It’s fitting – truly.
Many major airlines announce that masking restrictions have been suspended just days before a budding holiday where some will be taking “flight” themselves.
If you’re unfamiliar with today, allow me to introduce you to one of the U.S. fastest-growing “holidaze,” when local establishments price pizzas and pitas for four dollars and change. This is April 20, better known as “4/20″ in today’s cannabis-infused culture.
So, whether you are one of the many Americans – excited for the nation to return to some resemblance of normal – taking off on a trip or staying local to enjoy your own personal takeoff celebrating the holiday, tune into my latest “Powerful Playlist.” This catalog was handcrafted to provide a chill backtrack that will help you take in the beauty of today and every day.
1. “American Teen” – Khalid
The background sounds of a new day beginning (birds chirping, alarms ringing) kicks off Khalid’s 2017 track “American Teen” and our playlist. The El Paso, Texas, product uses electronic styling and R&B vocals to build a song that represents more than a teen anthem.
“So wake me up in the spring / While I’m high off my American Dream” are some of the clever lyrics in this optimistic-feeling song. In totality, this work by the now-24-year-old, rounded out by the acoustic guitar and group vocals of his friends, is an instant-mood lifter.
2. “Up Up & Away” – Kid Cudi
The original, quick-tempo intro is, in part, what makes Kid Cudi’s song “Up Up & Away” still hit hard 13 years after its initial drop. We all begin our days differently – some with prayer, others by running but most with coffee. Cudi speaks to the minority who choose to start their days more on the earthier side.
3. “So Good” – B.o.B
Younger millennials will remember this 2012 bop by B.o.B for its fun-loving feeling and clever lyrics alluding to travel and well-known places. It’s a track that you should be blasting as you pack your bags for a long-overdue vacation.
4. “Blue Water” – mike.
If there were a tropical-sounding subgenre of hip-hop/rap, it would begin with mike.’s 2021 hit “Blue Water” off his fresh album “The Highs.”
“Blue Water” is set at a majestic coastal escape bringing the feeling of summertime satisfaction to listeners’ ears in any season. It pairs nicely with a morning vacation beverage taking in the scenery.
5. “Go Flex” – Post Malone
“Go Flex” was a pillar of Post Malone bringing the wavy rap genre to the mainstream. Without this track and others from the “Stoney” album, his friends like mike. likely wouldn’t be as popular as they are today.
The simple acoustic guitar chords blended with hip-hop beats were something many listeners hadn’t maybe heard before 2016. Today, this simple lyric-based song holds up strong in the “chill” category.
6. “Used To Be” – Jonas Brothers
We go from Post Malone to a band that references him in their music and vice versa, the Jonas Brothers. When the former-Disney Channel stars reunited in 2019 to drop “Happiness Begins,” they swapped their boy band rock hits for a mellow sound that slightly resembles a modern-day Beach Boys.
“Used to Be” is a song about losing love, but somehow it comes across as soft and worry-free due to its groovy music and melodies. It is best-served beach-side on an uneventful afternoon.
7. “Waves” – Magic Man
Magic Man was a band out of Boston known for their dance-influenced indie rock. The track “Waves” from the band’s final album “Before the Waves,” released in 2014, captures their New England Coast vibe.
The song’s music is contagious, and it is hard not to feel uplifted while listening. It’s one of the rare tracks that sticks out instantly upon first listen – perfect for the sunset hours of any celebration.
8. “California” – Wiz Khalifa
Wiz Khalifa again treated fans with a 4/20 gift this year by officially publishing his 2012 mixtape “Taylor Allderdice” on all streaming platforms 10 years after its initial release.
“California” is a nifty track that references yachts, Vegas craps tables and riding with the top down. It’s intended to be chill yet inspiring in nature, reminding us not to forget to soak it up when the hard work pays off.
9. “Fast” – Juice WRLD
“Fast” may be the most approachable of the late Juice WRLD’s music for all music listeners and occasions. It’s a track that does a great job of leaving it up to the listeners to decide whether it’s supposed to be a happy or sad song.
It talks about many of the things we all struggle with as humans: anxiety, dealing with past trauma and life just moving too fast for us to keep up. “Fast” reminds us to take some time to slow down and enjoy the present. Its simple sound makes sense to conclude my song selections for this playlist.
10. __________
As usual, the final track of this playlist is up for each reader and listener to decide. And whether you’re getting down with today’s celebration or making your own with upcoming travel – don’t forget to enjoy it.
This playlist can be found for streaming and/or download on Apple Music. And for more feel-good content, you can find me on Twitter @Between_SethFF.