As the leaves change and the air turns crisp, fall brings its own soundtrack—a blend of cozy, reflective, and uplifting tunes. Whether it’s the nostalgia of a rainy afternoon (a welcome change after the recent drought) or the quiet calm of an evening spent by candlelight, music has a way of capturing seasonal moods perfectly, just in time for the relaxation of Thanksgiving break.
In this edition of “Inside Edison’s AirPods,” we’re diving into EHS students’ go-to songs that capture the spirit of autumn, from rainy-day ballads to upbeat tracks perfect for a chilly walk home. So grab your headphones, hit play, and let’s take a listen inside Edison’s AirPods!
With 101 tracks by 91 artists, the playlist’s top genres were pop, indie, and R&B. The most repeated artists were Steve Lacy and Lana Del Rey, featuring songs such as “Infrunami” and “Young and Beautiful,” respectively.
Appearing on the playlist four times, Lacy, known for his soulful blend of R&B, pop, and funk influences, effortlessly embodies the nostalgic, “grainy-photo” essence of fall. With romantic hits like “Dark Red” and “Give You the World,” his music feels both grounded and ethereal, encapsulating the timeless yet fleeting emotions of autumn. These tracks, rich with emotional depth and mellow tones, elicit the contemplative side of the season.
Fall is often synonymous with nostalgia and romance, inviting reflection and longing. This sentiment naturally finds its way into our music preferences, as we gravitate toward tracks that evoke wistful memories and heartfelt moments. It’s no wonder that indie/alternative music thrives during this time, with its introspective lyrics and dreamy soundscapes perfectly complementing the whimsy romance of fall. The playlist features timeless classics from bands such as Fleetwood Mac, The Cranberries, and Radiohead, whose evocative melodies continue to resonate with Gen Z, especially in light of TikTok’s resurgence of 80s hits like Pet Shop Boys’ “West End Girls” and Stevie Nicks’ “Silver Springs.”
Fall is also undeniably the perfect season for romcoms, with their cozy charm and heartwarming plots making them an ideal companion for crisp, chilly nights. These films have a unique way of blending romance, nostalgia, and humor, creating a soundtrack of their own. From When Harry Met Sally to Notting Hill, the music in these films—like Harry Connick Jr.’s cover of “It Had to Be You” during Harry’s famous confession of love for Sally—resonates deeply with fall’s themes of love, warmth, and longing.
My top picks from the playlist include “Linger” by The Cranberries, “Genesis” by Grimes, and “Only in My Dreams” by The Marías. An alternative/indie song, “Linger,” with its haunting melody and melancholic lyrics about lost love and longing, is a quintessential fall track. The soft instrumentation and O’Riordan’s iconic flighty voice mirror the bittersweet introspectiveness and naiveté of an autumn romance.
On the complete other end of the musical spectrum, “Genesis” is a vibrant, ethereal track that blends futuristic synths with Grimes’ signature alien vocals. Its otherworldly sound and dreamy rhythm offer a stark contrast to the melancholy of “Linger,” yet themes of disillusionment in fleeting love ring true in both. The song’s dynamic beats and surreal energy evoke the shifting, unpredictable nature of fall.
“Only in My Dreams” brings a different emotional texture to the playlist with its smooth fusion of jazz, psychedelia, and funk influences. The song tells the story of an insomniac whose only means of escaping their “demons” is their lover’s affection. Its dreamy, slow-burning rhythm and lush instrumentation create a vulnerable, intimate atmosphere, much like the way fall evenings invite moments of reflection and solace.
Check out the EHS fall playlist here.
