Written by Ava Moon. Illustration header courtesy of Fon Leigh (@fon.leigh.art on Instagram)
Fall is in full swing, meaning it’s time to bring back all of our favorite cozy autumnal activities. Between rewatching “Gilmore Girls” (2000-2007), taking brisk strolls through the park, watching the leaves change, and making five hundred Starbucks runs a week in order to try all of their fall drinks, there’s so much happening this season. Nevertheless, curating the perfect playlist to compliment your fabulous fall ventures is by far the most important thing to add to your October to-do’s…but where to begin?
We all have our beloved fall films and tv shows, from the “Harry Potter” (2001-2011) franchise, to lasting hits like “When Harry Met Sally” (1989). Luckily for us, different songs off of these various soundtracks provide a great starting point for your unmatched playlist. Even campy classics like “Twilight” (2008), can serve up great inspiration–because come on, who doesn’t love “Eyes On Fire” by Blue Foundation. Yes, the iconic “hoa, hoa, hoa” song all over your TikTok and Instagram. As unserious as all the content has been, the song really does evoke a specific mood, making us feel like we too live in a blue-tinted world of hot vampires and chilly weather. However, if you’re feeling more witchy than vampiric, the “Season of the Witch” cover by Lana Del Rey from the “Maleficent: Mistress of Evil” (2019) soundtrack is another great addition. With Del Rey’s signature sultry voice paired with a soft sensual melody, just think of the aura you’ll exude after listening to this pick while getting ready for your next Halloween party. Or if you’re just feeling Bruce Wayne a la “The Batman” emo, Nirvana’s “Something in the Way,” or really just their whole discography, is another solid choice. Kurt Cobain’s timeless talent may help you live out your Batman and/or Catwoman fantasies, even if it’s only through a fun couples costume.
Speaking of musical prowess, finding different artists who ooze spooky, magical or just plain cozy energy can be another notable avenue toward putting together the perfect fall playlist. Someone who arguably radiates all three is none other than Stevie Nicks. If you don’t have at least one Fleetwood Mac song added, you’re missing out big time. “Rhiannon,” a song described by Nicks as being about “an old Welsh witch” is a definite must-play during your coven’s next pumpkin spice latte trip. Not to reference “Twilight” (2008) again (goodbye Brat summer, hello Robert Pattinson fall), but author Stephanie Meyer was actually inspired by the early 2000’s band My Chemical Romance when writing the first novel. They have a selection of vampire themed songs, like “The Sharpest Lives,” in which they quite literally sing: “In love with all of these vampires.” So, on your next family outing, queue a few My Chemical Romance songs to distract from the fact that your parents and siblings aren’t effortlessly cool, ageless vampires who have a knack for baseball. One of the best things about the fall season is truly just the aesthetic of it all. Finding songs to match your Pinterest boards is one of the easiest ways to about making your playlist.
Maybe you enjoy the rainy, misty ambience of a cozy night on the couch with a mug of warm apple cider, in which case, Noah Kahan’s 2022 album “Stick Season (Forever)” could be a relaxing way to match the mood outside. Specifically songs like, “Halloween” and “Northern Attitude” featuring Hozier, scream fall. If you’re thinking of going to live out your Rory Gilmore dreams of hanging out in local coffee shop and drowning your sorrows with any type of pumpkin spice beverage, there’s a chance you might enjoy a little song known as “All Too Well (10-minute version) (Taylor’s Version).” Especially since the month of October has a way of ushering in those canon-event situationships, this song provides a whole 10 heartfelt minutes of lyrical magic reminding you not to let that happen again this year.
Nevertheless, if you are happy and in love this fall, the Pinterest board you have with all of the aesthetic activities you plan on doing with your partner this month is likely called “We Fell in Love in October,” in reference to girl in red’s hit single. It’s the song heard around the world by lovers and loners alike every October 1st, and if there’s any song that has to make it onto the playlist, it’s this one. The lyrics reference everything we love about fall ,proving that whatever yours looks like, the right playlist can take that 501st Starbucks run and make it the coziest, most vibe inducing, and enjoyable one of the season.
