It’s that time of year again: spring break. The temperatures are rising, you finally have a week off to mentally prepare for finals, and whether you’re going on a vacation or resting at home, what a time to be alive. Spring break requires a versatile playlist for any party on the beach, spontaneous road trip, or just dance parties in a room exempt of potentially judgmental roommates. Here, I’ve compiled a list that’s perfect for everything from dancing to pre-gaming to driving back to school at the end of break (yikes).
"Hercules" — Young Thug
Young Thug just releases banger after banger and his latest mixtape, “I’m Up," is no exception. You’re safe choosing any track off of the tape, but my personal favorite is Hercules. The line “Left my baby momma, now my b**ch a Barbie, whoa” is guaranteed to be stuck in your head after just one listen, so proceed with caution.
"Stay" — Kygo
Okay, so I’m sure you’ve heard this song numerous (read: way too many) times throughout every weekend of the semester, but that doesn’t make it any less of a bop! I’m pretty sure this hit by Kygo is what an Instagram filter would sound like if it was made into a song, all bright exposure and sunbeams.
"Work" — Rihanna
I’ve had this on repeat since the day ANTI came out…I’ve listened to it, at least, one-hundred times and I’m still rollin', rollin', rollin'. That’s saying something for someone who gets tired of songs after a week. Whether you think this song is repetitive or has a weak Drake verse, it doesn’t matter. Just focus on how much this song sounds like summer and learning how to dance as well as Rihanna did in the music video.
"Summer Sixteen" — Drake
Speaking of Drake…Champagne Papi is back at it again with another dis track towards fellow rapper Meek Mill. If you weren’t aware, Drake is definitely winning this feud between the two rappers, and this song is no exception. I honestly have no other words for this, just listen and patiently wait for Views to drop.
"Work From Home" — Fifth Harmony
Alright, so I did not expect this song to be so catchy and actually…good? Yet, it’s worked its way into my heart and headphones This Fifth Harmony track featuring Ty Dolla $ign also happens to be the perfect song for getting ready to go out; that is, if you decide not to stay in and have an alcohol-fueled one person dance party.
"Low Life" — Future ft. The Weeknd
There are very few playlists that likely should not have a Future track on them and this is not one of ‘em. Future’s bars combined with The Weeknd’s classic under the influence crooning makes this song one you’ll put on repeat over and over again. It will also make you feel better about having to stay in a slightly sketchy motel on vacation or when you brave looking at your bank account after the first half of the semester. Future and Abel Xo are here for you during your low life stage.
"Sweeterman" — Drake
Aw, this is almost like taking it back to “Nothing Was the Same” Drake. Sweeterman is a remix of some relatively unknown rapper’s song that Drake took and made his own. It sounds like what summer feels like. Listen with the windows down mid road trip and you’ll be living your best life.
"2 Phones" — Kevin Gates
This song really doesn’t require a lot of explanation; it’s catchy and that’s all you need to know.
"Sorry" — Justin Bieber
What even would this list be if a J. Biebs banger wasn’t included on the list? The release of “Purpose” was a turning point for Justin (as we all know) and it’s just been hit after hit for him since. Pretty much any song on "Purpose" is game, but Sorry is a highlight.
"Formation" — Beyoncé
In short, this song is fantastic. You all know it. It’s Beyoncé. The lyrics. The message. That’s it.
"iii Telegraph Ave. ("Oakland" by Lloyd)" — Childish Gambino
Telegraph Ave is the most relaxing song that you could ever hope for whether you want to go on a long drive or take a nap on the beach. Childish Gambino is typically known for some passion filled rapping, but here he takes it down a few notches for a calming vibe.
So there you have it! To mix up your playlist a little bit maybe consider adding a few of these songs to your list.
