With the gloominess of fall starting to settle in, I find myself turning to music to find a sense of comfort. Whether it’s for self-reflection, a mood booster, or just to resonate with an emotional message, having a playlsit equipped with songs for any mood is definitely a necessity. My fall playlist is full of songs that both make me feel better, and really just validate how I’m feeling to get me through rough times. I have learned to never underestimate the power of a good song.
- “After The Storm” By Kali Uchis Feat. Tyler, The Creator
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Kali provides the perfect song for self-empowerment in this collaboration with Tyler the Creator. The song reassures that although bad times can take a toll, we are capable of finding strength to move past the “storm” and find happiness on the other side. I have found myself listening to this song for a pick me when I’m feeling discouraged or just having a bad day.
Favorite line: “No one’s gonna save you now/So you better save yourself”
- “Streetcar” By Daniel Caesar
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In his rendition of Kanye West’s 2008 song “Street Lights,” Daniel Caesar captures the melancholy and fear of feeling like time is getting away from you. The song provides comfort for those who have felt the days blend together, especially with the monotonous lifestyle of the pandemic. The song manages to make me feel less overwhelmed when I’m in this kind of self-reflective state, as well as when I’m feeling stressed about my future.
Favorite line: “See I know my destination, but I’m just not there”
- “Sofia” By Clairo
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A soft, sweet song that’s perfect for satisfying your inner hopeless-romantic. In the way that most songs about love tend to be, “Sofia” simply feels precious. For Clairo, the song is an avenue to reflect on her first crushes on women and the process of exploring her sexuality.
Favorite line: “Baby you don’t gotta fight/I’ll be here til the end of time”
- “Lights Up” By Harry Styles
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In the first single off his 2019 album Fine Line, Harry Styles delivers electrifying vocals in a song about self-reflection, discovery, and acceptance. It is definitely the type of song I wish I could experience hearing for the first time again. “Lights Up” remains to be one of my favorite songs on the album and never fails to put me in a good, uplifted mood.
Favorite line: “All the lights couldn’t put out the dark/Runnin’ through my heart
- “Ivy” By Frak Ocean
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It was definitely really hard to narrow it down to a single Frank Ocean song, but I think the intense translation of emotion puts “Ivy” at the top. In reflecting on a past relationship, with a mix of longingness and guilt, the heartbreak really comes across in Ocean’s voice. Whether you’ve experienced lost love or not, the song will take you on an emotional roller coaster (but in a good way, I guess).
Favorite line: “I thought that I was dreamin’ when you said you loved me”.