Everyone knows the sounds of the festive winter music that starts circulating the globe starting November 1st, but what about fall? The autumn season always gets cut short by the re-emergence of Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas Is You”. So the question is: why doesn’t the fall season get as good of a soundtrack as other seasons?
Most people will change their playlist to something refreshing and bright for the summer or something a bit more calm and dark for the winter, but not many people do the same for fall. Most people recycle their summer music throughout September before switching to Christmas carols in October. This leaves little room for autumn.
The key to a good fall playlist is a mixture of music that makes you feel the cool, crisp fall air, even when you aren’t outside. It gives you the ability to visualize the trick-or-treaters going from house to house on a cold Halloween night. It takes elements of indie pop, ballads, classic rock, 80’s synth-pop, and R&B to create a playlist that has something for everyone. Using these elements I have put together a list of songs perfect for fall.
“Call Me” - Blondie
The 1980 hit “Call Me” by the American new wave band Blondie is a perfect song to start off your fall season. Incorporating classic rock elements from the 70’s and 80’s and the newly emerging sound of the pop genre, “Call Me” transports you to a classic Halloween movie of the late 20th century.
“Everybody Wants to Rule the World” - Tears for Fears
Going farther into the 1980’s the song “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” by the English pop rock band Tears for Fears climbed its way onto music charts worldwide. This song combines the new wave genre pioneered by others earlier in the 80’s and the newly popular subgenre synth-pop to create a perfect fall classic.
“Thriller” - Michael Jackson
Still in the 80’s, one of the most popular Halloween songs of all time was released. “Thriller” by Michael Jackson was released in his sixth studio album of the same name. “Thriller” is more of an upbeat Halloween song that was heavily influenced by the disco and funk elements of the 70’s and 80’s. After its release, it became instantly popular across the entire world.
“Rhiannon” - Fleetwood Mac
Heading back a few years to 1975, the song “Rhiannon” by Fleetwood Mac was released. The song uses a storyline about a woman being possessed by the spirit of a woman named Rhiannon. This song is perfect for people who love the witchy, occult vibe in music. It is especially popular for fans of the American anthology series American Horror Story.
“Roslyn” - Bon Iver & St. Vincent
Jumping forward to 2009 “Roslyn,” a collaboration between indie folk band Bon Iver and pop rock artist St. Vincent, was created for the soundtrack of The Twilight Saga: New Moon. “Roslyn” is a downcast, indie ballad about people's isolated perspective of love. This song is perfect for rainy, gloomy days during autumn.
“505” - Arctic Monkeys
Earlier in the 21st century, English rock band, Arctic Monkeys, released the song “505” in their second studio album Favorite Worst Nightmare. This song is about lead singer Alex Turner, and the complicated, love/hate relationship he is in. “505” is an alternative/indie rock song accompanied with a soft melody and a strong guitar and drum instrumental.
“Dark Red” - Steve Lacy
Moving forward, “Dark Red” by American musician Steve Lacy was released in 2017. “Dark Red” became a staple in many people’s playlists after its surge of popularity in late 2021. The combination of Steve Lacy’s vocals and the alternative R&B instrumental surrounding it creates the perfect song for the months of October and November.
“Nothing New” (Feat. Phoebe Bridgers) - Taylor Swift
Next is a song from Taylors Swift’s second re-recorded album Red (Taylor’s Version). It is titled“Nothing New” and features American indie artist Phoebe Bridgers. While I think this entire album could fit this list, “Nothing New” stood out to me when I thought of fall music. The lyrics talk about the fear of aging and how people realize that they don’t know as much as they thought they did. The indie-pop feeling of the song combined with Phoebe's indie folk aesthetic and Taylor’s pop creates an amazing fall song.
“28 Reasons” - Seulgi
Coming to the present day, a member of the South Korean girl group, Red Velvet, made her solo debut with the mini album 28 Reasons on October 4, 2022. The title track of the same name is perfect for people looking for fall music with more of an edge and dark emotional feel compared to the previous fall songs. The whole mini album has a very versatile and diverse mood but staying mostly on an edgier side of the spectrum.
After compiling my own list of songs perfect for fall, I went around to different people in the school and community and asked them what their favorite songs for the fall season are. Here are some of their answers:
“4:00A.M.” - Taeko Onuki
“All Too Well (10 Minute Version)” - Taylor Swift
“August” - Taylor Swift
“Back To You” - Selena Gomez
“Bad Habit” - Steve Lacy
“Calling All the Monsters” - China Anne McClain
“Chanel” - Frank Ocean
“First Love / Late Spring” - Mitski
“I Wanna Be Yours” - Arctic Monkey
“Killer Queen” - Queen
“Like Real People Do” - Hozier
“Monster” - IRENE & SEULGI
“Monster Mash” - Bobby Pickett
“Motion Sickness” - Phoebe Bridgers
“Ribs” - Lorde
“Sofia” - Clairo
“Sweater Weather” - The Neighborhood
“Take Me To Church” - Hozier
“Thunder” - Lana Del Rey