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This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Illinois chapter.

Happy November! We’re trading in tricks and treats for oversized sweaters and pumpkin pie. Fall is in full swing and what a better way to start the new month than with a new playlist. I created a list of music to put you in the fall mood right before every shop we enter is flooded with holiday music. In this month of gratitude, I’m definitely grateful for music. Enjoy!

1. “the 1″– Taylor Swift

Starting off the bat (leaving the Halloween puns to last month) with a song from the ultimate fall album we didn’t know we needed. The first few notes of “the 1” remind me of how it feels when the seasons change and you feel that first, crisp fall morning. I could not think of a better start to this playlist or month.

2. “Tonight (I Wish I Was Your Boy)”– The 1975

I have a soft spot for The 1975, and that soft spot is filled with memories of me listening to their first album the fall I entered 8th grade. This song starts off with a sped-up sample of The Temptations’ #1 hit, “Just My Imagination.” The topic of unrequited love gets swept away by a saxophone and smooth melody, making this the perfect fall track. 

3. “Overkill”– Holly Humberstone 

Straight off her new EP, Holly Humberstone won me over with this timeless song that holds a sense of comforting familiarity. The themes of anxiety, tension and letting go all capture the thrill of falling for someone for the first time. I have yet to skip this song when it comes on shuffle & instead make a full-fledged music video in my mind.

4. “Julia”– SZA

This month I’ve been loving this track of SZA’s 2014 EP, “Z.” Hints of 1980s instrumentals that mimic the likes of Fleetwood Mac and Madonna make this a funky fall tune.

5. “Lost in Translation”– The Neighbourhood

Communicating is hard. The Neighbourhood capture this tricky part of relationships with a catchy upbeat production making this the perfect song for a fall walk. “I’ve been getting lost in translation, trouble keeping up communication” will pop into your head randomly throughout the day and you won’t be able to not sing along.

6. “Motion Sickness”– Phoebe Bridgers

Phoebe Bridgers has found her way into one of my most listened to artists with exquisitely intimate soundtracks that seem to fit my life perfectly. Phoebe makes the pain of a breakup seem romantic with eloquent jabs at her ex. If you’ve never driven around town with the windows cracked letting the fall air in while listening to this song, then you’re missing out.

The way to the cabin
Photo by averie woodard on Unsplash

8. “Wading In Waist-High Water”– Fleet Foxes

With a final send off to warm weather, Fleet Foxes delivered the perfect cozy album just in time for cold weather. This song is tranquil and complete with lyrics feigning imagery that makes you feel like you’re walking inside a painting.

9. “BS”–  Still Woozy

I love everything Still Woozy releases, but this song has been constantly played for me since it came out. This song’s dreamy and airy nature takes you into Sven’s head as he shares his personal struggles with stress and anxiety.

10. “Big Wheel”– Samia

Samia sends a love letter to conflict with this gently yet grungy single. She describes the song as “a passive confession of harbored resentments buried in a laundry list of gratitude.” As heavy as that sounds, this song feels like the warm sunlight coming through your window, making it the perfect way to end this playlist. 

Mug of black coffee next to woman reading a book
Photo by Thought Catalog from Unsplash

*Link to full playlist here*

Christine Sheriff is a Senior majoring in Communications. In her free time you can find Christine baking, curating the perfect Spotify playlist, or trying to learn how to paint.
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