The weather’s getting a lot warmer, and we’re moving on from the depressing winter
weather to a later sunset, warmer weather and clearer skies. Here are some E.P.’s, albums,
as well as songs to help to get you excited for springtime.
“Z” by SZA
This is an E.P. that SZA had released 3 years prior to critically acclaimed studio album, CTRL.
Z is a very vibrant and alternative compared to the music that SZA releases now – in this E.P.
she blends alternative and indie sounds with elements of pop and R&B, making the E.P.
exciting and interesting to listen to. My personal favourites are “Julia”, an upbeat song that
talks about the complexities of love, and “Warm Winds” featuring Isaiah Rashad – a song
that sounds like something you’d listen to walking through a sunny forest, especially
because of the smooth beat change.
“Zephyr” by NIKI
Niki is an Indonesian singer-songwriter who I had the pleasure of seeing November 2024.
Although she currently makes pop-folk music, Zephyr was an R&B and pop E.P. that
describes being in relationships, situationships, and finally leaving so that you can focus on
yourself. Specifically, the song “Vintage” is an upbeat song that has a happier take on a
breakup – the song is Niki celebrating the anniversary of the breakup rather being upset
about the breakup having happened.
“Lemonade” by Beyonce
This is Beyonce’s first experimental album, where she blended R&B, rock, country, and pop
into the track list, making it an exciting and emotional listen. Allegedly a response to her
husband’s infidelity, she explores themes of betrayal, empowerment, and reconciliation
behind some of my favourite instrumentals, and I think some of her best vocals, especially
on the songs “Don’t Hurt Yourself” featuring Jack White, and “All Night”.
“Hit Me Hard and Soft” by Billie Eilish
This is the first full album that I’d listened to by Billie, which I found to be an interesting
listen as she merged haunting melodies with raw vulnerability, especially on songs such as
“Wildflower”. Her whispered vocals and minimalistic production evoke a sense of fragility
while exploring themes of love, pain, and self-identity. The album also has upbeat songs
such as “Birds of a Feather”, which makes the album diverse and a lot of fun to listen to in
the spring time.
Hozier- Someone new
Hozier’s Someone New is a captivating, soulful exploration of love, longing, and the
complexity of relationships. With lush instrumentals and emotive vocals, the song delivers a
sense of melancholy and longing, yet maintains an undercurrent of hope. It’s a beautifully
crafted, atmospheric ballad, that can be even more appreciated on a sunny spring day.
“Walk Like This” by FLO
As one of the singles off of their debut album “Access All Areas”, FLO’s single “Walk Like
This” caught my eye as a song that had a refreshing and confident perspective on the idea of
having a “walk of shame”. The song’s very playful and catchy, blending elements of pop and
r&b, making it a fun and upbeat song to listen to whilst walking in the park when its sunny.