There is nothing more I love than a good Spotify-playlist. I especially love making themed-playlists, and when it comes to a change in seasons, I’m already well on my way to crafting the perfect soundtrack for it. Fall is no exception. Here’s some songs that each have their own unique way of getting me into the autumnal spirit, and hopefully, will help you too.
1. “Halloween” – Phoebe Bridgers
Starting with one of my favorite musical artists and one of my favorite albums, “Halloween,” by Phoebe Bridgers from her album Punisher. This song has the perfect melancholy feel for the fall season. The song itself is a haunting, floaty tune, with Bridgers’ gentle harmonies about how the holiday of Halloween allows us to be whatever we want to be. It’s a fun, spooky song, and is always on my rotation the second it hits Oct. 1 as I plan for my next Halloween costume.
2. “Linger” – The Cranberries
I could listen to “Linger” by The Cranberries any time of year, but the song hits differently during autumn. Between Dolores O’Riordan’s incredibly unique leading vocals and the lovely intro of twinkling guitars and staccato strings, “Linger” captures the nostalgic feeling of watching the leaves fall off their trees and reminiscing on the fleeting summer we leave behind in the process. Plus, the namesake of the Irish rock band, cranberries, are a seasonal fruit of fall, meaning they perfectly fit my fall soundtrack.
3. “All Too Well” (10 Minute Version) (Taylor’s Version) – Taylor Swift
Is it really a list of fall songs without Taylor Swift? While Swift has an array of fall-themed songs, “All Too Well” is my personal favorite. From the seasonal-themed lyrics of “Autumn leaves falling down / like pieces into place,” and the overall wistful and longing tone, this song fits perfectly. It also makes me want to impulse buy a bunch of red scarves and update my fall wardrobe. If you’re feeling particularly melancholy, you could even listen to the Sad Girl Autumn version of the song, but I think the original works just as well for getting into the mood for fall.
4. “You’re Not The Only One I Know” – The Sundays
With a catchy guitar riff that helps balance out the melancholic melodies, The Sundays’ perfect sound in “You’re Not The Only One I Know” represents fall. Plus, Harriet Wheeler’s dreamy vocals remain one of my favorite voices of all time, aside from Dolores O’Riordan’s. Whenever I listen to this song, I feel like going apple-picking or on a picturesque stroll to watch the trees change colors. It’s a song that’s not too fast and not too slow; it’s a perfect in-between, just like fall.
5. “Harvest Moon” – Neil Young
What better way to end this playlist than with the song my current fall Spotify playlist is named after? Although this song is unfortunately no longer available on Spotify, it still remains one of my favorite autumnal songs. The gentle folksy guitar and Young’s heartfelt lyrics of love during fall make the season all the sweeter for me. If you’re interested in the song, but don’t feel like having to go to another streaming site for it, Lord Huron has an excellent cover of it on Spotify that captures the same dreamy fall feeling that Young creates.
Whether you enjoy seasonal-playlist making like myself, or just keep all your favorite songs disorganized on your Spotify, I highly recommend checking out all of these music choices. Whether you end up liking them or hating them, they may make your fall a little dreamier and fun.