I don’t know what it is, but for some reason, the music playing and being released in the fall somehow seems to be some of the year’s best music. Maybe I am just biased because autumn is already my favourite season, but even the fact that Indy Blue’s Fall playlist (which includes some of my favourite songs) went viral suggests that there is something special about music in the fall.
Either way, I love fall, and I love music, so why not pair the two together? Just like in the summer, there are so many songs that just sound like fall to me. If you read my article from last fall, featuring songs to help you de-stress, you will recognize a similar vibe in the music I talk about here. To me, fall music is all about songs that sound acoustic, calm and warm. I don’t know exactly how to describe them better than they just feel like autumn when they come on.
I want to focus this article on a few albums that have stood out to me this fall. While some of them were technically released in the summer, they all have that warm fall mood that I mentioned above. Quite a few of them are actually debut releases from artists who I really think are onto something. You may know some already, but check them out below:
- Blood Harmony – FINNEAS
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If you know Billie Eilish, Finneas is her older brother who plays music with Billie, but also has his own music. Blood Harmony is his debut EP but he has several songs that you have probably already heard, like “Break My Heart Again”. FINNEAS showcases his powerful voice, poetic lyrics and unique music throughout this release. “I Lost A Friend” tugs on our heartstrings, while “Shelter” is a whirlwind of excitement and emotion. From the cover art to the music, this EP just suits this time of year.
- Immunity – Clairo
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Immunity is the debut album from 21-year-old Clairo. She gained popularity after releasing her song “Pretty Girl” on YouTube which boasts 40 million views. Immunity has a soft sound but doesn’t shy away from the retro indie-pop vibes from her previous releases, like 2018 EP diary 001. I was blown away when I heard the lead single, “Bags”, and again when the full album came out. Clairo’s voice is beautiful in every song, and the lyrics are so personal and emotional. Truly one of the best albums of the year, at least in my opinion.
- MAYBE – Valley
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Toronto-based band Valley is one of my favourite bands currently. Their sophomore album, MAYBE (which came out in three parts) is, in my opinion, their best collection of songs. With their unique and diverse indie-pop sound, there is a song on MAYBE for everyone listening. The album is perfect for driving around or sitting inside with a warm drink. Some of my personal favourites include “There’s Still A Light In The House”, “Sports Car” and “Nowhere Fast”.
- tryhard – The Band CAMINO
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tryhard is The Band CAMINO’s debut album, although the group has been releasing music since 2016. I first heard their song “My Thoughts On You” and, after recently missing the chance to see them live (their first show outside of the US nonetheless), have become obsessed. The perfect mixture of alternative rock and indie pop, tryhard is full of catchy, angsty, singalong in the car songs like “Daphne Blue”, “Honest” and “Break Me”.
- This Summer – Alessia Cara
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Don’t let the title fool you, Alessia Cara’s latest EP, This Summer, has all the fall, reminiscing-about-summer feels. With both happy and sad tracks, the EP hits all of your emotions and has a song for every mood. “OKAY OKAY” is a song all about positivity and self-love, while “October” reminisces about the summer. I feel like this EP really showcases Alessia’s voice and shows us a more unique side to her music. This is my favourite release of her’s so far.
- Without Fear – Dermot Kennedy
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Dermot’s debut album, Without Fear, combines emotional lyrics, folky acoustics and pop beats to create a very fall 2019 collection of songs. While this is his debut album, he has been releasing music since 2015. This album has some older songs that long-time fans know and love, like “An Evening I Will Not Forget”, and plenty of new songs for fans old and new. There’s a great range of slow ballads and upbeat anthems, all with a signature Dermot Kennedy sound. If you like Lewis Capaldi, you will like Dermot Kennedy too!
Beyond these (amazing) releases, there are a lot of other songs I am loving right now. Both old and new, here are some of my favourites from my autumn nineteen playlist!
- “FIND YOUR WAY BACK” by Beyoncé – Love this and all of The Lion King: The Gift album!
- “One Night” by Ed Sheeran – An oldie, but always good.
- “Cry for Me” by Camila Cabello – One of my new favourites.
- “I Think He Knows” by Taylor Swift – Effortlessly catchy and fun.
- “Nashville” by David Mead – Forever a fall mood all year long.
- “Lights Up” by Harry Styles – Of course…
- “Carry Me Away” by John Mayer – Classic John Mayer!
Thanks for reading about my current musical obsessions; I hope you find something new that you love or rediscover an old favourite! Follow me on Spotify for more music recommendations, and always feel free to DM me on Instagram (@jonnicaahill) with your own favourites or suggestions. I am always open to new music. Happy listening!