The brisk wind of fall means it's time to throw on a cozy sweater, enjoy the changing leaves, and plug in your headphones for some slow but beautiful music. I once read that fall is the only time of year it’s socially acceptable to listen to depressing songs. Although I disagree, I listen to depressing songs all year round, I ran with the one opportunity to recommend a playlist full of not-so-upbeat songs without receiving tons of flack from my friends (my friends once banned the aux cord from me at a party because of this problem of mine).
1. “33 God” by Bon Iver
Or really any song from his newest album "22, A Million." The lyrics, while sparse and mostly images of mundanity, are absolutely potent. I’ve listened to this song on repeat since its release, and I still cannot place my finger on its exact meaning. Yet, that is the essence of all his music. Instead of getting bogged down with finding a clear message in his husky notes, I am merely overtaken with the song and transported to a place far from reality.
2. “Cherry” by The Chromatics
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I experience déjà vu every time this song seeps out of my headphones (although, this déjà vu could very well be a result of overplaying it…). The beat is laid-back with a vintage-like air to it. Completely understated and capturing an effortless vibe, this song often accompanies my walk to class each morning.
3. “One Life Stand” by Hot Chip
So I can’t take credit for finding this song on my own. When I was in New York City over Columbus Day weekend, I was in an uber with several people and someone grabbed the aux card and played this song. It is rare for me to immediately connect with a song, yet that is exactly what happened when I first heard its fresh sound pour through the car’s stereo. To put it simply, this song makes me feel a lot cooler than I actually am.
4. “Always Let U Down” by Blood Orange
Just like all of Blood Orange’s music, this song transports me to an unknown time period that is a lot more exciting than sitting on the T. With an eclectic tone and reference to both Frank Sinatra and Greta Garbo, this is a staple song for any playlist.
5. “Amsterdam” by Gregory Alan Isakov
Anyone that knows me knows my wild obsession for this folk artist. The lyrics to this song (and all his songs) are pure poetry. The melody, delicate and pretty, is woven into Isakov’s powerful vocals that echo genuine heart-break. Check out the live version to hear the raw instrumentals.
6. “Your Ex-Lover Is Dead” by Stars
Who doesn’t appreciate an angry break-up song? Perfect for when you see annoying couples cuddling up with their Pumpkin Spice Lattes, this song is about running into an ex-lover who you are very much over (or, at least, pretending to be very much over).
7. “Hannah Hunt” by Vampire Weekend
Full of quirky lyrics and a wafting melody, this is a Vampire Weekend classic. While I love the entire song, the strong instrumentals prior to the chorus is what keeps making me press “repeat.” This surprising but beautiful shift in the song never seems to get old.
