After waiting almost endlessly for warm weather to arrive, I think we’re finally able to give a nice warm welcome to spring! And what better way to celebrate the coming of sunshine, flowers, open-toed shoes and high-waisted shorts than with some upbeat tunes to get us in the mood? And this time, let’s not focus on music that we can listen to while walking to work, but let’s celebrate by listening to music that would be perfect for the great escape.

For one moment forget every work-related issue, personal problem, bill payment, and every other real world matter. Instead, picture yourself driving in an old beat up 1960’s Chevy convertible with your best friend sitting in the passenger seat, heart-shaped sunglasses glued to your face and hair blowing in the wind. Nothing is better than driving aimlessly with a solid soundtrack to keep the seat dance party going all car ride long.

A Spring Soundtrack for the Road from verilymag on 8tracks Radio.

01.Danny Fujikawa – “Dear Braden” A truer than true Californian wrote “Dear Braden” about his brother after hanging out with his siblings and friends in the hills of Santa Monica.

02.White Sea – “Mountaineer” A pure track about feeling like a teenager with whimsical synths and power vocals, you can’t help but sing along with the grandest smile on your face.

03. Chief – “Stealing” A four piece band including our dear Danny Fujikawa whose music should be filed under “SUMMER”, because if summer had a sound, it would all be music written by Chief.

04. The Shins – “Sealegs” A mellow, but consistently upbeat Shins song that uses more nautical terms than healthy for those of us not at the beach.

05. Alt-J (∆) – “Something Good” Alt-J has shocked about everyone and everything related to the music industry with their incomprehensibly brilliant sound and lyrics winning themselves the Mercury Prize, and now selling out shows internationally. Their album An Awesome Wave would be a perfect road trip playlist in itself.

06.Colour Revolt – “Our Names” I remember when I heard this song back in 2009, living in Atlanta and playing around Prospect Park with my friends. This track fills your heart with warmth and will get you out of any rotten mood.

07. The Black Keys – “Tighten Up” One of the best Black Keys songs to drive to, whistle to, sing to, dance to, you name it.

08.Foxes – “Youth” Musically spiritual synths with stunning vocals that you can belt your lungs out to. Takes a turn for the better towards the end and I promise you, you can’t help but throw your hands up and smile.

09.Alt-J (∆) - “Matilda” A sweet song that makes you wish you knew someone named “Matilda.”

10. Kishi Bashi – “Atticus, In the Desert” Violins that will melt your heart, Edward Sharpe-esque vocals that all have the ability to make you wish you were standing on the highest point of a rock in the desert dancing to this song.

11.The Black Keys – “When the Lights Go Out” Perfect for reaching the end destination of your road trip just as the sun begins to set. As the dark starts to roll in and warmth starts to mellow, this Black Keys song is there to keep you nice and warm.

(Photo source: Matthew Savard)

Allison Baughman

Allison has a BA in Literature from Ave Maria University and is a music enthusiast who freelance writes and blogs for several websites about anything pertaining to music. She can be found at random concerts in New York City, hunting for vintage books or spending time with her family in the comforts of Connecticut.