With stacks of work from academic classes and college applications, seniors barely have time to enjoy November’s beautiful foliage and cozy nights. That said, fall has a vibe like no other season, when, in our opinion, certain songs set the tone for studying or hanging out with friends.

Harvest Moon–Neil Young

When I got my license last year in October, this was the first song I put on when I could go out on a drive for the first time by myself. While I was driving and admiring the foliage, this song was officially put in my “for fall only” folder. Now that it’s that time again, this song is brought back to my attention, and I’m reminded of how good it is for autumn. It’s a calming masterpiece about dancing with someone you love under the light of the harvest moon (which also happens to be the 1st full moon before the autumnal equinox, signifying that fall is on its way). The folk guitar strumming mixed with the guitar picking when the chorus is about to come in is similar to a harp before something magical is about to be unveiled in a fairytale movie. Young’s raw voice brings a sort of nature-hippie-like vibe to the song, although at the same time, it could also be used as a first dance song at a wedding. What makes this song feel so autumn-like is how it depicts the night: a full orange moon, a slow dance, and a cold and breezy night. Overall, this song is so autumn and makes me feel happy!

Warm Ways–Fleetwood Mac

The song Warm Ways by Fleetwood Mac’s Christine McVie (r.i.p.) has melancholy lyrics that blend perfectly with the slow acoustic guitar from Lindsay Buckingham and the slow bass line from John McVie. This combination makes this song feel like a slow and rainy fall day. Although not as joyful as Harvest Moon, this song is about longing for someone you miss. It’s very deep, showing McVie’s own raw emotions. Because this song has an undertone of sadness and yearning for someone, fall is the most appropriate season to listen to this song because it embodies the season so much.

Loving Machine–TV Girl

This song isn’t an oldie, but it makes me feel nostalgic. Coming from one of my top TV Girl albums (Who Really Cares), this song sounds a lot like the piano tune from “It’s a Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown,” which is a fall classic. It’s about a girl named Maddie Klein who is in love with a mechanical companion (phone, computer, robot), and when it breaks down, it can always be replaced. It’s another love song for fall, but about a different type of love. The Vince Guaraldi Charlie Brown-like piano tune makes this song feel like fall.

Witchcraft–Frank Sinatra

None of the singers and musicians who have ever walked the earth may be more famous than Francis Albert Sinatra. (How awesome is he?) When thinking of Sinatra songs in the fall, many come to mind. For instance, September Song, September of My Years, and Autumn in New York. But there is one that stands alone and can truly make one think about fall: Witchcraft. Written in 1957 by Cy Coleman with lyrics by Carolyn Leigh, Witchcraft was nominated for both Record of the Year and Song of the Year at the 1st ever Grammy Awards. It also was briefly sung in the classic film “Hocus Pocus” in the town hall party scene. This smooth, easy-to-listen tune can make anyone feel happy about what may lie ahead in the new season. 

“Those fingers in my hair

That sly come hither stare

That strips my conscience bare

It’s witchcraft

And I’ve got no defense for it

The heat is too intense for it

What good would common sense for it do

‘Cause it’s witchcraft wicked witchcraft

And although I know it’s strictly taboo

When you arouse the need in my

My heart says yes indeed in me

Proceed with what you’re leading me to

It’s such an ancient pitch

But one I wouldn’t switch

‘Cause there’s no nicer witch than you.”

Autumn Leaves–Nat King Cole

No song may sound more “fall” than the Autumn Leaves released in 1945 by Nat King Cole, one of the greatest jazz vocalists of all time. Cole performed the song in three different languages: English, French, and Japanese. The song originated in France and was translated to “Dead Leaves.” This song can make any person feel the leaves of “red” and “gold” falling around them. Autumn Leaves is perfect for any cool evening in November. 

October Road album–James Taylor

Instead of choosing just one song from James Taylor’s October Road album released in 2002, we suggest listening to the entire album, which explores Taylor’s young life, family home, and more. The album cover shows JT with his guitar behind a cool green background. Songs include October Road, September Grass, Belfast to Boston, and nine others. October Road is Taylor’s fifteenth studio album and was nominated for a Grammy Award in 2003. 

More Autumn Songs:

Magic Moment–Perry Como

Bewitched–Frank Sinatra

Tis’ Autumn–Nat King Cole 

It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown–Vince Guaraldi

Wake Me Up When September Ends–Green Day

Leaves That Are Green–Simon & Garfunkel

Folklore and Evermore–Taylor Swift

Fall is the perfect time of year to relax and appreciate good music. If you want more music suggestions, follow us on Spotify: Sophie Blanchard (the one with the cat profile pic) and Ben (can be found walking the halls of SHS).