Step outside on one of Minnesota’s warm days (by warm I mean 40 degrees), and you can smell a hint of spring amidst the unrelenting chill and harsh winds of our state’s weather. Surely, spring will arrive, and then comes summer.
When the weather doesn’t afford us that pleasant-temperature optimism, our music selection can. Here is a selection of songs to transport us to warm weather days by the lake and nights near a bonfire.
“Home Maker” by Sudan Archives: Maybe it’s the airy strings, or the steady snare drum that takes you through this ethereal, musical journey, but all of the fluttery and delicious noises you hear while listening to Sudan Archives’ “Home Maker” feel like a cool entrance into warm weather. Brittney Denise Parks, the artist behind Sudan Archives, is both a seasoned singer and a violinist. Sprinkles of violin sparkle among layered instrumentals and a medley of percussion. The song is pure, suave joy, the type of music you’d find in the background of a summer montage of fluorescently lit party scenes and ocean scenes. – Nina Raemont
“As It Was” by Harry Styles: The king of pop has returned in all of his glitter and bell-bottom glory with “As It Was,” an anthem sure to be on nearly every summer playlist created this year. With its indie-pop sweetness and airy-light vocals, Harry Styles’ most recent single is long awaited after a two-year hiatus from the boybander-turned-pop-star. After a year of COVID-19 delayed touring for his 2019 smash-hit album, “Fine Line,” the release of his new single is sure to mean one thing – an album is on its way. A summer full of picnics, swimming, sun and Harry Styles tunes? That sounds like a good one to me. – Carly Quast
“September” by Earth, Wind & Fire: In Minnesota, there’s no guarantee of good weather in September – which is why I remember those warm Septembers, the ones with starry nights and shiny days. This disco classic is nostalgic for that September when the weather was nice and love was in the air. Let’s hope this September is just like the one Earth, Wind & Fire are singing about. – Leo Witzke
“One More Weekend” by Maude Latour: In the universe of Maude Latour, it’s nothing but summer all year long. The Columbia University senior spends half of her time studying and the other half creating magical music that sounds like sunshine. “One More Weekend” channels the exhilarating energy of summer in the city: the love, the heartbreak and the memories. Latour provides the fresh pop perfection you’re looking for with this cheerful, upbeat tune. Blast it in the car, play it by the pool or listen while riding a bike for guaranteed main character syndrome. – Sarah Horner
“No Going Back” by Yuno: “No Going Back” is classified as rock/funk/soul and gives off the feeling of warmer weather. The beat is held down steadily by a set of snare drums, while a dreamy piano melody plays and a sick guitar riff goes off on the bridge. In the song, Yuno sings about his unreturned loyalty to a love interest. Though it’s sad, it’s freeing. The “la la la la” chorus feels like skipping through a dandelion field in the spring. The tune overall is in a major key, giving us all the happy feels. – Panache Matemba
“The Rabbit, The Bat & The Reindeer” by Dr. Dog: This song feels like warm air flowing through open car windows on a road trip through the backroads (that’s mostly when I listen to it). Though the subject matter is quite sad, its jangly melody and joyful, rapid instrumentation make me want to do a little jig in a flowery field. The energy is impeccable as things build and build to the chorus, addictive lyrics making it difficult not to sing along at the top of your lungs. This song has been on almost every playlist I’ve made since I discovered it years ago and will certainly be on my next hundred. – Bel Moran
“First Class” by Jack Harlow: After much anticipation from various TikTok frenzies, Jack Harlow finally released his highly anticipated lead single, “First Class,” for his upcoming album. What drew the attention of many listeners is the clever remix of Fergie’s iconic track “Glamorous” that plays throughout the chorus of the song. Throughout the track, Harlow uses clever bars to talk about the different glamors that come with his recent boost in fame, and how he plans on using his money on people that he cares about. – Harry Madden
