fall listening: a cozy autumn playlist
fall listening: a cozy autumn playlist
nico, devendra banhart, van morrison, etc.
Every three months as we shift from one season into the next, I love to intentionally listen to music that aligns that that time of year. Of all the seasons, autumn is my absolute favorite for listening to seasonal music. The first seasonal playlist I ever created was for fall (according to my music library that was exactly 10 years ago!) Over the years, I have made autumn jazz playlists, an autumn in New York City playlist, and multiple general autumn playlists. I also have several different albums that I re-listen to each fall (see noted below).
Today, I wanted to share my playlist of 20 absolutely peak fall songs. It really is a mix of music, lots of older songs and some folk-y and singer songwriter tunes that feel just like this time of year to me. I wanted this playlist to capture the feeling of driving around on a crisp fall day, sunlight streaming on your face, slightly chilly air coming through your window and beautiful fall leaves decorating your drive. I hope you find a song or two to add to your own rotation. Scroll to the bottom of the post for streaming links.
The Fairest of the Seasons by Nico - I don’t think Nico is specifically referring to fall in this song, but I certainly consider it to be the fairest of the seasons. Plus, Nico’s entire vibe just feels autumnal to me.
Each Year by Ra Ra Riot - This song came out in my teen years and has been the epitome of a “fall song” to me ever since. The lyric “each year with the fall” is repeated throughout.
Cattails by Big Thief - This is such a lovely song that feels happy and nostalgic in just the right way for fall.
Going back home to the Great Lakes
Where the cattail sways
With the lonesome loonHey Mama Wolf by Devendra Banhart - I will enjoy Devendra Banhart at any time of the year, but the just slightly spooky tone of this song (an actual howling wolf at one point) fits the season so well.
Moonshadow by Cat Stevens - Now we’re into the moon portion of the playlist. Last fall, I was having a bonfire with my mom during a beautiful night with a bright shining moon. Sitting around the fire got us on the topic of moon songs and that was my introduction to Moonshadow. A lovely tune!
Pink Moon by Nick Drake - This is also one of the songs that has lived on every fall playlist for the past decade. This whole album is a perfect autumn listen.
Harvest Moon by Neil Young - The third in this trifecta of fall moon songs.
Nothin’ in this World by the Kinks - I first heard this song in the film Rushmore, which is an absolute peak fall movie for me. Rushmore is one of the earliest Wes Anderson films and, along with the Royal Tenenbaums, its soundtrack has formed the basis of what autumnal music is to me.
Everyone by Van Morrison - From the Royal Tenenbaums soundtrack!
One Too Many Mornings by Bob Dylan - I love folk-y tunes in fall and as a Minnesotan, I had to include a Bob Dylan song in my autumn playlist. This is a good one.
Kantori Ongaku by Devendra Banhart - Another Devendra Banhart! I love that he writes and records songs in multiple languages and this (partially) Japanese song and album was such a fun treat. Kantori Ongaku translates to Country Music and this song is Devendra’s own unique interpretation of country music.
Tezeta by Mulatu Astatke - I love to put on a jazz playlist in fall (especially on rainy and gray days). This is a lovely jazz instrumental by Ethiopian musician Mulatu Astatke.
Cape Code Kwassa Kwassa by Vampire Weekend - The campus/preppy/academia vibes are strong on this one!
One of These Things First by Nick Drake - Shifting into more folky tunes, another quiet one from Nick Drake.
Fever to the Form by Nick Mulvey - This was one of those songs that after the first time I heard it, I just wanted to listen to it over and over again. Another full album that I love to listen to in autumn.
Always This Way by Laura Marling - Such a lovely, catchy tune! If you ever enjoyed Ghosts by Laura Marling back in 2008, give a listen to some of her more recent releases.
Astral Weeks by Van Morrison - Astral Weeks is my core fall album and this song is just perfect. I have listened to it so many times, I don’t think I’ll ever get sick of it.
These Days by Nico - We started the playlist with a Nico song and These Days is the perfect track to rounds it out.
Halloween by Phoebe Bridgers - The last two songs on this playlist get into the creepier and darker fall vibes. I find the chorus to be so intriguing: “Baby, it’s Halloween and we can be anything.”
Vampire Empire by Adrienne Lenker - The catchiest song?! Adrienne Lenker has a really unique voice and style. I love to put this song on loud in the car and try my best to sing along (it’s fast and has range and its hard to keep up!)
You can listen to or save the playlist on your preferred streaming service right here:
Now tell me. Any songs or albums that feel like fall to you? Is there an artist you turn to each autumn? All the cozy recommendations are welcome!
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