Temperatures are dropping and pumpkin spice lattes are making their comeback. Fall has officially begun, and as with any new season, I like to get started with a new playlist. This playlist focuses on music perfect to help set the fall mood on the way to class, running errands or just hanging out with friends.
Here are some fall-inspired tracks you can add to make your playlist more festive.
“Fade Into You” by Mazzy Star
“Fade Into You” by Mazzy Star is a slow, dreamy track that adds a favorable, mellow contrast to your playlist. The song doesn't rely on a heavy beat to draw listeners in. Instead, it tells a story of deep love through its light production and heart-wrenching lyrics.
This is the perfect autumn listen due to its simple yet beautiful sound and lyrics that give you that coming-of-age feeling. It’s good for those moments when you're walking around Bloomington, seeing the leaves drop and reminiscing about last fall.
“Amoeba” by Clairo
Every time I hear a Clairo track, I immediately think of fall and the warm feeling it brings. Clairo has multiple songs I would throw on a fall playlist, but for people new to her indie-jazz style, I would recommend adding “Amoeba.” Unlike “Fade Into You,” Clairo uses guitars, keyboards and drums to create a vintage-style jazzy soundtrack. This adds a nice, upbeat kick to your playlist.
Lyrics such as “That I'll be here forever-while / The photos keep the sentiment / Got close to some epiphany,” help play on the sense of nostalgia that the changing of seasons can bring.
“Sweater Weather” by The Neighborhood
The name of the song says it all. This early 2010s classic has been an autumn anthem for me every year. Telling a story of tortured romance, “Sweater Weather” includes guitar riffs and hypnotic drumbeats. There's a reason this song appears on everyone's fall playlist. The lyrics and beats never go out of style, which keeps it relatable every fall.
With lyrics like, “Cause it's too cold for you here and now / So let me hold both your hands in the holes of my sweater / Inside, this place is warm / Outside, it starts to pour” the track describes a brisk fall vibe, and is the perfect song if you have that special someone to carve pumpkins with this season.
“we fell in love in october” by girl in red
Wanting to add a bit of romance to your playlist this harvest season? Well, “we fell in love in october” by girl in red encapsulates every feeling of being in love during the fall.
With lyrics like “That's why I love fall / Looking at the stars / Admiring from afar,” the song tells a story of young love and the excitement of starting something new. Just as relationships change, so do the seasons and “we fell in love in october” flawlessly explains that rush. If you are feeling that spark, add this track to your autumn playlist.
“Rhiannon” by Fleetwood Mac
For a more witchy and dark vibe this fall try the classic 1975 song “Rhiannon” by Fleetwood Mac. This song follows the story of an otherworldly, mystical woman which fits perfectly into the eeriness of the season.
The band uses lyrics like, “She is like a cat in the dark / And then she is to darkness,” to add to the spooky vibe. The unsettling musical structure of slow strums and heavy drums is what makes it a perfect fit to any fall or Halloween mix. This is a great song to add to your fall getting ready playlist, or even to play during a chill night with the girls.
Now, with the perfect base for a fall playlist, mix these suggestions with your own autumn favorites for the next time you feel a slight breeze in the air.
