All of us are familiar with the age-old saying, “April showers bring May flowers.” In Texas, our rainiest month is actually May, averaging about 5.15 inches of rain. But the phrase originated in England, where April is the soggier month, based on the position of the jet stream.

The origins of this phrase date back to 1157, in the form of a short poem written by the English poet Thomas Tusser. The poem is found in the April section of a collection of his writings titled, “A Hundred Good Points of Husbandry.” Within the poem, Tusser wrote, “Sweet April showers do spring May flowers.”

But no matter if you live in the Metroplex or Manchester City, the forecast this month includes its fair share of gully-washers, goose-drowners, and frog-stranglers.

That’s why EVP/Principal Mike Stopper pours out the hits on the newest Spire on Spotify playlist inspired by rain. It’s called Vol. 39: Blame It on the Rain, and there’s a 100% chance you’ll enjoy this H2Outrageous mix of country, soul, pop, and vintage hits. But we don’t want to cloud your judgement. Here’s a little drizzle fo’ shizzle and fluid tunes from Stopper.

Stopper, what is the name of your album?

In case you “mist” it, my album is called Blame It on the Rain. The playlist is named after the Milli Vanilli song that went #1 in 1989. Ironically, it was in 1989 that the German-French duo were first suspected of lip-synching their songs. In keeping with the rain theme, their careers were quickly “washed up.”

How would you describe this mix?

These are all songs about rain. My playlist is a meteorological mix of country, Motown, classic rock, metal rock, smooth jazz, and pop. It’s made for weathering the storm. So, save it for a rainy day.

What was the inspiration behind it?

My wife and I were recently sitting outside, sipping a martini under our covered patio during a pleasant rain shower. I started thinking about songs I enjoyed with “rain” in the title, and then we began playing them on Spotify. Also, my family are Pennsylvania farmers and my wife’s are Texas ranchers; rain always seems to be a topic of conversation.

What is your favorite song, and why?

The song “No Rain” by Blind Melon has to be my favorite song. First of all, you can recognize the song after just three guitar chords. And secondly, everyone remembers the famous dancing Bee Girl. Can you believe she is now more than 40 years old?

The song was released in 1992 and rose to #3 on the U.S. Billboard charts, making it the band’s most successful single. While the lyrics can be a bit of a downer, the performance is incredibly optimistic and happy. Hearing this iconic song takes me back to college in Austin during the 90s.

If your playlist was a brand, what would it be and why?

In 1911, ad agency N.W. Ayer & Company was tasked with creating a campaign for Morton’s free-flowing salt in a round, blue package with a patented pouring spout. The campaign was set to run in 12 consecutive issues of Good Housekeeping magazine.

The result was the iconic Morton Salt Umbrella Girl and the slogan that is now recognized by most Americans: When It Rains It Pours®. The success of the Umbrella Girl campaign led to her being added permanently to the packaging in 1914. Throughout the years, the girl has changed dresses and hairstyles to stay fashionable. She was updated in 1921, 1933, 1941, 1956, and 1968. In 2014, the Morton Salt Umbrella Girl was refreshed one more time in celebration of her 100th year as the face of the brand.

Any specific memory that comes to mind when you listen?

I’m a sucker for a good spring or summer rain shower. Hearing raindrops bounce off the roof. Feeling the temperature drop a little. Smelling a freshness in the air. And seeing the sun come out afterwards. While I don’t have a specific memory that comes to mind, rain does give me a pleasant sense of calm.

What makes your playlist unique?

In the 68 years of the Billboard chart, 102 songs with “Rain” in their titles have charted inside the Top 40. Of those, just four have reached #1. But there are countless other songs about rain that could have been added to this playlist. And it will be cool to listen to during our next rain shower this spring.

When it comes to paylists, this one truly “rains” supreme. Stay tuned to the Spire Blog and Spotify Channel for our next playlist that will drop like rain.

Mike Stopper is EVP/Principal of Client Service and Planning at Spire. He is AAF Dallas’ most- awarded account lead over the last eight years, and both the 2022 and 2020 Overall Marketer of the Year by the D/FW chapter of the American Marketing Association.