Whether you’re excited or not, we’re approaching the first day of fall this Sunday, September 22. In preparation, the leaves on the trees of Hamilton have begun to transition to gorgeous reds and oranges while a cool breeze fills the air. This week’s 13 featured songs set the mood for pumpkin picking, apple cider and all the other experiences that fall brings:
“Cherry Flavoured” – The Neighbourhood (2020)
“Cherry Flavoured” has a calm and dreamy sound which eases the transition from summer to fall. “Sweet and sour motivation / Wish I could keep concentration,” Jesse Rutherford sings about feeling the “sweet” part of a relationship start to slip away.
“Flowers in Your Hair” – The Lumineers (2012)
Many songs by The Lumineers feel like fall, but this short track is my favorite. Lyrics like “be in my eyes and be in my heart” illustrate the devotion that the singer feels for his lover.
“Campus” — Vampire Weekend (2008)
“I see you, you’re walking ‘cross the campus,” Ezra Koenig sings in this track perfect for fall on Colgate University’s beautiful campus. This familiar tune went viral two years ago when many students wanted to show off their college.
“Begin Again (Taylor’s Version)” – Taylor Swift (2021)
Taylor Swift sings about meeting someone new and finally being able to get over an ex-lover in this soft track. Many people use the fall and a new school year to “begin again” and reset.
“Back to Autumn” – Tall Heights (2015)
A chill but haunting track, “Back to Autumn” has an echoey and autumnal production. Lyrics like “Bring me back to autumn or lead me on to May” emphasize how certain seasons can bring back certain memories.
“Amsterdam” – Gregory Alan Isakov (2013)
Gregory Alan Isakov puts his unique folk sound on this track, personifying the city of Amsterdam as his lover. “She’ll follow me down every street / No matter what my crime,” Isakov sings to show the commitment he feels from his lover.
“called you again” – Lizzy McAlpine (2022)
The chorus of this track is always one of my favorites to listen to while walking among the fall foliage. “And that should be the end of it, but I never know when to stop talking,” Lizzy McAlpine sings about an uncertain situationship.
“Alaska” – Maggie Rogers (2019)
Maggie Rogers impressed producer Pharrell Williams with “Alaska” in an NYU recording music course. The video went viral and boosted Rogers’ career and beautiful alternative sound. This track is funky and has a beat reminiscent of stunning nature found in a place like its title.
“Glue Song feat. Clairo” – beabadoobee (2023)
“I guess I’m stuck forever by the glue,” beabadoobee sings about the strong connection she feels to her lover. Clairo’s soft and airy voice complements beabadoobee’s bright tone.
“coachella” – lovelytheband (2018)
The guitar melody of “coachella” is happy and soothing, matching the carefree energy that the lyrics detail. The lines “In your head, it’s Coachella every weekend / Free spirits and flowers on your head” capture the spirit of the famous music festival.
“Look After You” – The Fray (2005)
If you’re in need of a throwback for a fall playlist, “Look After You” is my pick. The emotion-filled lyrics and unmistakable alt-rock production give the track a comforting and familiar feel.
“Paul Revere” – Noah Kahan (2023)
“One day, I’m gonna cut it clear / Ride like Paul Revere,” Noah Kahan sings in this track about wanting to leave a place but also feeling tied to it. Kahan’s famous folk sound screams autumn vibes.
“Out of Tune” – The Backseat Lovers (2018)
“Out of Tune” is an ode to The Backseat Lovers members’ friendship and road to success. “You had my back and I had yours / We were just a couple of posers with guitars,” Joshua Harmon sings in this catchy rock track.
