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As of this week, fall is officially upon us. The Daily Orange compiled a Spotify playlist of our favorite songs for the season of all things pumpkin, spice and everything nice.

Take a listen on the way to your next Beak and Skiff visit, or while stepping on crunchy orange leaves on Shaw Quadrangle.

Mia Jones, Culture Editor:

“1979” by The Smashing Pumpkins
If you can’t already tell by the band’s name, this is perfect for fall. This song will always remind me of first semester sophomore year — I listened to it on all my walks to class in the fall. The guitar strums will always make me think of the autumn weather.

“That we don’t even care to shake these zipper blues / And we don’t know just where our bones will rest / To dust, I guess / Forgotten and absorbed into the earth below”

“Harvest Moon” by Neil Young
Besides the fact that this song literally references the Harvest Moon (the full moon that happens closest to the autumnal equinox), it alludes to a chill autumn night. The song evokes a sense of nostalgia and makes me reminisce on life’s ever-changing cycles.

“But there’s a full moon risin’ / Let’s go dancin’ in the light / We know where the music’s playin’ / Let’s go out and feel the night / Because I’m still in love with you”

Tara Binte Sharil, Asst. Digital Editor:

“My Song” by Labi Siffre
While millennials and Gen Z may recognize the lyrics, “And I wonder if you know / What it means to find your dreams” from Kanye West’s 2007 hit “I Wonder,” real fans know that West sampled these lyrics from Siffre’s 1972 hit, “My Song.”

Tinged in sentiment and emotion, “My Song” is a slow medley of falling in love for the first time. Its simple yet powerful lyrics and calming tune creates the perfect vibe for an autumn evening stroll.

“Porcelain” by Moby
Moby may have dominated the late ‘90s and early 2000s electronic music scene, but his song “Porcelain” remains a timeless classic. Great for embracing the colder, back end of fall, “Porcelain” is a charming and refreshing song perfect to reenergize yourself in the cold weather.

“Fast Car” by Tracy Chapman
Chapman’s 1988 masterpiece, “Fast Car,” will always land a spot on my fall playlist. The acoustic ballad about childhood and hope for something better is a perfect melody for my ambitions about ending the year on a good note.

“Mrs. Robinson – From ‘The Graduate’ Soundtrack” by Simon & Garfunkel
As the leaves come down, the fall season always brings back old memories and renews friendships. Similar to fall, this song, which debuted in 1968, takes me back to my parents’ time.

Claire Zhang, Asst. Copy Editor:

“Don’t Know Why” by Norah Jones
This quintessential hit from Jones has been featured in the soundtracks of many 2000s movies and TV shows, like “Maid in Manhattan.” Jones’ soothing vocals and acoustic guitar strums feel like the perfect fall day — changing leaves, a cozy sweater and warm apple cider.

“The Boxer” by Simon & Garfunkel
Pioneers of the folk-rock genre, Simon & Garfunkel have always delivered moody and nostalgic tunes. Put in your earbuds and take a stroll outside, accompanied by the duo’s iconic sound.

Rosina Boehm, Managing Editor:

“Heavy Metal Drummer” by Wilco
The criteria for a great fall song might just be a feature in “Gilmore Girls,” even if it’s not fall in the episode where the song appears. Lane starts to find her love for drumming when this song plays. Now, Wilco’s indie tune is on every one of my fall playlists.

“Apple Cider” by beabadoobee
Do I even have to explain this one? Just listen to this on the way to Beak and Skiff and your fall will be complete.

Ilana Zahavy, Presentation Director:

“Hartwell” by Shelly
Indie-pop band Shelly’s nostalgic “Hartwell” is the perfect song to accompany the usual mid-semester slump that comes with the transition into fall. Take comfort in Clairo and Claud’s verses as they reflect on missing home.

Some of The Daily Orange staff’s fall music picks are mellow while some lean more romantic and uplifting. Either way, they’re perfect for your next walk across campus admiring the fall leaves. Ilana Zahavy | Presentation Director, Hannah Mesa | Illustration Editor, Julia Rodenberger | Contributing Illustrator

Cam McGraw, Asst. Copy Editor:

“The Light That Has Lighted the World” by George Harrison
From the criminally overlooked and deeply personal “Living in the Material World,” this song offers hope to anyone fearing the future. Just sit outside, stare at the sunset and soak in Harrison’s vibe.

“Witchy Woman” by Eagles
While it feels like almost every Eagles song talks about a witchy woman, no other track captures the same haunting and western vibe as this one. It’s the perfect tune for a cold autumn night, with fog hopping across the grass.

Charlotte Price, Asst. Culture Editor:

“Losing You” by Solange
Solange’s “Losing You” plunges listeners into an immersive listening experience. If you’ve found yourself in a situationship this fall, you might find yourself in your feels as Solange sings,
“Tell me the truth, boy, am I losing you for good?”

“Secret Garden” by Bruce Springsteen
If you loved when Springsteen’s “I’m On Fire” went viral on TikTok and you’re looking for more of his classic, moody lyrics and iconic voice to soundtrack your fall, “Secret Garden” is the perfect next step.

Eliana Rosen, Asst. Culture Editor:

“If We Were Vampires (Featuring Wesley Schultz)” by Noah Kahan
Kahan and a painful acknowledgement of time passing? The perfect ingredients for an autumn classic. Each fall, I get a wave of nostalgia, a reminder that I’m getting older. But as I crunch leaves in boots during fall walks, Kahan tells me that’s what makes life beautiful. After all, “maybe time running out is a gift.”

“Kiss Me” by Sixpence None the Richer
This song just feels like fall bottled up. The warm tones of this album art and the light harmonica notes transport me into the season. Apples are being picked, pumpkin lattes are on menus at coffee shops and “the silver moon’s sparkling.”

Published on September 24, 2025 at 11:19 pm