In Oxford, the weather is finally starting to cool down, the leaves are changing and the air is a lot more crisp. It is starting to feel like autumn.
What better way to get into the spirit of this season than with a new playlist of songs to accompany you while walking across campus watching the leaves fall, chilling in the Grove or sitting in the library Starbucks sipping on your fall drink of choice?
Whatever the activity may be, this collection of songs will amplify the experience.
For this playlist, I teamed up with some of my friends at the University of Mississippi’s student-run radio station, Rebel Radio (92.1). I asked five different radio hosts to suggest a song to add to the playlist, and they did not disappoint.
“Full Moon” — The Black Ghosts
I chose to start this playlist with “Full Moon” because I felt it was a welcoming beginning track. It’s also the first song to play in the “Twilight” film franchise, and I’m glad to say that this isn’t the only song from the “Twilight” soundtrack on this list.
“Bloom” — The Paper Kites
This song is the embodiment of walking through a woodsy area being surrounded by orange leaves floating in the air. With the brightness of the acoustic guitar playing throughout the track, it’s a very relaxing tune.
“October Sky” — Yebba
Submitted by Chrishona Stanfield of “Curl Talk.” “October Sky” by Yebba is absolutely gorgeous. Besides the title, this song encapsulates fall perfectly — the feeling of loss that comes with everything dying and the hopefulness of new life eventually approaching.
“Ivy” — Taylor Swift
If a song from either of Swift’s indie folk albums wasn’t put on this playlist, the vibes would be completely off. It took a while to choose which one to include, but “Ivy” ultimately paired the best with the other tracks.
“Roslyn” — Bon Iver and St. Vincent
The second song on this list from the “Twilight” soundtrack. Bon Iver and St. Vincent are a match made in heaven when it comes to this track. The lyrics are very dark, but the delicate vocals from both artists add nice contrast.
“Hoodie” — Ari Lennox
Submitted by Jaylin Smith of “Black by Popular Demand.” “Hoodie” breaks up all the acoustic tracks on the playlist with some R&B flavor. It’s very sensual and feels like a warm hug.
“Duvet” — Bôa
If you haven’t heard this song on TikTok during these last few years, I’m very surprised. I wish I could tell you why this song has been heavily associated with fall, but I can’t. It simply just feels like the season.
“Apple Cider” — Beabadoobee
Another obvious choice because of the title, but the musical components of the song fit the autumn vibe as well. I feel like autumn has the potential to be a very romantic time of year. The lyrics of having a new crush sung by Beabadoobee’s warm vocals are quite comforting.
“HONG KONG” — JANNABI
Submitted by Faith Deering of “K-vibez with Faith.” This is the first, and only, song on this playlist that isn’t in English. Even so, it’s calming and it feels velvety and passionate.
“This Charming Man” — The Smiths
This is another artist I feel the playlist wouldn’t be complete without. This seems to be one of The Smiths’ “happier” songs.
“Sunday Morning” — Maroon 5
This is coffee shop music in its purest form. Comforting, warm and jazzy. Need I say more?
“Right Down the Line” — Gerry Rafferty
Submitted by Elizabeth Whisenhunt of “Retrograded.” “Right Down the Line” is a classic. It’s groovy, and the instrumentals make you want to sway back and forth. The romance of the lyrics alongside Gerry Rafferty’s vocals is downright addictive.
“Sweater Weather” — The Neighbourhood
This one doesn’t need to be explained. It’s a certified autumnal classic.
“Velvet Ring” — Big Thief
This song sounds sentimental and reminiscent. Everything about it is soft, gentle and whimsical. Big Thief will be coming to Oxford on Feb. 9, 2023, so use this suggestion as a push to deep dive into their whole discography and get your tickets!
“1979” — The Smashing Pumpkin
I’m finishing this playlist with a song submitted by Jonathan Briggs of “Blissful Bebops and Ballads.” “1979” is gritty and angsty. Lead singer Billy Corgan wrote this song as an ode to his transition to adolescence which I think greatly reflects autumn as the transition from summer to winter.
