By: Carly Etter
As apple trees bloom and the leaves turn colorful, my fall playlist always mixes classic autumnal jazz, upbeat Halloween party beats, and chill music that sings as the wind blows. Here are 10 songs from that playlist:
Autumn Leaves by Nat King Cole
Nat King Cole’s music is a necessity during October, November, and December for me. His discography is so comforting and perfect for fall. You may have heard this song or “Tis Autumn” by The King Cole Trio on social media around this time of year! Nat King Cole is the voice behind many jazz classics made from the 40s to the 60s.
Bitter with the Sweet
Carole King is one of my favorite artists of all time. She is the mind behind some of the most popular songs of the 60s, like “The Loco-Motion” by Little Eva, “Will You Love Me Tomorrow” by The Shirelles, and “You Make Me Feel (Like a Natural Woman)” by Aretha Franklin.
The Great Pumpkin Waltz by Vince Guaraldi Trio
A fall classic from It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown! Another wonderful introduction to some of Vince Guaraldi Trio’s popular Christmas songs. Honorable mention: “Thanksgiving Theme” for the day of thanks.
Zombie by Lady Gaga
This is my favorite song on Lady Gaga’s newest album, Mayhem. This song has a dancey, electric beat, and it would be perfect for a Halloween party. In the show Off-Campus, they actually featured this song in the Halloween frat party scene, and I thought it was comical because that would never happen. A girl can dream!
Moon River by Frank Sinatra
Jazz is one of my favorite music genres, so I had to include some! This song is perfect for easy and calm listening. Did you know that Frank Sinatra never knew how to read music and would conduct and sing by ear? For the complexity of some jazz and orchestral arrangements, this is insane!
The moon by Lizzy McAlpine
Off of McAlpine’s newest album, Angel! Lizzy is such a vocal and musical powerhouse, bringing so much artistry to all of her music. She was born and raised in Narberth, which is about 20 minutes outside of Philadelphia, and went to Lower Merion High School!
Here You Come Again by Dolly Parton
Simply to honor the late, great Dolly Parton! This song is more pop than her usual country, but it's a spunky love song which I adore. This song was actually not written by Parton herself, but by Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil (who were actually friends with Carole King!), who originally wrote the song for Brenda Lee!
Harmony by ROLE MODEL
His new album, Chuck Timely and the Hourglass, is one of the best albums of the year for me! I saw his concert when he came to the Skyline Stage at the Mann in September, and it was such an incredible night celebrating his quick growth as an artist.
Fall in Philadelphia by Hall and Oates
I recently discovered this song, and while it might be on the nose, it's perfect for me. Also by Temple alumni Darryl Hall and John Oates! They were also in a pretty lucrative legal battle together until 2025, after Oates tried to sell his half of their work.
It’s Getting Better by Cass Elliot
Sometimes you need a little pick-me-up, and Cass Elliot always delivers. As a member of The Mamas and the Papas, you may know her other songs like “California Dreamin’” or “Dream a Little Dream of Me”.
While it can be hard to find lush areas of orange and red leaves in Philadelphia, I always imagine myself at Central Park in New York City, or at home in Chester County. Driving through caves of trees and leaves is definitely my ideal fall day; this playlist always transports me there.
You can check it out here! I am also an avid playlist creator, so follow me for more!
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0opkk8cLUcapRI7WoRwdaE?si=db054f7061ca44ec
