What is Currently Playing on My Fall Playlist

Updated Published

Eve Bailey Student Contributor, The University of Kansas

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at KU chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

the setup

I take my playlist curation very seriously, maybe a little too seriously. Each time a new season comes, I take an hour to create the perfect playlist that expresses my current feelings, obsessions and aesthetics. This year, my fall playlist is called “Sunday’s Fall Drive,” and the cover of the playlist is a New Yorker fall poster. I created this playlist because so often on Sundays I am either driving back to school from my hometown or driving to spend the day with my sisters in the city. I wanted a playlist that included all kinds of music from folk to pop rock. Below, I have listed some of my favorite songs on this playlist that I tend to queue up the second I feel a cold breeze.

“Our strange ways” Lizzy McAlpine

“Our strange ways” is off of McAlpine’s newest album, “Angel.” This is one of my favorite songs off this new album, along with “Anybody’s Fool.” McAlpine writes in such a raw yet comforting way that I feel it relates to the way autumn feels. Even though everything is dying, fall is a reminder that everything will come back again, and I feel like McAlpine’s music expresses those same concepts.

headphones leaning against a stack of records — Photo by blocks from Unsplash

“EVER SINCE NEW YORK” HARRY STYLES

“Ever Since New York” is off of Harry Styles’ self-titled album, which happens to be my favorite album created by him. The slow, folk-inspired song has the perfect instrumentals for a fall day. The song expresses the grief of losing something you once had, which could relate to the feelings that come with fall. One of my favorite lyrics says, “I’ve been praying ever since New York,” which translates to the feeling of needing an answer.

“THROWN DOWN” FLEETWOOD MAC

This is my all-time favorite Fleetwood Mac song, which tells the story of Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham’s tumultuous relationship. This song explores the feelings of pulling close to someone and breaking apart time and time again. The lyrics bounce between lingering loving words and frustrated and angry feelings. The keyboard playing in the back of the song is so addicting and reflects the constant feelings of repeating the same relationship over and over again.

“EVERYTHING IS PEACEFUL LOVE” BON IVER

Off of Bon Iver’s 2025 album, “SABLE, fABLE”, “Everything Is Peaceful Love” is a song about radiant joy and the happiness that comes with meeting a future partner. This song is a reminder that good things are ahead and to keep traveling to reach them. I find this song to be an inspiration as I head into the fall and winter months, which can be difficult.

“PRESSURE” THE 1975

“Pressure” is such an underrated gem by The 1975, and I believe it is one of their best songs. “Pressure” is a song about how pressure grows under the spotlight and how family is a source of comfort when faced with the anxiety that comes with fame. This synth-pop song is more upbeat, and I really enjoy listening to this song when I am on a walk.

live music concert — Photo by Danny Howe from Unsplash

“tHE DRESS” (DIJON COVER) (LIVE) OLIVIA DEAN

“The Dress,” originally sung by Dijon, is already an incredible song, but Dean’s cover of the song is incredible. “The Dress” is a song about lingering affection and nostalgia for a past lover and Dean sings it in such a comforting way. The instruments used by the band make for the perfect song to listen to while shopping or just hanging out in the fall weather.

“HOLY GROUND” TAYLOR SWIFT

As a Swiftie, this is my all-time favorite Taylor Swift song. “Holy Ground” is a song about looking back on a past relationship with happiness and peace instead of bitterness. The upbeat track and Swift’s melodic voice create the perfect song to sing along to in the car.

phone with picture of taylor swift\'s red on the screen — Photo by Omid Armin from Unsplash

“BLOOD” THE MIDDLE EAST

Blood by The Middle East is a song about the morality of people and the helplessness of losing a loved one. But the song builds on a bigger picture of finding peace in the fact that nothing is forever and that the ones you love are always with you. This song always makes me emotional, but it is such a well-produced song that I believe everyone should listen to.

“PAUL” BIG THIEF

If you are looking for a band to listen to during the fall season, I would highly suggest Big Thief. “Paul” is my favorite song by Big Thief, and their music really reminds me of my hometown. “Paul” tells the painful story of pushing away a good person to protect them from your own personal turmoil. The song is such a quiet and soft song, and it has such a nostalgic feel that is perfect for fall.

“the end of love” florence + the machine

Florence + The Machine is one of my favorite bands, and their albums reflect topics in a whimsical manner. “The End of Love” is another song that reflects on a past relationship that was bad and learning how to find love within yourself. Florence Welch’s voice is so haunting and hopeful at the same time, which creates such a layered sound in her music. All songs off of “High as Hope” are perfect for the fall season.