Albums in Honor of Spring (Part 1)

With today being the first day of spring in the Northern Hemisphere, I thought it would be fitting to list some albums that I feel are a homage to this season. These albums remind me of spring mostly because it was when I first listened to them and/or they naturally have a warm and sunny feel to them.

FIRST PICK:

Baaba Maal - Missing You (Mi Yeewnii) (2001)

This album evokes three main attributes that I consider to be spring-like: it's sunny, it's happy, and it's carefree: like taking a walk in the afternoon and looking up at the blue sky.

Culturally, it's off the beaten path for me too and it's refreshing to hear a different language amidst my collection of typically English sung albums. Baaba Maal is Senegalese and sings in Fulani, the language of his people.

I haven't dug deeper than that so far, but it's an album that makes me happy and appreciative of the simple things in life.

SECOND PICK:

The Beatles - Revolver (1966)

For the sake of continuity, I'll limit this review to how this reminds me of spring even though countless reviews have lauded this as one of the best albums of all time in multiple publications.

Revolver holds a spot for me on the Spring roster not just because of "Good Day Sunshine" (a bright, sunny, and optimistic tune) but rather the overall tones of the guitars. On a majority of the tracks, they are bright and soaring, not dreary or muffled. The horns on "Got to Get You Into My Life" are majestic and exuberant.

THIRD PICK:

Françoise Hardy - Françoise Hardy (1962)

Although I can understand very little of what she is singing (in French), this album can always lighten the mood. Her sweet vocals are accompanied by Roger Samyn and His Orchestra and follows a simple instrumental template that waltzes from track to track. It's a perfect album for a Sunday drive. The album is carefree, light on its feet, and doesn't take itself too seriously.

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