The Best Cozy Autumn Playlist
Fall is upon us, bringing a cascade of warm hues and crisp air. As the leaves tumble, I’ve curated the perfect cozy autumn soundtrack for your leisurely walks through the foliage. Imagine strolling through a tranquil park, the rustling leaves underfoot setting the rhythm for your thoughts. This handcrafted playlist perfectly embraces the essence of the season.
I carefully picked each song to evoke the mellow mood, crisp air, and colorful scenery of the season. Quiet and reflective, with gentle tempi, each song is perfect for a wistful stroll. Rather than sticking to a single genre, the playlist plays with the ways diverse genres can cultivate a similar mood.
Ella Fitzgerald’s interpretation of the Gershwin classic “Someone to Watch Over Me” gets a richer treatment with accompaniment from the London Symphony Orchestra. Sinatra’s swooping rendition of “I’ve Never Been in Love Before” is perfect for those who always seem to fall a little deeper in love every fall. Of course, I couldn’t forget the playful Nat King Cole staple, “‘Tis Autumn.”
You shouldn’t consider an autumn playlist complete unless it includes expressive folk harmonies. The Wailin’ Jennys show off their impressive vocals and master of soulful simplicity with “Long Time Traveler.” Vermont’s take on Ed Sheeran, Noah Kahan’s gentle ode to homecoming, “Orange Juice” shines through simple songwriting. Veteran country/folk songstress Allison Krauss’s “Stay” shows off what she does best - intimacy.
Of course, folk had a profound influence on indie rock, so I had to slip in a few gentle favorites. Rogue Wave’s seminal song, “Eyes” is a tender, simple, meandering love song. No shade to the Postal Service, but Sam Beam (a.k.a. Iron & Wine) took one of the anthems of the hipster generation, “Such Great Heights,” and transformed it into a soulful ballad. Finally, despite their limited catalog, Dry the River left a big impact on me musically. Their gentle yet driving song, “Shaker Hymns” benefits from endlessly interpretable lyrics and rich harmonies.
Finally, there are few things as comforting as a woman singing gently with a piano. “The Weather,” Gracie Lawrence’s heartbreaking ballad about loved ones growing strange, pairs perfectly with wistful contemplation. The title track from Vanessa Carlton’s sophomore album, “Heroes & Thieves” uses her trademark gentle determination to great effect. Finally, Regina Spektor’s ode to parenthood, “The Light,” is perfect for anyone who needs a little hopeful introspection.
What would you add to this playlist? Tell me in the comments.
