Autumn is the time for change as we leave summer behind—thrifted cozy sweaters, TV show rewatches in blankets, pumpkin spice and cinnamon, and a new fall playlist. This is our curated list of perfect songs for the autumn season!
1. “Golden Brown” by The Stranglers (9/10)
“Golden Brown” by The Stranglers encapsulates the bittersweet feeling of falling into autumn, its sound as warm as the golden and crimson foliage. The song has a rich instrumental that is reminiscent of folk music through its harpsichord melody. Uniquely charming in both vocals and sound, “Golden Brown” is a timeless song that mesmerizes with every listen.
2. “Reunion” by Korea Girl (9/10)
The popular hit “Reunion” by Korea Girl has become a fall sensation this year. The soft vocals and reminiscent feel evoke a sense of nostalgia. The lyrics “Down the halls / I still remember / the things you said / and I hang my head low / and I try / not to feel” convey the avoidant themes that relate to how teens may feel when back-to-school season rolls around. Although released in 1999, it has recently become an undeniable hit amongst teens.
3. “Kiss Me” by Sixpence None The Richer (10/10)
A classic, “Kiss Me” by Sixpence None The Richer feels undeniably fall. There’s sincerity in lyrics like “Oh, kiss me beneath the milky twilight / Lead me out on the moonlit floor” that capture a longing for love. With poetic lines sung over strumming guitars and a mellow bass line, this song is perfect for daydreaming on autumn walks.
4. “Where Is My Mind?” by The Pixies (8/10)
“Where Is My Mind?” is an iconic alt-rock single by the Pixies, famously featured in the 1999 film Fight Club. Underneath explosive vocals lies a dreamy yet haunting instrumental that adds to the song’s intrigue. In the steady rhythm of the drums paired with dynamic lyrics, it has a distinctness that reminds us of the moodiness of fall.
5. “Eyes Without A Face” by Billy Idol (9/10)
The next song is “Eyes Without a Face” by Billy Idol. We admire Idol’s deep and emotive vocals, accompanied by melodic backing harmonies that echo the song title in French: “Les yeux sans visage.” The inclusion of synthesizers adds a somber and hypnotic quality that is reminiscent of the seasonal melancholy of fall. One of our favorite parts is the guitar riff, a groovy interlude to the ballad.
6. “There Is a Light That Never Goes Out” by The Smiths (10/10)
“There Is a Light That Never Goes Out” by The Smiths is one of their most popular and renowned songs, and has become a fall staple amongst teens and adults alike. The romantic message it sends enhances the depth and themes of this piece. Each and every year, this song remains a classic that never gets old.
7. “Fade Into You” by Mazzy Star (9.5/10)
“Fade Into You” by Mazzy Star whisks you away to the autumn leaves and nauseating smell of pumpkin spice. It is often recognized in films such as Gilmore Girls and The Vampire Diaries. The calm and peaceful nature of this song resonates with the new beginnings that come with autumn. The slow tempo adds a dreamlike quality that amplifies the mood and atmosphere of this song, which makes it ideal for listening on a crisp autumn day.
8. “You’re Not The Only One I Know” by The Sundays (9/10)
The Sundays’ “You’re Not The Only One I Know” is a fall essential that highlights the band’s delicate vocals and instrumentals. The whimsical and wistful tone expresses deep-seated themes of loneliness. Harriet Wheeler’s lyricism illustrates the melancholic atmosphere of the beginning of autumn. This is one of those songs that makes the transition from summer to fall just a little easier.
9. “Linger” by The Cranberries (10/10)
The iconic 1993 hit “Linger” by The Cranberries perfectly captures the bittersweet feeling of the beginning of autumn. Even though “Linger” is a classic that is played year-round, it is still a song often associated with autumn’s moody and somber feel. Although the instrumentals and vocals follow a dreamier and gentler tone, the lyrics, “Was it just a game to you? / But I’m in so deep / You know I’m such a fool for you,” set a theme of betrayal and regret.
10. “I Will” by The Beatles (8/10)
The last song on our list, “I Will,” is a short and sweet love song by the Beatles. “I Will” has a purpose of showing the joys of love in its simplicity, which is accentuated by a backtrack of “do-do-dos”. Its soft lyrics made us think of a rosy lullaby. This song embraces a cozy feeling that is autumn in our childhood memory—comforting and wonderful.
Our list can be the soundtrack to your autumn months alongside the rustling of crisp leaves and crackling, cozy campfires. From ballads to alternative rock, these songs are sure to make you romanticize this season. We hope you enjoy!