As the air gets chillier and the sun sets earlier, people start to meticulously curate their fall playlists. Texans get to enjoy the last drops of summer for a couple more months, the season finally comes to an end in late October. Still, fall is inevitable, and having a good playlist to soundtrack peoples’ lives is necessary. Because this task is not always easy, here is a compilation of ten songs to check out this fall.
Seu Jorge: “Life on Mars?”
As a first addition to your fall playlist, you should definitely check out “Life on Mars?” by Brazilian composer Seu Jorge. The composer gives a twist to the song by taking the existing melody of David Bowie’s 1970s classic and changing up the lyrics to mimic a love song in Portuguese. Jorge’s acoustic take on the classic manages to bring more depth to an otherwise funky song about existentialism and escapism. The song is a part of “The Life Aquatic Sessions” collection made for the movie, “The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou.” This breathtaking love song will become one of your favorites this fall.
Jackson Browne: “These Days”
Next up, Jackson Browne’s “These Days” brings a melancholy blanket to comfort your fall blues. The song was originally written by Browne but released by German singer Nico. The longtime The Velvet Underground collaborator came to perform the song after Browne gifted it to her during their small affair. Browne’s songs are heavily influenced by his lifetime living in California which makes this the perfect song to imagine yourself going on a hike in the valley while singing along with the chilly autumn wind.
The National ft. Taylor Swift: “The Alcott”
Of course, a fall playlist isn’t complete without Taylor Swift. “The Alcott” by The National featuring Taylor Swift has quickly become one of Swiftie’s favorite collaborations in the last couple of years. The song features the classic folk vibe the Cincinnati band has solidified as their brand in their last couple of albums. If your vibe is “sad dad”, then The National is the perfect band for you. The band’s singer, Matt Berninger, has mastered the art of songwriting, accumulating praise from major players in the folk and alt-rock genres, like Phoebe Bridgers, Bon Iver, and Sufjan Stevens.
Crosby, Stills, Nash, & Young: “Our House”
Now that we’ve immersed ourselves into the sad folk genre, let’s change things up, and listen to something more cheerful. You can’t talk about the folk genre without mentioning the supergroup Crosby, Stills, Nash, & Young. Modern Folk music owes its wide recognition to the work of these visionaries. Our House is a rather upbeat song about a thriving romantic relationship. The harmonies the men create will truly astonish your ears and change your perspective on “old people music.”
Christian Lee Hutson: “Strawberry Lemonade”
Back to sad folk, relatively amateur songwriter, Christian Lee Hutson, has one of the most underrated albums of the last few years. Known for being a part of Better Oblivion Community Center alongside Phoebe Bridgers and Conor Oberst, Hutson’s stream-of-consciousness-like songwriting is amazing to listen to. His experience with folk production and years of guitar playing really shines on this specific track of his 2022 masterpiece, “Quitters,” culminating in a guitar solo in the latter part of the song. You will chuckle and cry while listening to this devastating song about growing up and losing friends along the way. Its slow melody makes it the perfect song to listen to on the car ride back home while watching the trees slowly turn orange.
Zoé: “Azul”
“Azul” by Zoé is a classic for Latino households worldwide. Relatable across cultures and ages, the song deals with an untimely breakup and the difficulty of moving on. The band’s signature psychedelic rock sound accompanied by León Larregui’s ethereal voice perfectly captures the sense of longing and nostalgia ever so present in the month leading to the wintertime. The theme of melancholy creates the perfect soundscape to dance to while spiraling into another existential crisis.
ROLE MODEL: “Somebody Else – Spotify Singles”
This last month, rising performer, ROLE MODEL, caught everyone off-guard with a cover release of cult classic “Somebody Else” by British musical royalty, The 1975. Everyone has unanimously categorized 1975 as a “Fall band,” so it came as no surprise that the most stripped-back, acoustic take on the song is on this list. This sonic choice helps give the song a more raw and vulnerable tone compared to the original version full of synths. As a result, the track feels more reflective and introspective.
Alice In Chains: “Nutshell”
When it comes to an introspective and somber song, nothing does it better than Alice in Chains’ “Nutshell.” The acoustic song contains hunting elements like Layne Staley’s painfully vulnerable vocals and Jerry Cantrell’s outstanding guitar riffs. “Nutshell” provides the perfect backdrop for listeners to embrace the isolating nature of autumn.
Vampire Weekend: “Harmony Hall”
Just because it’s fall doesn’t mean we have to cry to every song we play. “Harmony Hall” by Vampire Weekend is the perfect upbeat, indie rock song to hum along to while running errands. Don’t be fooled by the songs’ bright guitars and funky piano, it will still make you contemplate all your life choices. Although at first glance the song feels carefree, it contains deeper themes of nostalgia and disillusionment. This thought-provoking masterpiece is the perfect transition song to get you ready for the cooler months.
Pedro Piedra: “Occidental”
Lastly, “Occidental” by Pedro Piedra feels like a journey through a myriad of sonic landscapes. The song blends Latin American music with modern sound, and, essentially, deals with navigating a multicultural world and the prejudices present within every society. The playful melody draws listeners into exploring themes of identity and place.
Based on the songs reviewed, the mood for this fall is all about an upbeat melancholia. As students are getting ready for Common App deadlines, they are looking to romanticize their stressful school lives. Having a sad autumn playlist is necessary for this to happen, so check these songs out and consider adding them to yours.
