Happy November! Fall is officially in full swing and I’m very happy about the colorful leaves, cozy sweaters and warm coffee! Now I know fall is a time for change, but one thing that hasn’t changed is my love for music and making playlists to shall with you all! I know it’s been a minute since we’ve put together a playlist but as always, it’s collaborative and free to share with whomever you choose! Now without further ado, let’s get into this!
- “Slow Down (with H.E.R.)” by Skip Marley
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This song has completely changed my mood since I found it last Sunday. I’ve personally never listened to any of Skip Marley, but I love H.E.R. and get behind any collaborative project of hers. Skip Marley opens singing the simple hook, “slow down, girl let me love you,” that melts your heart in the first few seconds. The beat drops into another world of reggae and harmonies that are nothing but cozy and memorable. I’ve been playing this song on repeat for days and I can’t help but smile and sing along.
- “Kissing Other People” by Lennon Stella
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If you remember in article about 2019’s artists to watch, then the name Lennon Stella should definitely ring a bell for you. Well long story short, I’m right, and Lennon is crushing it right now on tour with the one and only Chainsmokers! The moment you hear this song it’ll be stuck in your head as it is the perfect pop song. Lennon sings of officially gaining closure after a breakup when she is able to kiss other people guilt free. The song is equally magical as it is sure to put her name on the charts.
- “Surrender” by Cheap Trick
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I have a soft spot for Cheap Trick, and that spot is tucked away in the memories growing up with fall car rides through Wisconsin to our family’s farm house. Any time this song comes on, my mom goes crazy and proceeds to tell us about her love for the band. Well I guess the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree because every time the chorus “Mommy’s alright, daddy’s alright, they just seem a little weird, surrender…” plays, I can’t help but jump around.
- “Lights Up” by Harry Styles
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There are only so many words to describe my adoration for Harry Styles. I am counting down the days until his second album “Fine Line” comes out on December 13th, (get ready for an epic album review!) In the meantime, “Lights Up” is everything we have been waiting for from Harry as it perfectly celebrates the beginning of a new era.
- “A Palé” by Rosalía
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Rosalía is an artist that I feel like I was destined to discover at the time that I did, and I fell completely in love with her music. Somehow Rosalía manages to keep her Spanish spirit alive in her flamenco inspired music all while making each song unique in its musicality. Rosalía’s a storyteller, and you don’t have to speak Spanish to appreciate her artistry. In “A Palé” Rosalía brings her A-game with a killer beat and stellar vocals almost rapping the verses. She toys with different melodies and sounds on this track and it’s become one of my favorites.
- “Triggered (Remix)” by Jhené Aiko
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Jhené Aiko’s music to me is like coming home. She has a song for just about every mood I’m in and “Triggered” has become one of my favorite tracks. Jhené freestyles as she is accompanied by 21 Savage and the lovely Summer Walker. This song is catchy, rhythmic and just beautiful in its simplicity.
- “As Long As You’re Asleep” by Sabrina Claudio
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“As Long As You’re Asleep” perfectly summarized Sabrina Claudio’s artistry in under three minutes. The dreamy melody makes you sink into the story of hopeless love and unavoidable loss. Few songs leave me speechless and this is definitely one that is mesmerizing from beginning to end.
- “Elusive” by Lianne La Havas
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I first heard this song when my aunt Sadie had control of the aux on our drive to Seattle at the start of the school year. “Elusive” is a perfect soul song that has a hint of jazz. I remember hearing the chorus for the first time, and just saying, “wow, can we start this again?” Instantly it became part of my morning playlist and is the perfect way to start a fall day.
- “To Me” by Alina Baraz
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Last but not least, “Niña Fresa” (literally translating to “Strawberry Girl”) is the perfect song to finish of this fall list. This song is perfect, between the piano, the drum’s rhythm and the vocals that just tie everything together. For me this song sounds optimistic and hopeful, and makes me smile the moment it begins. I feel like it’s got a mysterious vibe to it because you can’t quite make out the words, yet the opening starts with “how can I” being repeated, almost in a whisper. It seems as though the undeniable love song builds off that original pattern. It’s groovy, jazzy and will have you dancing down the street!
This list could go on forever as I discover new music every single day. Listening to music, whether I’m working on homework, at a coffee shop, or just going for a walk is one of my favorite things to help me unwind after a long week. If November is the month in which we say what we’re grateful for, I am definitely grateful for new music, especially those who share their favorite tunes with me. Like always the playlist is linked here, and you are free to add whatever tunes get you in the fall groove!