For December, I decided to make a playlist of more melancholic songs. Fall term is close to being over and the sun is constantly hiding away behind a blanket of clouds. This playlist is good for sitting and staring out a window, while the reminder of finals washes over you.

1. Spotless Mind by ISLAND

I heard about ISLAND a few years ago but never really looked into them. They showed up in my Discover Weekly with this song and I have not stopped listening to it since then. This song starts slowly with quiet vocals whispering with the instrumental, followed by incredibly strong lyrics and a more powerful instrumental in the chorus. It flips between these two extremes, making it a beautifully created song.

2. Stuck on the Puzzle by Alex Turner

Alex Turner of Arctic Monkeys took some time to write and perform an album for Submarine, a film made by Richard Ayoade. These six tracks are easily listened to and create the same sense of feeling awe when looking at a lover. “Stuck on a Puzzle” is one that flows together incredibly well, with simple guitar and drums driving the masterful lyrics.

3. Tripoli by Pinback

I heard this song last year when I was studying in my favorite coffee shop in Minneapolis, Espresso Royale. It’s a good song that epitomizes the word “melancholy,” and I think that’s why I love it so much. A guitar pluck is repeated through the whole song, almost covering up the layers of vocals, creating an interesting and moody sound.

4. Junk Food Chimney by Ezra Bell

Ezra Bell is a folk band from Portland, OR that released the 2013 EP “Don’t All Look Up At Once.” On that EP comes the song “Junk Food Chimney,” a short song with a lot of depth. Sprightly folk music is set behind grim lyrics, making it contradictory but all the more interesting to listen to.

5. Fade Into You by Mazzy Star

A mix of acoustic and electric guitar leads into the crooning voice of the lead singer of Mazzy Star, slowly driven by a tambourine. This throwback is a little more uplifting but brings with it a strong sense of nostalgia for the mid-90s.

6. Cherry Wine - Live by Hozier

This simple song has elegant lyrics propelled by just guitar makes the words stick in the air longer than if there were more instruments. This makes the song all the more haunting and beautiful.

7. Kansas City by The New Basement Tapes

The New Basement Tapes is a group of artists who perform uncovered, handwritten lyrics by Bob Dylan. The group consists of Elvis Costello, Rhiannon Giddens, Taylor Goldsmith, Jim James, and Marcus Mumford. This song, in particular, is melancholic but with a folk vibe, in which the guitar provides a more upbeat path for the lyrics.

8. No Woman by Whitney

The band Whitney formed in 2015 in Chicago have a very specific type of sound. Quiet vocals fall in step with the instruments, becoming an instrument itself. There is an engaging instrumental in this song specifically, with the electric guitar plucking its way through the 3 minute and 57-second song. The vocals mixed with the lyrics give this song the melancholy vibe that makes it fit into this playlist.

9. John My Beloved - iPhone Demo by Sufjan Stevens

If you know Sufjan Stevens, you know this is more than likely a sad song. But, what you didn’t know, is that this song is more gloomy than their entire discography. The slightly off sound from the iPhone recording gives it a nostalgic vibe and, much like Cherry Wine, the simple guitar behind a wispy voice makes it astonishingly haunting.

10. Alesund by Sun Kil Moon

This song has alluring and eerie acoustic guitar riffs that accompany sophisticated lyrics. This is a really good song for walking to class on a gloomy day or just to have on in the background in your room.

That's all for this month! You can click on the link here for the playlist and feel free to follow it!