Leaves and Lyrics: The Quintessential Fall Playlist

The key to romanticizing fall always has to do with your mindset and, therefore, your music. Whether you are going to class, studying, or getting ready, I can guarantee the majority of the population here at UIUC has their headphones on. Especially with midterms, upcoming essays, and the stress of figuring out spring classes, being excited about this change in season has become increasingly difficult. One easy way to keep looking at the glass half full this autumn, though, is through your music, and that is why I have curated the perfect fall playlist.

When creating this compilation, it is important to note that there are different subsections that go into making this the perfect fall mix. Firstly, there are the fall classics: All Too Well (10-minute version) by Taylor Swift, There She Goes by The La’s, and Kiss Me by Sixpence None The Richer. All Too Well is the it-girl of fall songs, and the entire Red album is the epitome of the comfy, cozy aura everybody is looking for. Not only Red, but several of Swift’s other albums, like Evermore, Folklore, and Midnights, have this comforting feeling about them that makes them perfect for this change in season. Something about the softer, more indie-like edge makes you want to curl up in your Folklore cardigan with a nice cup of tea and read a book.

Stealing the top position for the fall album and driving the getaway car is Harry Styles. His debut album, Self-Titled, holds some of the best warm songs that make you feel like you are home, even if you are hundreds of miles away. Songs like Sweet Creature, Ever Since New York, and From the Dining Table have continued to steal hearts and hug souls as the leaves fall. There’s nothing quite like studying in the Main Library with the pleasing sounds of Taylor Swift, Harry Styles and Lana Del Rey.

Though Lana’s tone can be more rock in some albums, her newest release, titled Did you know that there’s a tunnel under Ocean Boulevard, features some really simple, sweet songs like Let the light in and Margaret achieves an almost ethereal sense that feels like your first sip of coffee in the crisp morning air. These main three artists, though, are only some of the few that contribute to making fall feel like fall through music.

As the autumn leaves fall and the air grows colder, these carefully curated playlists become the soundtrack to our own personal pumpkin spice-scented memories, making every moment a chapter in our own cozy autumnal love story. These lyrics and melodies weave together to create a tapestry of emotions that perfectly encapsulate all the fall feels.

The ultimate fall playlist:

1. All Too Well (10 Minute Version) – Taylor Swift 
2. There is a Light That Never Goes Out – The Smiths
3. There She Goes – The La’s
4. Margaret – Lana Del Rey
5. Gold Rush – Taylor Swift 
6. Sweet Creature – Harry Styles
7. Harness Your Hopes (B side) – Pavement
8. Campus – Vampire Weekend
9. About you – The 1975
10. False God – Taylor Swift 
11. Let the Light In – Lana Del Rey
12. Clay Pigeons – Michael Cera 
13. Trouble – Cage the Elephant
14. Kiss Me – Sixpence None the Richer
15. Harmony Hall – Vampire Weekend
16. Invisible String – Taylor Swift
17. Fade into you – Mazzy Star
18. Mary on a Cross – Ghost 
19. We’re Going to Be Friends – The White Stripes
20. Moonlight on the river – Mac Demarco
21. There’d Better Be A Mirrorball – Arctic Monkeys
22. Modern Girl – Bleachers 
23. Kingston – Faye Webster
24. cowboy like me – Taylor Swift 
25. Feels Like – Gracie Abrams 
26. Bags – Clairo
27. ’tis the damn season – Taylor Swift 
28. Meet Me in the Hallway – Harry Styles
29. Cinnamon Girl – Lana Del Rey
30. You Make Me Feel So Young – Frank Sinatra
31. Sweet Nothing – Taylor Swift
32. Not Strong Enough – boygenius
33. Pretty Boy – The Neighborhood 
34. Ever Since New York – Harry Styles 

• autumn
• college
• fall
• music
• playlist