Songs For Your Fall 2024 Playlist
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Fall is finally here, and we’re all ready to dive into longer nights and crisp, windy days. The changing seasons represent a change in the social culture, a tonal shift from the explosive and bubbly soundtracks of summer to a more mellow, acoustic sound. Many people already have their fall playlists queued up, but here are a few suggested additions:
“Sling” by Clairo - The name Clairo has risen to imperceptible heights over the last several years. Starting out as a bedroom-pop artist around 2016, she recently released a new album, “Charm,” in July 2024. However, her 2021 sophomore album “Sling” better embodies the warm spirit of fall; its use of gentle strings, whispered and often layered vocals, and piano melodies paint a beautiful picture of the season. Her raw and expressive folk-inspired songwriting shines as the centerpiece of this album, especially on songs “Blouse”, “Bambi” and “Wade”. It is introspective and filled with enchanting melodies.
“Katy Song” by Red House Painters - Red House Painters were a rock band in the 1990s known for being a pioneer of the slowcore genre, which includes more popular acts like Duster, Low and Mazzy Star. “Katy Song,” off of their first self-titled album, is their most popular song, drifting eight minutes dedicated to the lead singer’s girlfriend at the time. Its simple but touching songwriting and droning vocals envelop the listener into a hypnotic musical world and combine into a perfect autumn ballad.
“BLACK METAL” by Dean Blunt - Dean Blunt is a British musician who has released music under countless monikers since 2005. His music is characterized by string-led melodies, atmospheric and echoey vocals and unusual, half-spoken cadence. His most critically acclaimed album, “BLACK METAL,” is a thoughtful compilation of some of the most inventive music to come out of the 21st century. Its most popular cut, “100”, is a flitting, jangly track built around a sample of the Pastels’ “Over My Shoulder.” Other standouts include opener “LUSH” and folky “MOLLY & AQUAFINA”. Also serving as a commentary on race and art, it is an incredibly thought-provoking record and makes one rethink and redefine what music can be.
“Jesus Freak Lighter” by Blood Orange - Blood Orange has rapidly increased in popularity in 2024 due to his songs “Champagne Coast,” “Charcoal Baby,” and “Uncle ACE” trending on social media. “Jesus Freak Lighter” offers something different than those lighter, bubblier tracks: an incredible groove featuring a hypnotizing bassline and vocals draped in reverb. The songwriting is vaguely bittersweet, offering a portrait of a moodier season to the listener.
“MAGDALENE” by FKA twigs - FKA twigs’ “MAGDALENE” is a masterclass of an album. Released in 2017 to critical acclaim, it fully fleshed out the mark the genre-unbound artist had made with her debut album “LP1.” It is an ode to womanhood that, centering around the Bible’s Mary Magdalene, explores themes such as heartbreak, love, religion and self-reflection. Twigs’ production choices shine on the album, especially the trap-inspired percussion on the future-assisted “holy terrain” and the haunting crashes of “fallen alien.” Her voice is always the most powerful force, however, soaring to heights unimaginable as she dashes in countless musical directions throughout the album, enveloping the listener in a remarkable sonic journey.
