Since October has rolled around, it’s only a matter of time until you inevitably update your Spotify, Apple Music, or whatever other streaming sites are trying to compete with the first two (team Spotify over here, but that’s just me). Below is a list of songs that, for me, always bring up the image of a crisp fall afternoon. Grab a warm mug of tea, throw on a sweater, and curl up to a playlist that’s bound to make you feel like the poster-child for everything autumnal.
Autumn Sweater- Yo La Tengo
Sure, an obvious choice here. It’s a classic, and it’s title isn’t necessarily subtle in its October-ness. But this song is by far one of the most recognizable—and most beautiful—songs about fall out there.
Ghost- Parekh and Singh
This simple acoustic song is understated and touching. With the singer comparing himself to a ghost, you, too, could feel both spooky and transparent as you give it a listen.
Golden- My Morning Jacket
With a melody that gently rolls into lyrics packed with imagery and well-timed uncertainty, this one is gorgeous. The somewhat twangy instrumentals tie into the breezy and effortless final image of the song. It kind of reminds me of an aimless drive down country roads. If you’re into that kind of thing.
Sweater Weather- The Neighbourhood
If I were a betting woman, I’d go all-in on the fact that when you read the title of this article, you knew this song was gonna be in here. Actually, I was originally considering not including it in the list at all for that very reason. Ultimately though, you can’t forsake one of the most iconic fall songs out there, even for the sake of trying to appear unpredictable. I’ll get ‘em next time…
Morph- twenty one pilots
Okay, we’ve got more ghost references in this one. But, the comparisons between this and Parekh and Singh’s ballad end there. twenty one pilots is known for their crosses into the hip-hop genre, all while maintaining a distinct alternative style. This song is no different—an initial rap-like verse bleeds into the chorus, in which Tyler Joseph admits he’s “partially a ghost” over a ridiculously catchy beat.
Wake Me Up When September Ends- Green Day
Need I say more???
we fell in love in october- girl in red
With childlike lyrics (and I mean that in the best possible way, no passive-aggressive insults here!) and a dreamy chorus, you’ll feel like you’re falling in love along with her. In October. Obviously.
Telescope- Cage the Elephant
Cage the Elephant has always reminded me of fall for some reason. This song, especially. Listen to the lyric “time is like a leaf in the wind,” and tell me this haunting song isn’t perfect for October.
Harvest Moon- Neil Young
Another classic for you. I genuinely believe that no one can listen to this song without feeling intensely emotional. Celebrating a full moon in the fall, this song is both delightfully autumnal and deeply moving.
SKELETONS- Travis Scott
Featuring Pharrell Williams, Tame Impala, and The Weeknd, this is a masterpiece of R&B. A spooky title, combined with a high-energy verse and a trippy beat, deserves a spot on your playlist.
Heads Will Roll- Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Okay, so its lyrics are mildly disturbing if you think about them for too long. But this is the type of song that makes you want to roll down your car window and belt out the lyrics to perhaps some unimpressed onlookers. Spooky, check. Loud, check. Will make you dance, guaranteed, check. You’ll love it.
Pumpkin- Islands
The last one on my list had to make the cut for obvious reasons (tell me that you don’t immediately think of pumpkins when you think of fall). But seriously, this is a good song. Slow and crooning, you could fall asleep to this one (again, I mean this in a good way, I promise).
That’s the end of my list, and I hope you’ll check out at least a couple of these and consider giving them a coveted spot on your upcoming fall playlist. You won’t regret it! Unless you’re tired of “Sweater Weather,” in which case, work around it. You got this. In the rare chance that you loved all of my song ideas—I’ve got you covered. Check out my appropriately named Spotify playlist below:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/25zKPJt8cWjRHn2suiKURm?si=Q87TUZ-ZTRaukRWKc1Zccg