Everyone needs an autumn playlist to get them through midterms, breakups, new relationships, jumping in leaf piles, and everything in between. Here are 13 songs to get you through the fall season.
1. Young the Giant - Mr. Know-It-All
This so happens to be my favorite song off of Young the Giant's new album "Home of the Strange." The song resonates with the ending of summer and getting into the groove of things at school. Sameer Gadhia's use of imagery in terms of the "students" he created showcases the song's true meaning: oblivion and new beginnings.
2. alt-J - Warm Foothills
I imagine myself here driving to go apple picking with my best friends. The tune exudes love in every imaginable way, beginning and ending with a haunting yet delighting echo of sound. alt-J has captured the autumn essence in subtle synthetic sounds and a gentle pair of male and female voices.
3. Sia - Bird Set Free
Every time this song plays in the playlist I imagine myself taking an exam, acing it, and leaving the room with open wings. On a much deeper level, Sia cultivates a mood of individualism, freedom, and confidence.
4. Lykke Li - Possibility
The song that gained popularity from the "The Twilight Saga: New Moon" by Lykke Li encapsulates hope and despair at the same time. Vivacity is found in the singer's incredible vocal range paired with piano repetitions.
5. Amy Winehouse - Love Is A Losing Game
To ease the potential pain from the previous song, Amy Winehouse's creation is a jazzy, to-the-point ballad of the troubles with love. Whenever I hear this song my memory is flooded with images of past lovers and experiences, meaning that the song does a great job provoking emotion.
6. St. Vincent - Birth In Reverse
St. Vincent's music always makes me want to dance, move around, and laugh a little. Her catchy melody composed of heavy instrumental sections makes all the previously overwhelming sad emotions transition into happiness and fun.
7. The Black Keys - Fever
"Turn Blue" is by far my favorite album from The Black Keys because the band's psychedelic indie sound is truly exemplified. "Fever" reminds me of having a first college crush and going through a "fever" of emotions ranging from lust to desperation.
8. Parlour Steps - Little Pieces
"Little Pieces" is an anthem for best friends, in that it showcases the "you jump, I jump" theme. Best known for being a theme for couple Eli and Clare from "Degrassi," the song tells of friends or lovers who act as one.
9. The 1975 - So Far (It's Alright)
I found this song to be extremely fitting for this point in the playlist, and I hope your opinion is that "so far, it's alright." The 1975 has many songs that can be associated with seasons but I feel that "So Far (It's Alright)" emphasizes the fall vibe with its message of perseverance and of course, a big ego (who doesn't love fall?).
10. Dashboard Confessional - Even Now
This was the first song I ever heard from Dashboard Confessional, and from that point on I truly fell in love. "Even Now" reminds me of finding something new to love about someone, even after having been with them for a long period of time.
11. John Mayer - Half of My Heart
John Mayer's voice can truly put me in a trance, and it makes me swoon in every way possible. He writes and executes this song with a tinge of person experience that can be felt by listeners. The half of his heart that wants to keep loving is the one we all resonate with.
