Growing up with two parents who were teenagers in the height of classic rock’s popularity and a brother who is a musician, my house has always been filled with music. I think this part of my life and upbringing has always made me associate certain seasons or life events with certain genres or artists. That being said, fall is my favorite season for music because it is the season of indie, classic rock, folk rock and country. It is Fleetwood Mac, Johnny Cash and Fiona Apple season. Here are some of the albums, artists and playlists I have been loving recently and some yearly fall favorites.
1. “Saves the World” by MUNA
I just recently got into all of MUNA’s music, but their sophomore album has been a daily listen for me in September. I feel like it matches up so well to the phase of life I’m in. My top picks off this album are “Grow” and “Taken.” “Grow” makes me want to cry in a good way, and the guitar riff in “Taken” is just so, so good.
2. “Starcrossed” by Kacey Musgraves
Oh to be a fly on the wall when Ruston Kelly listened to “Breadwinner” for the first time. I have always loved everything Musgraves does. She does not shy away from being authentically herself and challenging the boundaries of country music. While “Starcrossed” is not my favorite album of hers, I love how it tells a story and chronicles such a deeply personal and difficult phase in her life, all the while holding out for hope in the end.
3. “I Used to Know Her” by H.E.R.
“Hard Place” by H.E.R. is one of my top songs of all time. I decided to finally give the whole album a try, and it is such a chronicle of life and feelings of self-doubt. Every song on this album is a must-listen.
4. “HUES.” by Unusual Demont
This album was recommended on my Apple Music so I decided to give it a try, and I’m so glad I did. This is great music to walk or study to. I love the layered production and all the different sounds on each song. Every time I listen to this album, I feel like I hear something I didn’t before.
5. The Spotify playlist “autumn air” by user Nicole Zokaim
This! Playlist! A 13-hour autumn vibes blessing! From Frank Sinatra to Mac Demarco, just about any autumnal-associated song can be found on this playlist. Thank you for your service, Nicole.
6. “Chip Chrome & The Mono-Tones” by The Neighbourhood
I feel like The Neighbourhood does not get enough credit. This album in particular is eclectically cool and timeless, and the character of Chip Chrome makes it my favorite piece of work from this group. Go listen to any other song by them besides “Sweater Weather”! You won’t regret it.
7. “Be the Cowboy” by Mitski
Would I even be valid in discussing my autumn favorites if I didn’t include Mitski? Mitski writes the music you wish you could. She is able to put to words such specific and deeply personal moments while offering a sense of sincere relatability. Also, her music is great to cry to while you are stressed about exams and this weird, blasé transitionary period that is college.
8. “Punisher” by Phoebe Bridgers
This album is like a gut punch in the best way possible. It is such a beautiful representation of coming to peace with tough emotions and laying your feelings out on the table fully. Bridgers is one of those artists that makes it feel as though it is okay to lean into and express every emotion unapologetically.
9. “Trouble” by Ray LaMontagne
This is my go-to baking album. It just has that energy. The air is crisp but still comfortable enough to open a window. It is a Sunday, your kitchen is warm and smells like cinnamon. This is the album that should be playing in the background.
10. “Ctrl” by SZA
I listen to this album every year around this time religiously. Every song flows perfectly into the next, and before you know it, the last song is in your queue. “Ctrl” so perfectly encapsulates the melancholy feeling of knowing a period in your life is about to come to a close.
Happy listening, collegiettes.