The goth music genre is usually known for its edgy and gloomy aspects which are certainly present in this list. However, I did add some more upbeat and jovial songs to keep spirits high. Here is my curated list of autumn goth songs to listen or dance to in the falling leaves. Let this beautiful season of decay flourish around you as you embrace the dark sound.
1) Halloween – Siouxsie and the Banshees
This song is a principle work in the gothic rock genre and masterfully reflects the haunting beauty of the holiday it’s named after. In this song you are transported by Sioux’s evocative vocals and the Banshee’s enchanting instrumentation into a world of mystery, allure, terrible magic, and dancing spirits.
2) Cinnamon Girl – Type O Negative
Peter Steele’s captivating vocals are center stage in this song of romance and longing for his ‘Cinnamon Girl’. The instrumentation amazingly captures the desperation, longing, and passion being portrayed in the lyrics. The song also emphasizes the way music brings people together and touches upon the struggles of persevering in the face of financial hardship.
3) Bela Lugosi’s Dead – Bauhaus
This song will always find the deepest part of my soul and touch it. This lengthy but lovely nine minute song is gloomy, riveting, and blesses all the vampire lovers out there (including me). It is also considered the true start of the gothic subculture because of its eerie sound, gruesome lyrics, and spooky effects.
4) Love Will Tear Us Apart Again – Joy Division
Not many songs have baselines as captivating as this one nor do they have the ability to truly articulate emotion into sound in such a way that the feelings of loss, desperation, and melancholy can immediately be interpreted. This song is a tribute to its singer Ian Curtis and was released as a single a month after he took his own life.
5) Just Like Heaven – The Cure
For my lovers and hopeless romantics I bring you this enchanting fever dream of a song. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a dreamy day near the seashore with a loved one, a hazy kiss, and the brilliance of love. Coupled with the delightful and exciting music the finished effect is incredibly charming.