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SBU | Culture

The Perfect Fall Playlist

Katie Squires Student Contributor, St. Bonaventure University
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at SBU chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

Every season has its own soundtrack. Since fall is my favorite season, I place particular importance on my fall playlist. Each year, I make a fall playlist on Spotify that subsequently becomes my personality for about three months. Whether driving through fall foliage, apple picking, or going on a walk, I am convinced that everyone needs an eclectic fall playlist. Below I have listed albums, artists, and songs that deserve a spot on your autumnal soundtrack. 

1.) “Sweater Weather” by the Neighbourhood 

This song is simply perfection for fall and needs no explanation. 

2.) Vampire weekend’s self-titled album

From songs like “Oxford Comma” to “Campus”, the band’s self-titled album has a unique collegiate vibe. It’s the perfect track to listen to as you walk over crunching leaves on campus. 

3.) Bon Iver, For emma, forever ago

For Emma, Forever Ago reminds me of a foggy November morning as frost covers window panes. It has a moody, autumnal feel. If you’re in a happy mood, I would not recommend this particular album. It feels heavy on the heart and soul. It is a beautiful collection of songs, though not as light and airy as some of my other recommendations. My favorite songs on the album are “Re: Stacks” and “Skinny Love”. 

4.) the cure, disintegration

If October was a music album, I’d imagine it would be The Cure’s Disintegration. The gothic 80’s alternative is a soulful sound. I have personal nostalgia attached to this album, as it is one of my dad’s favorites. 

5.) fleet foxes

I just recently discovered Fleet Foxes, per one of my professor’s recommendations. Their indie-folk style is calming and blissful. 

6.) vance joy

Ever since his hit “Riptide” came out in 2013, I have been hooked. Vance Joy’s voice is raw and real. It’s simple and captivating. Every year, his song “Like Gold” makes it to the top of my fall playlist. Among my other favorites of Joy’s are “Mess is Mine”, “First Time”, and “Straight into your Arms”. 

7.) Chris Stapleton

Soulful southern country music with a bluegrass-indie flair- that sounds like fall to me! Chris Stapleton’s rugged yet sweet voice is like a warm blanket in the chilly fall months. My favorite feeling in the entire world is driving through mountains with orange and yellow hues and Chris Stapleton’s voice fills my car. My favorite Stapleton songs for fall are “Tennessee Whiskey”, “Starting Over”, “You Should Probably Leave”, and “Broken Halos”. 

8.) girl in red

“we fell in love in october” is a must for every fall playlist. 

9.) taylor swift

We all know Taylor Swift, but do not normally associate her with fall. Look no further than the Evermore and Folklore albums, which provide a more intimate feel compared to Swift’s prior pop ballads. These two albums scream fall, warm scarves, and longing for love. 

10.) the lumineers

  1. The Lumineers 

I had the privilege of seeing The Lumineers live this past summer, and let me say, it was life-changing. Their music is lovely all year round, but I find particular comfort in listening to their soundtracks alongside pumpkin candles and autumn bonfires. My favorite fall picks from The Lumineers are “Donna”, “Life in the City”, and “Ophelia.” 

Katie Squires

SBU '25

Katie is a Junior at St. Bonaventure University. She is an executive board member for Her Campus at SBU. Her experience with social media, advertising, and writing allow her to combine her passions and advance her university's chapter of HC. She has been a part of Her Campus since freshman year. It has been her favorite on-campus extracurricular to become involved with.

Katie is currently studying Strategic Communication and Marketing. She finds joy in being involved on campus through various organizations including Her Campus and Jandoli Women in Communication. Katie is both an Orientation Leader and a Peer Coach- she loves welcoming new students and helping them transition to college. She is also a full-time student ambassador who enthusiastically leads tours for prospective students. (Request her as your tour guide!)

In her free time, you can find Katie reading, hiking, and laughing with her friends. She loves spending time outdoors, especially in the fall. Her kryptonite is iced coffee. Some of her favorite artists include Chris Stapleton, Fleetwood Mac, and Noah Kahan. Her favorite show is New Girl.

Katie will eagerly engage in any conversation about her beloved hometown, Buffalo, New York. She will likely attempt to convert you to become a Buffalo Bills fan, and could talk about Josh Allen for hours.

Post-grad, Katie hopes to be using her creative talents towards a fulfilling career in the world of corporate communications and events.