In December, I released Five Essential Winters Albums of the Past 15 Years. And now, with the earth getting to the point in its rotation around the sun where its tilt is exposing the Northern Hemisphere just as much as the Southern (I'm taking an Astronomy class), it's as good of a time as ever to release an article for spring albums.

Spring represents, after a long, quiet few months, the gradual radiation of light. The smells of snow are replaced with pollen, and people are spending more time outside, but still with a light coat on. These albums represent the feeling of starting over, whether through aesthetic or lyrics, and they're sure to be go-to records to put on the turntable to provide the perfect soundtrack.

"Oh, Inverted World" by The Shins

Released: 2001

As the album's inescapably synonymous film "Garden State" is about waking up and truly discovering the world after being sheltered, "Oh, Inverted World" continues the spring theme with melancholy, warm folk-pop. Whether you're going to Florida for Spring Break listening to "Caring is Creepy," or spending time with that one special person, listening to "New Slang," The Shins' debut is the perfect album for people who want to ease into the fun.

"Funeral" by Arcade Fire

Released: 2004

As the title suggests, "Funeral" is about looking back at the past (childhood, specifically, especially on opening track "Neighborhood #1 (Tunnels)". But it's also about looking forward and deciding to take a stand for a better future, whether through the geopolitical shouts of "Wake Up" or the Springsteen-esque revelatory ballad "Rebellion (Lies)." Woven in are spring-sounding "Haiti" and "In the Backseat," making this a complete, multi-faceted March 21st through June 21st-era album.

"I'm Wide Awake, It's Morning" by Bright Eyes

Released: 2005

Similar to "Funeral," "I'm Wide Awake, It's Morning" has its "Wake Up" moments, like with the rallying "Old Soul Song (For the New World Order)." Conor Oberst, always personal, sings mostly here about happiness, or more specifically, happiness in the face of sadness. Whether it be through the existentialist monologue in "At the Bottom of Everything" or the autobiographical triumph "Road to Joy," so for anyone with traces of winter blues (or "Landlocked Blues) is motivated to wake up, it's morning.

"Merriweather Post Pavilion" by Animal Collective

Released: 2009

The first two minutes of "In the Flowers" start with a breezy, haunting melody. But after Avey Tare yearns "If I could just leave my body ... for a night" comes two minutes of a boisterous, disorienting cacophony of cymbals and synthesizers, signaling a new Animal Collective and, for us, a new year. Animal Collective's magnum opus consists lyrically of enjoying the everyday adventures that are usually pushed aside in the Spring, like walking in the park in "Summertime Clothes" or the daily routine in the aptly titled "Daily Routine." Sonically, Animal Collective gives us a mushy, petrichor sensation of morning dew in the brisk morning.

"Bon Iver" by Bon Iver

Released: 2011

Last year, my English teacher told my class about the obsolete word "apricity," which I came to find out meant "the sun's warmth on a cold day." That is through and through Justin Vernon's sophomore effort, coming after his winter-riddled "For Emma, Forever Ago." Vernon's mumbles and sporadic shouts have now become his straight-up singing with the warmness of your head after a few beers. Specifically, though, the transition from "Lisbon, OH" to "Beth/Rest" is the best example of the sonic equivalent of the transition to Winter to Spring.