip. 

“Japanese Denim” – Daniel Caesar

“My blue jeans will last me all my life. So should we.”

A more recent addition to the playlist, this slowjam is a wavy, romantic track that might remind you of that special someone this spring break. Neo-soul innovator Daniel Caesar brings the best of vibes to this playlist, and he’ll be releasing an album soon, so this break would be a good time to get into his catalog. 

“No Role Modelz” – J. Cole

“No role models and I’m here right now. No role models to speak of.” 

Our first hip-hop addition to the playlist is a modern classic of the genre. This iconic song continues the breezy instrumentation and feel of this playlist, and J. Cole’s introspective, reminiscent lyrics only add to the vibes. 

“No Rain” – Blind Melon

“All I can say is that my life is pretty plain. You don’t like my point of view, I’m insane. 

A deeper cut, this 90’s alternative rock song has acoustic guitar and cheery drumbeats guaranteed to put a smile on your face. The lyrics celebrate doing nothing, which might be something you end up enthralled in once you run out of activities over the course of next week. 

“It Was A Good Day” – Ice Cube

“Just wakin’ up in the mornin’, gotta thank god. I don’t know but today seems kinda odd.”

Another throwback, “It Was A Good Day” is a lighthearted, nostalgic track. An anthem for enjoying your days that will score this brief intermission. It also doubles as a crowd pleaser, a true classic that you can’t go wrong with. 

“Room Temperature” – Faye Webster

“Nothing means anything, at least anymore. Even my tears have gone room temperature.” 

This modern indie rock track takes inspiration from beach sounds of the 70’s. The sunny guitar, hazy drums and bass, and unique vocals from Faye Webster leave this track a chill, deep breath in for the listener to take coming out of school. A deep breath I think we all need. 

“HiiiPower” – Kendrick Lamar

“Enough to drive a man insane, I need a license.”

The final song on the playlist acts as a last hurrah, and a call to action to get back into it when the break unfortunately and inevitably comes to an end. The early 2010’s hip hop production, mixed with the promising poetic work of Kendricks early career keeps the song interesting, and makes it a good closer.