The leaves are falling, the earthy smell of dirt is lingering about campus and pumpkin chai’s are available at Biblio. All of this can only mean one thing: it’s fall, y’all! In celebration of the changing season, I’ve compiled a list of songs to deliver the final sprinklings of fall. Packed with not only the aesthetics but the general vibe associated with autumn, this playlist may be enjoyable to Snoopy likers, sweater wearers and hibernation truthers, among many others.
One of my personal favorites that I’ve included, “Need 2” by Pinegrove, is the ultimate fall song. With a twangy sound-mix and a steady beat, it leaves the listener feeling breathless. It produces a deep feeling of reflection and self-questioning, especially with lyrics such as, “It’s nothing worth me sayin’ aloud / So then why do I seem to / Need to?”
This song was featured in a TikTok trend, affectionately referred to as “The Pinegrove Shuffle,” which shot the track into stardom; it currently has almost 200 million more streams than their second most-streamed song “Angelina” (which I did not include, but also recommend). Ironically, this fame came about a week after the band announced its permanent disbandment, so unfortunately, we may never hear a “Need 3.”
For a happier throwback, “Don’t Let The Good Life Pass You By” by Cass Elliot is a boppy reminder to look out for the little things in life. People usually know Elliot from her run with the infamous group the Mamas & the Papas, who sang “California Dreamin’” and are also featured on the playlist.
Conversely, I learned about Elliot from the 1970 film “Pufnstuf,” where she sang her track “Different” as Witch Hazel, which was and still is lifechanging. However, “Don’t Let The Good Life Pass You By” is another amazing song from Elliot, where she motivates community and love by telling us, “Just look, my friend, there’s happiness in livin.”
Last, but certainly not least, Elliott Smith’s “Angeles” takes the crown for his intricate guitar work, which seems to float in whispers around his soft, moody vocals. There is something so satisfying about the pluck pattern that Smith works with in his ode to Los Angeles, navigating the changes he felt moving from Portland. The guitar gives a perfect backdrop to studying on these rainy days, serving as a quiet indicator of beauty and volatility of fall. For another song with amazing guitar work and emotional appeal, consider “not a lot, just forever” by Adrianne Lenker.
If these songs seem appealing to you, then look no further than to the two-hour collection of tunes I’ve made just for your enjoyment. The full playlist can be found on the Dickinsonian Spotify account. Happy listening!
