Fall has arrived with cooler weather and changing leaves as we all begin to tailgate, go apple picking, and eat cider donuts. And every new season needs a good playlist. Some of our members have compiled a list of the best songs and albums to listen to while drinking Pumpkin Spice Lattes to get you in the fall mood, and you can find MUSIC Matters full fall playlist at the bottom of this post.
Ella Liu suggests: Hozier by Hozier
Hozier is the epitome of fall. Despite being released 7 years ago, the songs of this album have a peculiarly tight hold on any and all fall playlists I make. “Cherry Wine” is the perfect song to listen to with pumpkin spice, 50° weather, and gloomy skies . “From Eden”, “Like Real People Do”, “Work Song”, and of course the ever-popular yet radio overplayed “Take me to Church” give me the absolute hankering for a cider donut. The rasp of Hozier’s bluesy folk creates an inner conflict, like “am I sad right now or just relaxed?” which essentially is the exact feeling of fall. (More songs like this: “Dirty Old Town” by Craig Cardiff, “Shovels & Dirt” by The Strumbellas, “Sleep on the Floor” by the Lumineers, and “Michigan” by the Milk Carton Kids.)
Najeeb Baig suggests: Die a Legend by Polo G
Die a Legend, Polo G’s debut studio album, screams fall. Polo G raps about his struggles with a rough upbringing. Songs like “Picture This” and “Through the Storm” show off his true colors, much like autumn leaves showing their different colors. The piano beats give off relaxing and soothing fall vibes. Even though the album was released summer 2019, it’s perfect to listen to while walking through crunching orange and red leaves.
Hannah Tiller suggests: “Feeling Lonely” by boy pablo
“Feeling Lonely” by boy pablo is a solid fall song. It gives off the odd feeling of levitating on a fall walk while having a main character moment. “Feeling Lonely” is an upbeat song with a bittersweet message that perfectly encapsulates this season. The catchy guitar melody can get stuck in your head and keep the “winter scaries” away. Spotify knows me too well and plays this song all the time when I shuffle my fall playlist.
Emma Peterson suggests: “Jackie and Wilson” by Hozier
My quintessential fall song is “Jackie and Wilson” by Hozier. It has the same feeling as walking through the diag while the leaves are just orange enough to not have fallen yet. I have also been very into Kacey Musgraves’s new album recently; I think while Golden Hour sounds like summer, its sequel star-crossed is pure fall.
Catherine Nelson suggests: “Don’t Worry” by Frank Turner
“Don’t Worry” by Frank Turner is a song that I must listen to every fall. It’s slow melody and easy-going acoustic guitar gives the same feel as walking outside into a chilly fall day wrapped up in your comfiest hoodie. The message in the lyrics is calming and comforting, which is especially nice to hear as the academic year starts up and the weather grows colder.
You can find the full MUSIC Matters Fall Playlist here.