As a West Coast native, the number one thing locals take for granted is the beautiful spring weather and the stunning foliage that comes along with it. Crucial to appreciating the season is the perfect playlist, accompanying the longer days and inevitable onslaught of seasonal allergies. 

Here are six sprightly songs to add to your mix for picnicking, nature walks or lounging in the grass on McKeldin Mall. 

“April’s Fool,” The Merrymakers 

What better way to kick off this list than with a seasonal title? This jaunty pop track from a little-known ’90s Swedish band is perfect for strolling campus with its tinkling ragtime piano and classic rock guitar harmonies. The song’s story of a lover left behind by their partner with the punny and eponymous punchline, “She packed in January / She left in February / It took ’til March to realize / That I’d been April’s fool.” Not the most feel-good message, but the song’s catchy melody lines and upbeat tone feel like blooming flowers over wilting ones.  

“Love Comes to Everyone,” George Harrison 

When “George Harrison” and “spring” come up in the same sentence, it’s generally to talk about his seminal track “My Sweet Lord.” But Harrison’s classic sunny guitar sound and calm, powerful vocals shine through in a lovely way. About halfway through, we’re treated to one of his classic guitar solos, but the wailing synthesizer which follows is the song’s star. It sets the tone for this evergreen track that’ll quickly become a spring classic for anyone who loves Harrison’s buoyant electric sound. 

[Bon Iver struggles with a new sound on ‘SABLE, fABLE’]

“Calling Sarah,” Jellyfish 

Every track this band releases is an immaculately orchestral piece of pop rock, but “Calling Sarah” stands out more as a simple, light-hearted track. With a bespoke composition of retro organ and Beach Boys-esque harmonies, the song’s beat doesn’t so much drive as it does bounce along. The album’s cover fits the feeling with green grass and flowers, blue skies and bubbles — and maybe a funky hat as well. If a spring walk through the park could be a song, it would be this one. 

“Another Believer,” Rufus Wainwright

I know it’s on the soundtrack for Meet the Robinsons, but just trust me on this one. Wainwright is renowned for his lilting baroque pop and lush vocal chorales, and he truly delivers on this track. It’s perfect for turning on during a good drive with the windows down. From the mystical bells and wind chimes that begin the song to the quirky keyboard, brass and woodwind countermelodies winding it down, “Another Believer” is an instrumental whopper that still manages to feel breezy and simple.

[Perfume Genius defies genre, struggles to find his footing on ‘Glory’]

“The Rain The Park And Other Things,” The Cowsills 

Turn back the clock with this famous 1967 tune written just for a cloudy April day. A blur of hypnotic harp runs, glockenspiel and rain noise, the song has classic ’60s rock written all over it.  Composed entirely of family members, The Cowsills use echoed vocals to sing about a passing encounter with a “flower girl,” often a secondary title used for the song. The track wears a patent mid-century psychedelia to it, straight down to the lyrics — “Was she reality / Or just a dream to me?” Groovy, man. 

“From Eden,” Hozier 

Call me basic all you want. The muted electric guitar, unique 5/4 time signature and gospel-like humming in this song — led by Hozier’s soulful vocals, of course — create the feeling of sunlight streaming through your windows. For an artist whose songs often veer into the mournful and introspective, this track is a luminous head-bopper, taking you on a road trip through grassy hills and fields dotted with spring flowers.