With Boston’s temperatures lowering and crunchy brown leaves scattering the city, there is no better time to cozy up with a pair of headphones and a good playlist. A heavy mixture of classic rock, jazz and alternative music fill my top listens for those chilly autumn mornings where you need an extra pick me up.
When I think of the limited time between Halloween and Thanksgiving and the mood it gives me, I immediately think of “Harvest Moon” by Neil Young. This 90s classic brings me an indescribable sense of nostalgia and comfort. Young’s unique picking pattern and soothing vocals consistently brings me peace. Although his most popular song, it does not fail to live up to its high expectations.
Every year when the temperature hits below 50 degrees, without fail I have to listen to jazz music. A song that has been on heavy rotation this season is “Autumn in Rome” by Tony Bennett. The vibrato of Bennett’s vocals mixed with the beautiful choir make this song so relaxing. The piano, trombone and alluring strings always flood my ears with serotonin.
“A Foggy Day” by Frank Sinatra is another jazz song that is on all of my fall playlists. The melodic piano mixed with Sinatra’s powerful vocals make this one of my favorite Sinatra songs. Written by George Gershwin in 1937, his vivid lyrics bring that sunlight and fog from London Town to life.
Fast forward a few decades, an album I listen to all year round, but specifically in the fall, is Hozier’s debut album, “Hozier.” Something about this record always gives me that warm fall feeling. There are a few songs from this album that I listen to almost daily to get into my late fall cozy mindset.
“Sedated” by Hozier is one of my favorite fall listens through the atmospheric production and insanely catchy chorus. The intense lyrics with the hard hitting drums and backing vocals make this song stand out from the rest of the songs on the record.
“In a Week,” featuring Karen Cowley, is one of Hozier’s most underrated songs in his entire discography. They use tons of literary devices to paint such a detailed picture and express their passion. Some of the lyrics discuss cold weather and wildlife that come out in the winter, making this song an excellent listen for this time of year. Cowley and Hozier’s vocals mix together like honey and tea, a perfect harmony for two brilliant artists.
A few songs from alternative artist Phoebe Bridgers have been on repeat for the past few weeks. “Smoke Signals” from her debut album “Stranger in the Alps” is one of her best songs lyrically and resides in all of my fall playlists. The themes of cold weather and nature just places me in the correct state of mind for this season. The vibrating and twangy guitar riff and melodic strings make this song so perfect.
Off of Bridgers’ second studio album is another one of my favorites, “Savior Complex.” This is ironically one of Bridgers’ less complex songs with just an acoustic guitar and a few production add-ons. The crystal clear vocals and lovely minor chords form a near perfect song.
Rock band Vista Kicks is a brain-child of Hippo Campus and The Backseat Lovers. Their song “Gotta Get Away” off of their debut album “Booty Shakers Ball” has such a nostalgic rock sound that I can’t help but recommend them to anyone that enjoys rock music. Their sound can be classic rock, but a mixture of folk at times, displaying some autumnal vibes in songs. “If I Didn’t Have You” is an upbeat song with an addicting kick drum pattern, but always reminds me of a cool breeze on a nice fall day.
Whether you are doing homework in your living room, journaling in your bed or walking to class, consider these songs for your next autumn playlist.
