Now that the weather has cooled down, the leaves have started to change and UGG’s have made a reappearance, it’s time to adjust your music taste accordingly. Here are five albums that I have on repeat during the autumn months, and you should too.
- “Yankee Hotel Foxtrot” by Wilco
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Wilco’s experimental, folk-rock-influenced fourth album is the first thing I put on when the leaves start to change. Lead singer Jeff Tweedy’s soothing vocals are backed by addictive guitar riffs and low-pitched piano that you can’t get out of your head.
Underlying themes of loneliness and insecurity take you on an emotional journey that resonates with fall and the comedown of the year. The track “Heavy Metal Drummer” was even featured in an episode of “Gilmore Girls,” further proving that “Yankee Hotel Foxtrot” is a fall staple.
Recommended tracks: “Heavy Metal Drummer” and “Pot Kettle Black”
- “Come Away with Me” by Norah Jones
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“Come Away with Me,” the debut album by singer-songwriter Norah Jones, is a sonic blend of soul, country and jazz influences. With piano melodies and candid lyricism, it easily transports you into that early 2000s fall nostalgia feel.
The album is a mix of Jones’ original songs, such as the title track “Come Away with Me,” and renditions of classic jazz standards like “Cold, Cold Heart.” This album is the perfect soundtrack for a cozy fall night in or a coffee shop study session.
Recommended tracks: “Don’t Know Why” and “Shoot the Moon”
- “Live Through This” by Hole
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Not only is Hole’s “Live Through This” is one of the most influential grunge albums of all time, but it’s also perfect for fall. Courtney Love’s raw and gritty vocals highlight the struggles of fame and being a woman, layered over eerie hard-rock guitar. The melodies are unsettling in the best way, and I always find myself reaching for this album around Halloween.
The record suits the spooky season well, as the album cover was loosely inspired by Stephen King’s “Carrie,” and the Megan Fox and Amanda Seyfried-led horror-comedy “Jennifer’s Body” was named after one of the songs.
Recommended tracks: “Jennifer’s Body” and “Softer, Softest”
- “Brighten the Corners” by Pavement
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You might have heard “Harness Your Hopes,” a B-side from Pavement’s “Brighten the Corners,” all over TikTok in late 2021-2022, but I think that it’s worth giving the whole album a listen. The album is layered with hidden gems that fit the upcoming chilly weather well. The upbeat indie-rock instrumentals and humorous lyrics are all over my playlists and never fail to put me in a fall mood.
Recommended tracks: “Stereo” and “Embassy Row”
- “Punisher” by Phoebe Bridgers
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This list wouldn’t be complete without Phoebe Bridgers’ 2020 album, “Punisher.” Everything from the haunting instrumentals to the earnest lyricism to the album cover screams fall to me. Bridgers’ exploration of themes such as complicated relationships and the apocalypse provides great background music for a rainy day.
Recommended tracks: “Halloween” and “I Know the End”
I think that music is the best way to celebrate a season. Whether you’re at a pumpkin patch, getting ready for a Halloween party or just enjoying a cozy night in, I hope these albums are the perfect soundtrack to your fall season.