1. ‘Rosyln’ — Bon Iver and St. Vincent 

This song is a staple on every fall playlist for two reasons: one, because listening to it will likely kick-start about of seasonal depression, and two, the song is part of a soundtrack from the “Twilight” movie franchise. The song is four minutes and 49 seconds of simultaneously beautiful yet depressing melodies, which I think also perfectly describes the autumn season — beautiful and depressing. Its connection to “New Moon,” the second book and movie in the “Twilight” saga — which is an iconic movie series during the fall time on its own — makes this song one of the greatest additions to any fall playlist.

2. ‘Dreams’ — Fleetwood Mac 

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While the entire Fleetwood Mac discography could be an honorable mention for this list, “Dreams” earned a permanent spot on autumn playlists like my own thanks to the 2020 TikTok with 14 million likes of user @doggface208 lip-syncing the song while skateboarding down the road and drinking cranberry juice. While I can’t quite explain why, the video radiates fall vibes and I think the song choice is why. “Dreams” is the perfect song to shuffle to on those crisp fall mornings while walking to class, romanticizing life and appreciating the changing weather and beautiful foliage before the reality of the day sets in.

3. ‘All Too Well (10 Minute Version)’ — Taylor Swift 

Swiftie or not, this song is one of Taylor’s most iconic pieces of work. The song, originally released on her 4th studio album, “Red,” was rereleased in 2021 on the “Taylor’s Version” of the album, both with its original lyrics and with a version doubled in time. While three versions of the song technically exist, the 10-minute “Taylor’s Version” is the only acceptable edition to hold a place on this list. From the lyrics to the album’s cover to the short film and music video produced by Swift, the song is nothing short of a masterpiece. The length may seem like overkill; however, I’ve found that the song is perfect for long drives in the fall as I kill time and sing my heart out to the beautiful breakup ballad.

4. ‘Scott Street’ — Phoebe Bridgers 

This song has no real connection to autumn, yet it is the perfect addition to any fall playlist solely for just how emotional it is. Fall symbolizes the end of the year, and simultaneously, this song is about endings and reminiscing on the past. While it is a beautiful season that several people like myself look forward to, it’s also a time of ending and reflection on a previous season — both literally and figuratively. “Scott Street” is most well-known for its heart-wrenching final two minutes that never fail to make me sob, or at least tear up a little. The Phoebe Bridgers song is on my fall playlist for those dark, gloomy days when I feel like looking back and thinking about previous seasons in my life and the concept of change, which is what fall is all about. 

5. ‘we fell in love in october’ — girl in red 

This song takes me back to high school. It has held its spot on my fall playlist for several years now due to it being an iconic autumn song, all about falling in love during the season. I used to play this song in my headphones as I walked through the halls of my high school on chilly fall days. And as a senior in college, it’s still in my regular rotation of seasonal songs. The title, lyrics and album cover all scream autumn, and the mention of October, arguably the season’s best month, in both the title and lyrics should be enough to make anyone add it to their playlist.