Music is a universal language. I don’t know about you, but my playlists, and mood for that matter, depend heavily on the ever-changing seasons. Music adds to the vibrancy of each season (when I don’t forget my headphones in my other bag) turns a walk outside into a pleasant music video like experience.

When I think of fall, I think of reflection and new beginnings. I think of a new school year, new professors, new friends… It seems that everything new happens in autumn. Most of the songs I have here are pretty nostalgic and peaceful. Personally, it helps me through the stressful times and the lyrics are very meaningful when you take the time to really listen. Here are a few songs that I think best emulate the spirit of Autumn:

1. “Oblivion” by Bastille

Everything about this song is beautiful. From the lyrics to the melody, I fell in love with every aspect. This song is really good for those walks across campus, and is also peaceful enough to lull you to sleep at night.

2. “Jolene” by Dolly Parton

Miley Cyrus performs a version of this song and she absolutely kills it. This beautiful ballad is sung in the voice of a woman pleading with another woman, Jolene, to not take her man a way “even though she can”. Don’t know why, but the country-esque rhythm makes me think of the fall foliage.

3. “I Can’t Help Falling in Love with You” by Fleet Foxes

This song is originally an Elvis Presley song, but I absolutely adore Fleet Foxes version of it. Once you listen to it, you’ll understand why I put this version on this list (hopefully—maybe it’s just me).

4. “What Sarah Said” by Death Cab for Cutie

Okay WARNING: This song is devastatingly sad (a lot of their songs are), but it’s beautiful—let’s count how many times I say a song is beautiful, GO!—The sad lyrics aside, the melody is easy enough to listen to as background music while you’re doing homework or cleaning your room.

5. “Faster” by Matt Nathanson

To move away from the sadder songs, this song is a bit more upbeat. It’s sweet, fun, and a good pump up song to start your day on.

6. “Dead Sea” by The Lumineers

The Lumineers are popularly know for their hit song “Hey Ho”, which is also really good! I love this song because it is different and the lyrics are super clever and poetic. It is also the perfect love song for anyone with wanderlust and a sense of adventure.

7. “Wake Me Up When September Ends” by Green Day

HA! You thought I wasn’t going to put this song on the list but, psh, of course I did. I feel like many people have heard this song and know (besides the blatantly obvious clue in the title) why I put this song on my list, so I will just leave it here for your enjoyment.

8. “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac

Honestly, I feel bad for anyone who hasn’t heard this song. Fleetwood Mac’s most well-known song also happens to be perfect for the reflective aspect of autumn that I usually feel. Despite it’s slower pace, this song can brighten my day any time.

9. “Somewhere Only We Know” by Keane

I first heard this song from a Glee episode, and both versions are amazing. This is another romantic song, but honestly I just picture anyone listening to it just sitting under a tree somewhere (only we know. Buh dum tsh).

10. “Free Fallin’” by Tom Petty

This is one of my all-time favorite songs. Tom Petty’s voice is incredible and I love the story he tells in this song. John Mayer also has a version of this song that is equally as touching.

11. “She’s Always A Woman” by Billy Joel

Let’s be real, I would put all of Billy Joel’s songs on any playlist, but this song is one of my favorites by him. Joel is an amazing songwriter and he can stir the hearts of anyone who happens upon his music.

12. “Take A Walk” by Passion Pit

This song, like the Nathanson song, is a lot of fun. It’s maintains a chill vibe while still being another good pump up song and I would ‘take a walk’ while listening to this song any day.

13. “Good Riddance” by Green Day

Woah, Green Day is on here again. This song holds a very special place in my heart. This song’s heartfelt lyrics perfectly sum up what it feels like to have a new beginning and also gives the listener a chance to reflect as the words guide you down memory lane, while preparing you for lies ahead.

Happy listening everyone!