Spring is officially in full swing, and to accompany a season of transitions, you will need fresh music. Here are a couple of my favorite recent albums.

Complete with strong guitar lines and catchy choruses, I’ve been returning to The Killers 2004 release “Hot Fuss” for the perfect pop-rock throwback. Most are familiar with the album’s most popular song “Mr. Brightside,” but I’d like to call your attention to other less-celebrated songs: “All These Things That I’ve Done,” “Smile Like You Mean It,” and “Glamourous Indie Rock & Roll.”

A new album for me this spring, I listened to “Making a Door Less Open” by Car Seat Headrest because I love the newfound nostalgia of its song “Life Worth Missing.” The album is weird; “Weightlifters”  begins with nearly two minutes of offputting yodel-like synth, yet the oddness contributes to a sense of unapologetic truth. 

The album’s longest song, “There Must Be More Than Blood,” is simple and monotonous in form yet its lyrics span a story of grappling with what holds humanity together. In contrast to the windows-down speed of “Hot Fuss,” this album is one that you have to slow down to listen to, and doing so will reward you with songs that empower you to sit with the discomfort of spring change.

Finally, for those spring days that are warm enough to feel like summer, I recommend “More of The Monkees” by The Monkees. The 1967 release is the epitome of ‘60s cheesy rock. If you like their most popular song “I’m a Believer,” but have heard the overplayed melody too much, you are likely to find a new anthem in this album. Pay special attention to “She,” “Look Out (Here Comes Tomorrow)” and “Sometime in the Morning.”

I hope you find these albums helpful in your quest to comprise the sound track of your spring!