As we transition from summer to fall, the overall mood shifts. The temperature is colder, the days get shorter and everything feels a little cozier. When I think of fall, I see a glowing vision of trees dispersing red and yellow leaves. I feel a warm, wistful happiness along with soft sounds of the breeze. Since the autumns in Houston don’t usually mirror this idyllic fall, I enjoy listening to music that elevates the season and evokes what a perfect autumn might sound like.
Here are ten songs of those songs:
1. “Cranes in the Sky” by Solange
Starting off with popular hit by R&B singer, Solange, “Cranes in the Sky” has a soft melody with an upbeat tempo that I feel perfectly represents the change from a bright summer to a charming fall.
2. “Kingston” by Faye Webster
Next up, this 2019 track has easily become a staple in my fall playlist since its release. Right from the intro of the song to Webster‘s distinct vocals, this is an excellent song to mark the beginning of the season.
3. “Don’t Know How to Keep Loving You” by Julia Jacklin
4. “All Flowers in Time Bend Towards the Sun” by Jeff Buckley & Elizabeth Frazer
“All Flowers in Time Bend Toward the Sun,” is a breathtaking collaboration between Jeff Buckley and front-woman of Cocteau Twins, Elizabeth Frazer. Even though this track is, sadly, unreleased, this acoustic track is one that I always come back to.
5. “Abandoned Mansion” by Dr. Dog
6. “When the Sun Hits” by Slowdive
The shoegaze band, Slowdive, is another group I feel has many songs that fit into this season. “When the Sun Hits” is a great example of one of them.
7. “Angeles” by Elliot Smith
The first time I heard this song was in a car ride in New York during fall. As we passed through the many hills and saw the many different colors of nature, I fell in love with “Angeles” from the moment I heard it. Maybe it’s the nostalgia, but I think Elliot Smith‘s intricate guitar riffs and lyricism convey a peaceful and bittersweet tone that sounds perfect for the fall.
8. “Close Your Eyes” by the Backseat Lovers
With even the cover art slightly resembling fall, “Close Your Eyes” by The Backseat Lovers is one of the more buoyant songs on this list that still captures the delicate nature of fall.
9. “You Don’t Know This Guy” by Her’s
This song is one of my personal favorites from the late band of Her’s. The graceful guitar played throughout the song along with the effortless bass line sound like a cozy day.
10. “Moonlight on the River” by Mac DeMarco
Lastly is “Moonlight on the River” by Mac DeMarco. Besides the title that paints an alluring picture, the calming seven-minute song sounds like a serene night from start to finish. The last seconds of the song also tie in the spookiness of October with an ominous laugh.
I am from Houston, Texas and currently attending the University of Houston as a marketing major! From attending concerts, playing guitar, and collecting vinyl, I love anything that has to do with music. Some of my favorite artists include The Strokes, Omar Apollo, and boygenius. Besides that, I really like shopping, watching Pitch Perfect, and discovering new places in Houston!
