by Karen Flores, Asst. Features Editor
Happy April everyone! April is a month filled with celebrations, new beginnings and growth all around us. As a person born in April, I embrace all that it brings (yes, even the spring rain). The rain that comes with spring correlates to the growth of nature. So in turn, all of the rainy days we have where we don’t feel too excited or too motivated are just a way for us to invite ways to change what is keeping us from growing, to invite the growth of new beginnings and habits to make those days even just a little less heavy. Be proud of your accomplishments and keep growing. Below are some songs that I’ve found myself listening to lately that more or less connect with spring and its qualities. Enjoy!
Yes I’m Changing – Tame Impala
This is one of the songs that keep me thinking about how everyday we are growing, changing and getting older. Changing is not a bad thing. The line, “Yes, I’m older, yes, I’m moving on. And if you don’t think it’s a crime, you can come along with me,” feels like an invitation to explore more in order to find yourself. Finding who you really are and figuring out what works for you should be something you embrace. This song has a very mellow and soft vibe that is good for when you need to reflect on a rainy or sunny day. Give this a listen and listen to the lyrics, it will make you think.
It’s My Life – Bon Jovi
This is an anthem. This is a song that everyone should sing along to at least once. This song reminds me that I am the one who is in charge of my life. Life is too short to be doing something that is not making you feel happy or that is holding you back. “You better stand tall when they’re calling you out. Don’t bend, don’t break, baby, don’t back down. It’s my life. And it’s now or never.” Take charge of your life, grow as a person, be better at what you love and make a version of yourself that you love. The guitar and drums in this makes it such a powerful song, the bass line creates a vibe of strength that can push you through a hard day or even a day at the gym. It’s the start of spring, everything is growing outside, take charge and grow as well.
Lavender Sunflower – Tory Lanez
Now I recommend for everyone to give Tory Lanez’s album “Alone at Prom” a listen. This entire album not only has a diverse amount of sounds and vibes but it has so much feeling and emotion put into it. The album is immaculate in all aspects. This song in particular makes me sing like I’m in a music video. The title “Lavender Sunflower” brings the flower aspect of spring. Its bass is very strong and as someone who loves a song with a good bass, I recommend it. It’s a good song for a rainy day and is a good one to sing along with friends.
Phantom Regret by Jim- The Weeknd
A Jasper Jam playlist by me would not be complete without repertoire by the Weeknd. This is a monologue that is done by Jim Carrey with a meditative sound playing in the back. It’s about realizing that regret and holding on to the past will keep you from living in the moment. Regret and grudges are keeping you back from flourishing and accepting the present. “Heaven’s not that, it’s this. It’s the depth of this moment, we don’t reach for bliss. God knows life is chaos, but He made one thing true. You gotta unwind your mind, train your soul to align.” This reminds you to take a moment, take a break and reflect on your thoughts, feelings and figure out what it is that is hindering you from living in the present. Give this a listen as you sit with a drink, lay in your bed or while taking a walk.
Racks Blue – Future
“Way too clever, ain’t too jealous. Ain’t gon’ let ’em, I never settle. Life as a rebel, I’m gettin’ better. Bringin’ pressure, I get pleasure.” This song tells me not to give into the struggles nor to the thoughts of others around you. You know what you can do and never settle for the bare minimum. Demand the best from yourself. Don’t compare yourself to others. Everyone grows and changes at different times. Keep going even if people doubt you. It has a nice vibe to it and the beat is one you can bop your head to. Future is the artist to listen to when you want to hype yourself up.
Bad Bunny – Pero ya no
Bad Bunny is a go to when I need to sing my lungs out. Whether you are sad, mad or hype, any of his songs can fit a vibe. This one in particular talks about how he is now over the person he once loved. She no longer has power over him and he is reminding her of that. This is a song you should sing when you let go of someone or vice versa. Let go of those who no longer love you and thrive with those who do. Change is good, growth is good. Spring is here, blossom as the flowers do and welcome all those who bring light into your life.