A very noticeable shift occurs for me in mid-March. It’s very sudden, but it overcomes all parts of my being: mind, body and spirit. It’s in this transformation, I experience what I’ve come to call a “glimmer” — a fleeting yet powerful moment of divine transcendence, sparked by something small yet deeply moving. It’s an overwhelming rush of gratitude, a reminder of life’s beauty in its simplest forms. While these moments vary for everyone, I find my greatest glimmers in the transition from winter to spring, when the world awakens.
Like many others, I struggle with seasonal affective disorder, ironically known as SAD. It’s the kind of thing you don’t recognize until you’re out of it.
One day you wake up and life is full again.
Driving with my windows down, my spring soundtrack playing — I feel the warm sunshine over me, the first warm days of the year. I see vibrant green dusted with a yellow pollen that is all too familiar to us North Carolinians. The Court of Carolina filled with our college community, students search for the spots of sun. The color quite literally comes back into the world. In these moments, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for life itself.
This is glimmer.
A spring soundtrack is crucial for this time of year. Music has an overall positive effect on our psychological well-being and quality of life, aiding in feelings of joy, relaxation and inspiration.
I can attest to music’s therapeutic nature, it played an integral part in my development as a human. I genuinely don’t think I would be the same person if my childhood hadn’t been stapled with my dad’s music. Albums like “Hot Fuss” by The Killers, “Demon Days” by Gorillaz, “Doolittle” by Pixies, “London Calling” by The Clash, “Silent Alarm” by Bloc Party, “Discovery” by Daft Punk. If you can’t tell, my dad is pretty cool. Shoutout to him.
My spring playlist this year is filled with songs that evoke inspiration. They make me feel the way sunshine on my skin does — warm, grateful and at peace. Here are my top four picks.
Starting the playlist off strong is “Today” by The Smashing Pumpkins. Coupled with The Smashing Pumpkins’ signature whining guitar and Billy Corgan’s raspy vocals. This song transcends me into rock heaven with an overwhelming sense of gratitude.
Next up, we have “Sure” by Hatchie. I’m shocked Hatchie hasn’t blown up yet. Drawing inspiration from the ethereal 90s alternative sound that bands like the Cocteau Twins and My Bloody Valentine trailblazed, Hatchie takes a dreamy-pop spin on the iconic indie sound.
I stumbled on “The Party” by Portraits of Tracy a couple of years ago and have been hooked ever since. It’s difficult to put into words, but something about this song sparks a unique sensation — like a melody that tickles my brain and leaves me feeling radiant.
“Glimmer” by Tame Impala is mostly an instrumental piece, featuring speedy percussion and a rhythmic guitar. It was an obvious choice for this playlist. The entire album, “The Slow Rush”, is a masterpiece. I had the chance to see Tame Impala live on their 2022 tour for this album and it was easily a top-five experience of my life. Sure, they might be a popular pick, but sometimes, there’s a reason for that — great music speaks for itself.
To all my SAD gals, I’m sending you love during these last couple of months of winter. Remember, it gets better. I encourage you to reflect on when you feel “glimmer” and seek out those opportunities. I hope my playlist brings you some serotonin.
Albums I’m looking out for in spring 2025: “If You Asked For A Picture” by Blondshell, “The Crux” by Djo, “For Melancholy Brunettes (& sad women)” by Japanese Breakfast and “is” by My Morning Jacket.
