The autumn months evoke great memories and strong associations in some people. Whether your favorite part of fall is warm drinks, colorful leaves, turtlenecks, or any other niche, this playlist is for you.
“September” by Tom McKenzie
“Stay with me, and we’ll go down in history” strikes me as a beautiful line. Even though our lives are unlikely to have any significant impact on the world, we still hope that we will somehow be remembered even after death. In this song, the singer promises that their love will outlive them. Fun fact: Tom McKenzie is a classically-trained violinist who taught himself guitar.
“The Woods” by Service Dog
Sometimes schoolwork, extracurriculars, and other pressures weigh on us so much that it feels like we can’t do anything about it. In these moods, I like to play a good song and listen attentively to the background instrumentals to distract me. “The Woods” is a perfect song for this purpose. Fun fact: This song has only 2,500 streams on Spotify, so check it out!
“we fell in love in october” by girl in red
Maybe the teacher sat you next to an attractive classmate or your lab partner has a cute laugh. Either way, you’re falling as hard as autumn leaves. This song is rooted in the familiar feeling of what some refer to as “cuffing season” but what I insist is “pining season.” Fun fact: girl in red is a Norweigan musician whose real name is Marie Ulven.
“Noviembre” by Ellas
Although non-Spanish speakers may want to translate the lyrics, this song is for everyone to enjoy, regardless of language. It’s probably the most upbeat song on this playlist and is perfect to listen to while biking around town at night or having a dance party in your bedroom. Fun fact: “Noviembre” is from Ellas’ first album, Ellas Son Ellas.
“Cherry Wine” by Overcoats
A sweet acoustic cover of Hozier’s song with lovely harmonies. I firmly believe that this song belongs on every fall-themed playlist in existence, although the creator of this playlist definitely does not condone underage drinking. Cherry cola, maybe? Fun fact: Hana Elion and JJ Mitchell, members of Overcoats, met at Wesleyan University.
“Sweater Weather” by The Neighbourhood
In my opinion, sweaters are the best article of clothing, and autumn is characterized by its dropping temperatures that warrant their use, which this song perfectly exemplifies. “Sweater Weather” was released in 2013 and may be nostalgic for students who listened to it in middle school. Fun fact: The band uses the British spelling of “neighborhood” because the American spelling was already taken.
“Visions of Gideon” by Sufjan Stevens
As the leaves descend and abandon bare branches and the earth begins to freeze over, it may feel like everything is cycling toward an end. This song is perfect for your melancholic, contemplative moods. But remember, a playlist of only sad songs does no one any good. Fun fact: “Visions of Gideon” is featured in Luca Guadanigo’s 2017 film, Call Me By Your Name.
“Back to Autumn” by Tall Heights
Reminiscent of burning wood and maroon and yellow-tinted memories, “Back to Autumn” is the perfect low-key song to listen to while doing homework or walking to school. Put it on your playlist, listen again in spring, and let Tall Heights bring you back to autumn. Fun fact: Paul Wright and Tim Harrington of the band started playing together in high school.
“Monday” by Matt Corby
Make your Monday much, much better by listening to Matt Corby’s soulful vocals. “Monday” has an earthy sound that brings to mind sidewalks littered with fallen red and orange leaves. Fun fact: Matt Corby is from Australia and enjoys surfing and reading.
“Angel of Small Death and the Codeine Scene” by Hozier
The first time I heard “Take Me to Church,” Hozier’s second single, it was covered by an a cappella group with whom my friend sang. The rest of Hozier’s music does not disappoint. His vocals, lyrics, and composition are all stunning. Fun fact: Hozier’s album covers are painted by his mother.