Autumn is a pretty cool and a pretty season in general—the sunsets are beautiful and it’s so much more colorful! Not only is it the season of pumpkin spice, but it’s the season of sweater weather, midterms, homecoming, holidays, and hanging out because it’s too cold to go out, but not cold enough for winter activities. But what makes all of those things better? Having some snazzy music, so if you’re trying to make the perfect autumn playlist, here’s four songs to definitely be added.
“We Are Going to be Friends” by the White Stripes has a nice little melody and has a nostalgic and hopeful feel to it. Listening to this song reminds me of spending time with some of my closest friends and makes me hope to be able to have more times like that. This is great for your playlist because it embodies the feel of change that comes with the falling leaves, which is the signal that “Fall is here.”
One of my new favorite fall songs is Yo La Tengo’s aptly titled song “Autumn Sweater.” I don’t know about you, but it makes me feel like I should be sipping some cocoa or cider. It has a warm and fuzzy feeling while having a little bit of an edge. It too has that nostalgic feel, almost like you should be curled up watching old reruns of your favorite Halloween movies after you’ve just been walking through the crunchy leaves outside.
While the intro is kind of corny and vaguely reminds me of Lord of the Rings’ Legolas “red sun rises” quote, “Sun it Rises” by the Fleet Foxes has a folky melody that has an interesting feel to it. Listening to the song almost has the feel of just taking it easy, with the occasional slightly mischievous sounding parts that tell you not to get too comfortable; maybe because of some playful trick or treaters? Who knows for sure, but this relaxing melody is sure to be a good addition to your playlist.
Now even though autumn goes a good way into December, for me fall kind of ends just after Thanksgiving. In my family, Thanksgiving is all about being together and being at home, which is the name of my final song suggestion. “Home” by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros has a fun and lively melody that reminds most of, you guessed it: home. Like the last song, it has a vaguely folky sound, almost like the Lumineers. It’s the kind of song that makes you want to go on a drive with your best friend and just enjoy the world around you.
While there are tons of other great songs for autumn, both classic and more contemporary, these are just a few. Hopefully with an awesome playlist you all can get through midterms and everything while having something fun to listen and relax to!
By Hannah Stewart