A playlist for April

Reclaiming Earth Month through music

America has been celebrating Earth Day on April 22nd since 1970, thanks to the collective action of millions, propelled forward by Senator Nelson of Wisconsin. The first Earth Day drew 20 million people across the country to demonstrations, and later that year, the Environmental Protection Agency was established to monitor pollution, set industry standards, and assist state programs. Since then, Earth Day’s mission to drive environmental advocacy and action has taken root, and it’s now celebrated throughout the entire month of April.

In 3rd grade, I asked my Principal if we could celebrate Earth Day as a school. This led to the creation of a short schoolwide assembly, a t-shirt upcycling activity, and the planting of shrubs outside the building (many of which still stand today), which gained the attention of our district superintendent.

As someone who has orbited within the environmental sector for over 15 years, I’ve experienced an unfortunate transformation in the way I think about April. What was once merely the rainy, but necessary month after March that allows the May flowers to bloom has turned into a marathon of events and speaking engagements as companies attempt to demonstrate that they care about environmental protection and sustainability. As such, a month that once only signaled beauty, rebirth, and new beginnings to me has become clouded with activities that keep me and many of my fellow environmentalists from remembering why and for whom we do this work in the first place.

Over the years, I’ve been reimagining my role as an environmentalist, especially during high-visibility moments like Earth Month. I believe our job isn’t just to advocate but to make this work irresistible—to inspire more people to join us. That requires infusing imagination, creativity, and childlike wonder into our actions. Sometimes, we simply need reminders of nature’s beauty, the rhythm of the seasons, and what’s at stake if we don’t act.

That’s why I put together this playlist. I hope it’s a reminder of the work that must be done to protect both people and the planet, because we’re all worth it.

As always, the playlist is available on both Spotify and Apple Music.

This Earth Month playlist is a journey through resilience, love, connection, and appreciation for the planet. We know that music has always been a powerful tool for change. Moving through genres and time, these songs inspire action, amplify environmental justice, and remind us of the beauty of nature and how it enhances our lives.

Let’s get into it.

Les Fluers- Minnie Riperton

This song feels like stepping into an enchanted garden– a perfect start to this playlist as a stunning orchestral ode to nature’s beauty and resilience. Riperton’s voice soars like a gentle breeze through a blooming meadow, evoking the wonder and magic of nature.

Good Days - Sza

Let’s bask in the beauty now that we’re in the garden, shall we? SZA’s dreamy vocals and introspective lyrics remind us to hold onto hope, even in uncertain times. It’s a reminder to trust the process, whether in personal growth or environmental healing.

Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology) - Marvin Gaye

A timeless and poignant anthem of environmental awareness that I think more people should have on their playlists. In the song, Marvin Gaye mourns the destruction of our planet by presenting a singular expression of sorrow about the ways humans have harmed the planet.

Though written in the 1970s, its message remains as urgent today and serves as a constant reminder of why Earth Day/Month exists in the first place.

Love Overgrown - Raveena

Raveena’s delicate vocals weave the story of love growing wild– both beautiful and untamed. Like nature reclaiming abandoned spaces, this song reminds us that some of the most powerful things in life are those that grow freely, without force or control. I’ve seen Raveena live three times and each time feels like stepping into a dream. Since she’s going on tour again soon, I would be remiss not to recommend experiencing her wonder live. Watching the music video for this song and her Tiny Desk are the next best thing if you can’t secure tickets.

Orange Moon - Erykah Badu

This song feels like poetry in motion, and feels like a warm embrace from the universe. “Orange Moon” captures a deep appreciation for natural beauty, the relationship between the Earth and the cosmos, and the interconnectedness of all things. The musical accompaniment is sparse but impactful, then keeps growing. I listen to this song at least once a week.

Everything’s Beautiful - Hiatus Kaiyote

This song radiates gratitude and awe for life’s small, often-overlooked wonders. Hiatus Kaiyote’s eclectic sound reminds us to slow down and notice the beauty in everything, which is an essential perspective for anyone working toward a more sustainable world. They’re also going on tour later this year. I caught them when they stopped in Brooklyn last year, and my life hasn’t been the same since.

Sun Goddess - Ramsey Lewis

This jazz-fusion instrumental feels like basking in the golden sunlight. It celebrates the warmth and energy of the sun and provides a moment of pure, radiant joy in the playlist.

Sun + Moon - Grimm Lynn

Then we head to a song that feels like a dance between day and night. It’s a reminder of nature’s delicate balance– the cycles of light and darkness, rest and renewal, and the forces that keep our world in harmony.

Water - Tyla

I’m not ashamed to admit that I’m one of the many who think Tyla is an industry plant. But industry plants receive a tremendous amount of investment, which means all of her music is exceptionally well-produced and hard to escape because it’s played everywhere. “Water” was her breakout single, and I’ve been in love with the song since my first listen. It’s sultry, hypnotic, and serves as a playful yet poignant nod to something we often take for granted: water.

Earth Song - Michael Jackson

This is easily one of the most powerful environmental anthems ever recorded. Michael Jackson’s raw emotion and urgent plea make the song an unforgettable call to action, demanding we take responsibility for the harm we’ve done to our planet before it’s too late. The music video has made me emotional since I was a kid.

Dancing in the Moonlight - King Harvest

This song’s intro alone brings a smile to my face. The song captures the pure joy of being outside, under the stars, in harmony with others. It’s a celebration of community, connection, and the simple pleasures of nature– reminding us why we fight to protect these experiences.

What a wonderful world - Louis Armstrong

A timeless tribute to the beauty of our planet. I’ve loved this song ever since 2nd grade my class sang it for our school’s MLK Day assembly. Armstrongs deep, distinctive voice paints a picture of blue skies, blooming flowers, and human kindness. It’s a gentle but profound reminder to apreciate the world around us and do our part to keep it wonderful.

Pink + White - Frank Ocean

Last but certainly not least, we conclde the playlist with my beloved Frank ocean, featuring the uncredited background vocals of the icon herself, Beyonce. The lyrics evoke imagery of oceans and waves, soft skies, and ephemeral moments, mirroring the delicate balance of our environment. It’s a song that reminds us to cherish what we have before it slips away, which feels like the perfect conclusion to this playlist.

Happy listening!

As I say at the end of each episode of my podcast, The Joy Report:

fighting the climate crisis is a marathon not a sprint. We need everyone to get involved in a way that feels right to them, now more than ever.

Our individual positive actions do have power, and they’re strengthened when we do them as a collective.

Happy Earth Month.