Top 10 Songs to Add to Your Autumn Playlist

Image courtesy of Catholic University

By Mariam Baldwin

This is an independently submitted op-ed and does not reflect the views of The Tower.

It’s officially sweater weather. We’ve bid farewell to the sweltering heat of summer and instead embraced the chilliness of autumn. With the change in weather, it’s time that we all update our wardrobes – and our playlists. Here are my top ten songs to add to your fall playlist.

1. “Fade Into You” by Mazzy Star

This 90s ballad has a captivating hold on me. Every time I listen to it, I’m flooded with bittersweet emotion. The slide guitar is immediately soothing and makes me feel nostalgic for something I can’t put my finger on. Mazzy Star’s ethereal vocals elevate the song to new heights. These characteristics mark it as a beautiful blend of alt-rock and dream pop, and it’s a cozy song that’s perfect for late autumn nights.

2. “Rhiannon” by Fleetwood Mac

Fleetwood Mac is one of my favorite bands ever, and their entire discography gives me witchy autumn vibes. They lean into this more than ever with their 1975 single, “Rhiannon.” The lyrics perfectly fit the Halloween season, with lines like “she is like a cat in the dark and then she is the darkness,” and the guitar riff is wonderfully atmospheric. This will be a song to have on-repeat throughout October.

3. “Linger” by the Cranberries

Another wonderful hit from the 90s, “Linger” is one of the best known songs by the Cranberries. Its uplifting beat and calming melody mark it as an interesting mix between folk and alt-pop. This song  is an immediate mood booster; it’s the kind of song that you can listen to anywhere, whether that be walking to class or simply doing homework in your room. It’s truly timeless.

4. “we fell in love in october” by girl in red

“we fell in love in october” is a queer love ballad that was an early single of indie-pop artist girl in red. The lyrics are sweet and sentimental, evoking love found among the falling leaves. Only girl in red can make “you will be my girl, my girl, my girl, my girl” sound so beautiful and poetic. This happy tune is perfect for sunny October days.

5. “Sweater Weather” by the Neighbourhood

Of course, I had to include this absolute classic from the early 2010s. It’s one of the most infectious songs, from the moody instrumental to the lyrics that make you want to scream along with them. I consider this one of my go-to karaoke songs for a reason. “Sweater Weather” is immediately nostalgic and brings all the right vibes for autumn.

6. “State Lines” by Novo Amor

This is a personal favorite. Novo Amor is an emotionally evocative artist, and you can feel it no more than in “State Lines.” The minute the guitar kicks in, I feel immediately transported into the emotion of the song. It’s beautifully melancholic, and the lyrics tell the story of a love thwarted by circumstances. “Find me a way, and I’ll be yours in a landslide” is an emotionally charged statement that wonderfully ends the song. This is perfect for quiet drives on old backroads, silently admiring the autumn foliage.

7. “Maine” by Noah Kahan

I thought about putting “Stick Season” in this slot, but then realized that it’s overexposed compared to some of Noah Kahan’s other works. Instead, I’m throwing it back to his old EPs with “Maine.” This is a beautiful folk ballad with stripped-back vocals and guitar. It tells the story of a person whose star shines too bright, so much so that it means hurting the people who love them. As someone who loves his whole discography, I can confidently assert that this is one of my favorite songs by Noah Kahan.

8. “Ophelia” by the Lumineers

Another great folk ballad, this song is deceptively upbeat compared to its melancholy lyrics. It tells the story of a man who clearly can’t get over an old attachment, even if it’s self-destructive and toxic. The piano is memorable and nicely complements the lively vocals. This is a wonderful introduction to the music of the Lumineers, who give folksy autumn vibes all around.

9. “Roslyn” by Bon Iver & St. Vincent

This song is simply gorgeous. It was originally released as part of the Twilight: New Moon soundtrack, and it has stood the test of time. Everything from the soothing guitar to the haunting vocals make it a memorable listening experience. The lyrics are mysterious, yet filled with melancholy. It’s a song that will stay with you a long time after listening to it.

10. “Sim Sala Bim” by Fleet Foxes

Shoutout to Quill editor Tim for putting me on to this! Fleet Foxes is a wonderful folk band, and this lively tune is perfect for autumn. “Sim Sala Bim” starts off fairly slow, but gets more intense the longer you listen to it. I’d argue that the best part of it is the upbeat instrumental, which really picks up at the end. This song is folk at its finest and, as such, a great addition to your autumn playlist.