For as long as I can remember, fall has been my absolute favorite time of the year. It could be because I’m an October baby, or maybe it’s because Halloween is my favorite holiday. However, I do think there is a comforting mood at this time of year that makes midterm season bearable.
Fall connects me with so many things I love. I love being able to bundle up in a turtleneck before class every day without breaking a sweat. I love looking around at the changing trees (in some ways, I think it’s brighter than summertime). However, I also love the gloom that fall can bring. That may sound weird, but autumn gloom is one of my favorite things ever! There is definitely something to be said for a cloudy sky, a chill in the air, and a chai tea latte in hand. Music is also something that connects me with fall, so I love listening to songs that put me in that cozy mood. Here are five songs for a few different fall moods:
- “Warned You” by Good Morning
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When I talk about gloom, this is what I’m talking about. This is the first song I play when I get on the shuttle and head downtown. The slow rhythm of this song–as well as the repetition of lyrics–relaxes me before class, which is necessary during midterms. The grey sky in the cover art looks exactly like the one I see as I ride, and it also reflects the gray of a tumultuous Lake Michigan. So amazingly gloomy. (-:
- “Campus” by Vampire Weekend
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And if you’re not feeling the gloom? Try “Campus” by Vampire Weekend. This is one of the songs I use for an energizing walk to my ethics class on Monday mornings. The quick pace is great if you need to get pumped up for the day! And on top of all that, the lyrics of this upbeat song describe a walk across campus. Kinda perfect for a fall walk, right?
- “Pulaski at Night” by Andrew Bird
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“Pulaski at Night” is my favorite fall song to listen to at night (How surprising!). If I’m lucky, it’s while I’m driving. This song starts off simply and grows in complexity as it progresses. I think it’s truly beautiful. The notes–along with the cover art–puts images of warm oranges and yellows in my head; I think that’s why I associate this song with fall. Plus, any love song to Chicago is a friend of mine.
- “Mushaboom” by Feist
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The lyrics in “Mushaboom” include imagery of nature from summer to winter, and this works for me because I think nature is at its most beautiful in autumn. I oftentimes use this song to improve the dreaded ~sunday scaries.~ “Mushaboom” is a wholesome song and tends to comfort me while I prepare to tackle the piles of homework that sit on my desk. This song is also great to listen to during a trademark fall activity–curling up in bed with a good book and a cup of coffee!
- “Rubber Ring” by The Smiths
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This Smiths song covers perhaps the most important of all fall moods: the spooooky one. As I said before, Halloween is my favorite holiday ever, so I like to listen to music that sets the appropriate mood. This song has a nice ominous tone, as do many Smiths songs.
And while “The Monster Mash” has its place, I prefer to turn to The Smiths (my all time favorite band) if I want to feel a little spooky.
If you’re liking these songs and want a few more to listen to, feel free to check out my full fall playlist on Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/user/graceingramm/playlist/1UmYVG2AG5YEgmqIYShfAc?si=2K5irHTCTH6nR1uoX9Oa0g