The moment autumn leaves begin falling and the air has tangible crispiness, my “fall vibes” playlist plays on repeat. Nothing makes me more content than pumpkin patches, apple pie, sweaters, and comfort music. While Texas is not an ideal place for a chilly autumn season, we can all be delusional and pretend it’s the perfect “sweater weather” state. I gathered a list of my favorite fall songs so we can all live our Gilmore Girls autumn fantasy.
girl in red- “we fell in love in october” (2018)
This song is a fall staple. Marie Ringheim (girl in red), created a lovely song that encompasses her good memories with the month of Oct. The cover photo for the song depicts a girl with flushed cheeks and a red sweater laying in autumn leaves. I could listen to this song forever and never get sick of it.
Radiohead- “High and Dry” (1995)
Gotta love Radiohead. Even though the title isn’t literal, it gives off fall vibes. I can’t think of a better word to describe Texas autumn than “dry.” I mean, obviously this song is incredible. I listen to it all year long, but I find Radiohead’s music even more perfect during cooler months.
Elliott Smith- “Angeles” (1997)
I mean, should any questions be asked? It’s Elliott Smith. But really, I found this song a few months ago and it plays on repeat in my headphones. His unique voice allows every line he sings to sound so satisfying. Every lyric just intertwines and flows like I’ve never heard before. This song satiates my ears like no other. Elliott, as per usual, ate and left no crumbs.
TV Girl – “Lovers Rock” (2014)
TV Girl stays one of my favorite bands ever. Lovers Rock sounds grainy and the electric music makes me feel all warm inside. A part of the song has a “doo doo” in the background that just compels me to sing along. There’s also a dialogue towards the end between two people, sampled from a song produced in the 60’s, and their staticky voices give me a blissful, fuzzy feeling.
Iron & Wine- “Flightless Bird, American Mouth” (2007)
Featured in the iconic Twilight wedding scene, this song screams autumn. This song makes me want to lay down in a flower field with Edward Cullen. The way it makes me feel can only be explained as unexplainable. The lyrics, beats, everything, chef’s kiss. 10/10.
Hozier- “Like Real People Do” (2014)
First of all, Hozier’s lyricism in all of his songs are out of this world. He creates pure art through his music. If I could pick every song from this album, I would, but I settled on this song because of the serenity it offers. At some points in this song a higher pitched melody plays in the background which reminds me of a howling wind. This song just hits all the right spots. With charming lyrics like, “Honey, just put your sweet lips on my lips,” and “Before those hands pulled me from the Earth?”
Radiohead- “Reckoner” (2007)
I know, I know. Again… I won’t say too much but this song is insanely good. The high pitched melodies give me the chills in the best way. The song can feel eerie but somehow also very comforting.
Bon Iver- “For Emma” (2007)
Justin Vernon (Bon Iver), incredibly creates folk music that stains your soul. This song will always stay with me and I’ll never forget how I felt the first time I heard it. Vernon wrote and recorded the entire album, “For Emma, Forever Ago,” in a log cabin in North Carolina, which really adds to the ambiance of the album. This song feels like taking a breath when the air’s so cold it hurts your throat, but at the same time the breath also refreshes your lungs.
Billy Joel- “Vienna” (1977)
I listen to this song year-round, but it hits especially hard during fall months. The song makes me feel reassured and stable with where I am in my life. With lyrics like, “Slow down you crazy child,” and, “You better cool it off before you burn it out.” Overall, the song’s vibe is just chill and Joel’s singing feels like a warm hug throughout your entire body. Perfect to listen to on a chilly night near a crackling fireplace.
Taylor Swift- “All Too Well (Sad Girl Autumn Version) (10-Minute Version)” (2021)
I think no matter your opinion on Ms. Swift, you can’t deny that this track isn’t a banger. Everything about this song wails autumn. The title is quite literally, “Sad Girl Autumn.” While this song is supposed to be devastating, it makes me feel the opposite. The second I hear those first beats I want to hop in the car, blast the song with all windows down, and go drive into the sunset. Shouting this song at the top of my lungs is so therapeutic. If anything, this song remedies my sad girl autumn.
The Cranberries- “Linger” (1993)
Just a classic 90’s song. The way she says “linger” tickles my brain in all the right places. Everytime I hear this song I have to hold myself back from swaying back and forth and singing along. Perfect song for a fall day.
Mazzy Star- “Fade Into You” (1993)
I would consider this song perfect. The lead singer’s vocals are breathtaking and blend with the music flawlessly. When I listen to this song it makes me want to light a pumpkin scented candle and put on plaid pajama pants. Also I feel like this song goes hand in hand with a rainy day.
The Neighbourhood- “Sweater Weather” (2013)
As many times as I have heard this song in the past few years I don’t believe I’ll ever grow tired of it. Nothing says autumn more than the words, “sweater weather.” This song exemplifies how versatile music can be. I’ve listened to this song when I’m sad, happy, or just chilling. Also the outro “whoa” chunk sounds awesome.
Adrianne Lenker- “Not a lot, just forever” (2020)
I’ll say this whole album wildly impressed me. I randomly came upon it and I found some of my favorite songs on it, including this one. I chose this one for this list because there’s a lot of lyrics that remind me of the fall. “Still she tears at my sweater,” and, “as the wren shreds her feathers.” This song’s lyrics are the star of the show, along with Lenker’s voice. I can’t get enough of it. I find when I listen to this song I sometimes find myself recognizing meanings and analogies behind lyrics that I hadn’t before. The freedom of perceiving and analyzing music makes it so appealing to me.
Pavement- “Harness Your Hopes” (1997)
The rhyming scheme in this song just hits differently. This upbeat song makes me want to bop my head back and forth. It feels like golden hour on a fall day. Like when it’s cold out but the sun is shining through the clouds, warming your skin.
