Addy Hogg

Sunday was the official first day of fall, which means it’s the perfect time to curate a playlist for the upcoming months. Going to the county fair, having a picnic at Boston Common, skipping through a pumpkin patch, picking apples in an orchard; all of these activities are attached to a feeling. The autumnal months come with a feeling all their own, almost indescribable, reminiscence swirls in the air and follows you around.

You may be saying goodbye to summer with a heavy heart or welcoming autumn with open arms, but luckily for you there’s a song out there for each of these feelings you may not have the words for. This is a quintessential playlist for strolling around the city in a knit sweater and other things. 

“Forget Her” by Jeff Buckley

Experiencing anguish over lost love and a betrayal of trust? Buckley masterfully expresses this feeling with a smooth guitar and strong vocals. Originally excluded from the release of his album Grace, the song explores a very up close and personal glimpse into Buckley’s relationship. In one of the most beautiful and devastating verses, he sings, “Remember her hair as it shone in the sun,

The smell of the bed when I knew what she’d done.” Walking the streets of Boston to stop your weeping? Don’t fool yourself, it’s a “Forget Her” fall. 

“Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac

A beautiful exploration of grief and the fear of changing after losing someone you’ve intertwined your life with, “Landslide” is timeless. Autumn has a tendency to awaken nostalgia and beckons forth a yearning for everything you miss. Whether it’s your first year of college or your last, time makes us all bolder, and we’re growing older too. 

“Give You My Lovin” by Mazzy Star

With tunes of mystery and sweet melancholy, Mazzy Star alone could create the perfect mix for all of your autumnal ventures. Hope Sandoval’s soft vocals lull the listener into a floating feeling, just how it feels to be wrapped up in someone so much that you’ve become separated from the things that keep you grounded. This track is one of my favorites and for all of the lovers out there, it truly is the time of the season.

“When the Sun Hits” by Slowdive

You’re sitting at a park and the wind is blowing through the trees, falling leaves swirl around you, and the sun is setting much earlier than it had been. You’re wondering how life could be better than it is now, and I have the answer: listen to this song!

“Witches” by Alice Phoebe Lou

A bit of whimsy and magic never hurt, especially with Halloween closing in. Alice Phoebe Lou’s intoxicating vocals encapsulate the feeling of  wanting someone. Backed by her signature indie folk sounds and a bit of synth, “Witches” puts a spell on the listener just as she hopes to attract her lover. Whether you commute by bus or broom, this song is perfect for the ride. 

“Some things Cosmic” by Angel Olsen

You’re at the Fenway Flea and you lock eyes with the person of  your dreams after you brush hands reaching for the same overpriced grandpa sweater. You’re imagining your life together while this song plays in the back of your mind. Before you can say anything, they disappear into the horde of fashion bros. You’ll probably think about it all week. 

“Cupid De Locke” by The Smashing Pumpkins 

You’re standing outside, flowers in hand, and the person you’re taking out for a first date walks into view. Standing in front of you now, they’re just as pretty as you thought. When the autumn breeze blows by, it almost sounds like a harp playing. 

“Halloween” by Phoebe Bridgers 

A self explanatory choice. Baby, it’s Halloween, and we can be anything. 

“About You” by The 1975

 Sitting on the train, lights and buildings pass by as you stare out of the window. In the reflection of the glass, you see someone that makes your heart sink. You breathe, blink, and look again. It’s not them, it never could be, but among the faces of strangers making their evening commute, you think of them anyway. 

“Old Friends (Schuylkill Session)” by Pinegrove

What is life without old friends? Part of growing up is growing apart from people you love, but they’re part of you still. You retell their jokes, adopt their mannerisms. Tell them when you think of them, tell your friends you love them. The changing seasons can make you feel a lot, let yourself!

Take it all in, listen to good music, enjoy a seasonal drink, dance with your roommate, and cry at the park. Everything will be okay, ‘tis autumn.