As spring settles over campus, Whitworth students and staff are finding the perfect music to match the season. With warmer weather, more sunshine and signs of new life all around, many say their playlists shift too, bringing in songs that feel bright, hopeful, or just fun to dance to. 

Jesse Yi, a graduate student and worship intern at Whitworth, has a go-to spring song every year: “Springtime” by Chris Renzema. “It’s about new life and resurrection,” Yi said. “It reminds me that even though things may feel cold and bare, something beautiful is coming back to life.”  

Yi is deeply involved in music and has been involved in it his entire life. He plays with local bands, teaches, and leads worship. He also loves jazz, especially an album called “Fly” by Michael Mayo. Yi said, “There’s a song called ‘Spring Can Really Hang You Up the Most’ — it’s slow and emotional, but really beautiful. It helps me notice the little joys of spring.” 

Selma Hanna, another Whitworth graduate student, listens to country music year-round. But in spring, she switches to more upbeat songs. “The sun’s out, the weather’s nicer, and I’m dancing more,” she said. Her favorite this spring is “I See Country” by Ian Munsick. “It’s energetic, catchy, and perfect for line dancing,” she added. 

Hanna also listens to worship music, especially around Easter. Songs like “This I Believe and I Surrender” by Hillsong Worship help her feel grounded during the season. 

Allison Maus, assistant director of the Summer Fellows Program, said her spring playlist is all about fun. “I want music I can sing to in the car with the windows down,” she said. Her current favorites include “Nervous System” by Joseph, “Danger” by Olivia Dean and the classic “I Feel the Earth Move” by Carole King. “Spring is about shaking off the winter blues. I like music that makes me feel alive again.” 

Senior student Oliver Hammond listens to an album called “Zephyrus” by The Oh Hellos, which was actually written about spring. “It’s about light and life taking over after a long winter,” he explained. His favorite track is “Rounds,” which ends the album on a quiet, thoughtful note. “It feels like taking a breath at the end of a long season,” said Hammond.

Whether it’s worship music, jazz, country, or indie rock, Whitworth’s community is using music to celebrate spring, finding joy, reflection and a fresh start through the songs they love. 

Spring Playlist Recommendations:  

• “Springtime” – Chris Renzema

• “Spring Can Really Hang You Up the Most” – Michael Mayo

• “Four” – Michael Mayo

• “L.A.” – Couch

• “Take My Hand” – Russ Mohr

• “Watermelon Sugar” – Harry Styles

• Album: “Fly” – Michael Mayo

• “I See Country” – Ian Munsick

• “Beautiful As You” – Thomas Rhett

• “Every Little Thing” – Russell Dickerson

• “This I Believe” – Hillsong Worship

• “I Surrender” – Hillsong Worship

• “Danger” – Olivia Dean

• “Nervous System” – Joseph

• “Graveclothes” – Birdtalker

• “I Feel the Earth Move” – Carole King

• “Never Need Me” – Rachel Chinouriri

• Album: “Messy” – Olivia Dean

• Album: “Zephyrus” – The Oh Hellos