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Falling into the perfect playlist

Illustration+by+Akhila+Nadimpalli
Illustration by Akhila Nadimpalli

If you’re anything like me, music consumes your life. Specific songs elicit certain memories and invoke particular feelings, and things like the weather or my mood can determine what’s on my Spotify queue.

As the temperatures drop and the trees change color, many people (myself included) feel the need to cozy up and transition into an autumnal state of mind.

To someone who likes to romanticize their life and the changes that occur within it, a good soundtrack is key to making the most of seasonal change. With that being said, curating the right sounds for fall can be easier said than done. Below, I’ve shared some of my personal favorites to make the transition from summer to fall easier.

Some albums perfectly encapsulate the fall feeling. Taylor Swift’s “Red” ranks among them, with songs like “All Too Well” and “Begin Again” being cemented as autumn masterpieces, though my personal favorite is “State of Grace.”

For those who enjoy sadder music, “Punisher” by Phoebe Bridgers is also a good pick for fall listening. Tracks like “Halloween,” “I Know the End” and “Graceland Too” are all personal favorites of mine, while also fitting in with the atmosphere of fall.

Leon Bridges’s “Coming Home” album has a nostalgic feeling reminiscent of Otis Redding and other soul artists that have always reminded me of cooler temperatures and allowed me to romanticize my life. The title track “Coming Home” is especially compelling to me.

Slower indie songs and acoustics are also very emblematic of fall. Hozier is a great artist to explore these sounds, with songs like “Jackie and Wilson” and “Like Real People Do” encapsulating the coziness that the season brings.

The Lumineers also have some of my favorite acoustic songs, with “Flowers in Your Hair” and “Sleep On The Floor” reminding me of a warm campfire or fun gatherings with friends and family.

Other indie-like or alternative must-haves for my fall playlist are “Autumn Leaves” by The Walters, “Velvet Ring” by Big Thief, “we fell in love in october” by girl in red and “Ghosting” by Mother Mother.

Though I don’t typically listen to a lot of country music, the acoustic sounds of country and blues are well suited for the cooler seasons. Chris Stapleton’s “Starting Over” showcases his unique voice and comfortable style that is well-suited for the transition into fall. Other bluesy-country artists to explore for similar vibes are Glen Campbell and Bob Dylan, both classics in their genres.

Recent releases might also be fitting for fall playlists. I’m currently obsessed with Laufey’s newest album, “Bewitched,” which is a neoclassical jazz album that has gained traction on TikTok. Boygenius is also set to release new music as an extension to their newest album, “the record,” on Oct. 13, which shows promise.

Creating a playlist with diverse sounds and a cohesive aura can be difficult. Hopefully some of these suggestions will make playlist curations a little easier this season.

If you see me around campus, this is what I’ll be listening to — at least until winter.

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    AdayaNov 3, 2023 at 12:54 pm

    I loved this article! I’m only a senior in high school, but I love looking into college publications and seeing what’s going on at the schools I’m considering. Such a great article, I wish I had written something like this for my school’s publication.

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