Fall is some people’s favorite time of year, and while it’s not my favorite season, it does have some pretty great music. I love it when music truly encapsulates how I’m feeling, and this playlist sums up autumn in one hour and 20 minutes; take a listen!
“mirrorball” by Taylor Swift
The entirety of Taylor Swift’s “folklore” album encapsulates the feeling of autumn, but I’ve picked a few of my favorites specifically for this playlist. “mirrorball” itself is a masterpiece to overworked, people-pleaser college students like myself, and this song’s bridge is a little too relatable amid fall burnout.
“we fell in love in october” by girl in red
Girl in red’s most streamed song is a beautiful love song about an autumn romance. Among other, sadder songs on this playlist, this soft song is comforting for those romantics out there whose dreams consist of apple-picking and pumpkin-carving dates!
“cardigan” by Taylor Swift
Swift’s “cardigan” feels like a warm hug on a fall day. With arguably some of her best lyrics, “cardigan” is another song for the autumn lovebirds.
“Wasteland, Baby!” by Hozier
Like Taylor Swift, Hozier is another artist featured on this playlist numerous times. His deep voice and the beautiful guitar wrap around me while looking at the leaves changing color.
“Where You Lead” by Carole King
If “Gilmore Girls” is your autumn guilty pleasure like it is mine, this song should be at the top of your fall playlist. Every time I hear the introduction to this theme song, no matter the season, I am immediately transported into the cool air of October.
“Where’d All the Time Go?” by Dr. Dog
This song is for those who think summer flew by way too fast. Whether you reminisce about summer or embrace the changing weather, this song reflects the fleeting time between the seasons.
“Begin Again (Taylor’s Version)” by Taylor Swift
Another sad Taylor Swift song because there are just too many good ones! Although sad, this song is a reminder that although summer left too quickly, fall is a time of renewal—a time to begin again, Taylor’s Version, of course.
“breadwinner” by Kacey Musgraves
I LOVE this Kacey Musgraves song. Her voice is so unique, and the tune of this song just sounds like autumn to me.
“Drunk on Halloween” by Wallows
This underrated Wallows single not only mentions Halloween but also has a soft beat, making it perfect for autumn walks or autumn studying.
“Dreams – 2004 Remaster” by Fleetwood Mac
I truly have no explanation for this one, except for the fact that Fleetwood Mac never misses, and this song just radiates a vibe that I am carrying with me into this fall.
“September – Recorded at the Tracking Room Nashville” by Taylor Swift
Although we can no longer fawn over the 28th night of September, Taylor Swift’s quiet falsetto rendition of Earth, Wind & Fire’s iconic “September” is another song I have on my fall study mix.
“Like Real People Do” by Hozier
Island Records, Rubyworks Records
This is one of my favorites by Hozier, alluding to the metaphor of the rustic Earth, which is similar to the falling leaves and browning grass that occur during the autumn season. Although “Like Real People Do” features some eerie lyrics, it is another tune that just screams fall to me.
“Sad Beautiful Tragic (Taylor’s Version)” by Taylor Swift
“Sad Beautiful Tragic (Taylor’s Version)” recounts a heart-stopping then heartbreaking relationship. However sad it may be, this bridge is one of my favorites to scream while cuddled up in a warm crewneck (or cardigan).
“Nothing New (feat. Phoebe Bridgers)” by Taylor Swift and Phoebe Bridgers
This song is for the drearier fall days when you cannot and will not get out of bed. We all need those days sometimes, and Taylor Swift and Phoebe Bridgers are the perfect comforters when the approaching cold weather and demanding tasks are taking too much from you.
“Work Song” by Hozier
Island Records, Rubyworks Records
Hozier’s voice and emotion are so distinct in this song, making me feel like I am in the studio with him. “Work Song” is beautiful to me, and its lyrics express a beautiful love that cannot be held down, even by burial in the “cold, dark earth.”
“November Air” by Zach Bryan
The title of this Zach Bryan track speaks for itself. If you’re looking for a more raw performance, the live version at Red Rocks is even more beautiful than the original studio version (which is nearly impossible to top, but somehow Zach Bryan did just that).
“4EVER” by Clairo
Another gloomier one, but this beat is so addicting that I catch myself humming it all season.
“Stick Season” by Noah Kahan
Mercury Records, Republic Records
Noah Kahan’s claim to fame will always be a staple on my autumn playlist. The metaphor “season of the sticks” is especially relatable if you are counting down the days until Christmas break to return home to see your family and friends and finally feel okay again. This song exemplifies the feeling of anticipation and waiting for a transition, just like how summer transitions to fall and fall consequently transitions to winter.
“I Remember Everything (feat. Kacey Musgraves)” by Zach Bryan and Kacey Musgraves
This one is a new favorite of mine—Zach Bryan and Kacey Musgraves’s voices flow together so beautifully. “I Remember Everything” recalls the lonely feeling of autumn and remembering past years’ memories and people that have faded with time.
“All Too Well (10 Minute Version) (Taylor’s Version)” by Taylor Swift
And finally, the song I’ve had on repeat every fall day since November 12, 2021. Whether you have a ten-minute break between studying, a ten-minute car ride to get coffee, or 30 minutes while making dinner (because listening three times is better than only once), this is the song of the season every year.