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October is here and the weather has finally been transitioning to cooler temperatures. Leaves are turning different shades of red, yellow, and orange, giving us the perfect cozy atmosphere that makes fall, well, fall. To get us in the mood for the change in season, here are Pop Passion's picks for Pop Songs For Your Autumn Playlist.
1. Noah Kahan - "Stick Season"
One of many songs from Noah Kahan that are perfect for fall, "Stick Season" pays homage to a term used for autumn in New England, representing the period after Halloween before winter snow begins. The track was released in 2022 and has been a huge success for Kahan, especially after being covered by singer-songwriter Olivia Rodrigo. “Stick Season” is a folk-pop hit, featuring an earthy soundscape and unforgettable melodies that make it an addictive addition to an autumn playlist.
2. Florence + The Machine - "Wish That You Were Here"
Released in 2016, Florence + The Machine's "Wish That You Were Here" was featured on the soundtrack for Miss Peregrine's Home For Peculiar Children, collaborating with director Tim Burton. The track matches Burton's artistic themes, focusing on dark romance and fantasy that make it perfect for the Halloween/fall season.
3. Bon Iver - "Hey, Ma"
Coming from their fourth studio album, I, I, Bon Iver's "Hey, Ma" was released in 2019 as the album's lead single and was nominated for Record of the Year at the 62nd Annual Grammy Awards. The track is a lovely mix of soft rock, dream pop, and folktronica, giving it a homey feeling that pairs well with the transition to autumn.
4. Fleetwood Mac - "Rhiannon"
A classic from 1975, Fleetwood Mac's "Rhiannon" is the epitome of Halloween and fall with its witchy vibes and spooky sound. The track was written by Stevie Nicks who based the lyrics on the novel Triad by Mary Bartlet Leader, depicting the story of a woman named Branwen who is possessed by the witch Rhiannon. With the song's lore and eerie composition, it's a must-listen in October.
5. girl in red - "we fell in love in october"
Released as a single in 2018, girl in red's "we fell in love in october" has been making the rounds on social media just in time for fall. The track is a blend of indie-pop and pop-rock, having a soft, airy soundscape that makes it sound like pumpkin spice and everything nice.
6. JVKE - "this is what autumn feels like"
Perfect for fans of "Golden Hour," JVKE's "this is what autumn feels like" captures the essence of fall between the song's enchanting instrumentals and immersive lyricism. Depicting the magic that comes with the season, "this is what autumn feels like" has a soundscape that paints a picture, featuring flowing arpeggios that imitate the falling of leaves, tender strings that feel like a warm cup of tea on a cool day, and powerful choruses that match how fall washes the world in a golden glow.
7. The Neighbourhood - "Sweater Weather"
Matching the cooler temperatures that fall ushers in, The Neighbourhood's "Sweater Weather" is an obvious choice to get you in the mood for soup and pumpkin spice season. The fast-paced pop-rock sensation comes from the group's debut studio album, I Love You, topping the charts in 2013 and making it a nostalgic pick for an autumn playlist.
8. Jack Stauber - "Oh Klahoma"
Coming from his third studio album, Pop Food, Jack Stauber's "Oh Klahoma" has become one of his most famous songs since its 2017 release. The track is not necessarily about fall, but it is often associated with the season and Halloween as "Oh Klahoma" became part of a trend on social media, accompanying reels of users wearing ghost costumes.
9. Lana Del Rey - "Season of the Witch"
Originally a song by Scottish singer Donovan, Lana Del Rey covered "Season of the Witch" for the 2019 adaptation of Scary Stories To Tell In The Dark. Del Rey's version of the song is a compelling combination of light and eerie, making it a charming addition to any Halloween playlist.
Do you have any favorite songs for fall? Are there any in this list you'll be adding to your autumn playlist? Let us know on our socials!
Written By Cheyenne Johnson
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