Flynn Myers, Staff Writer
The last time I wrote for Jasper Jams, I recommended songs that were like the feeling of summer. I have since followed suit each season, except for one, and have hand-picked each song to reflect the weather and mood. Now, fall marks my final seasonal playlist.
Fall is my favorite season, with the start of a brand new school year, the heat melting away and the holiday season right around the corner. The songs I will be recommending today feel like a warm cup of tea on a rainy day, the colors of leaves changing and summer’s final moments. I hope you enjoy and give each song a listen.
Big Black Car by Gregory Alan Isakov
Starting off strong, this is my favorite song to listen to on a chilly day. The calm background of the song, with a touch of banjo, violin and guitar blend together in a melancholic way. The vocals are very smooth as the combination with the background instruments create a calm song. I believe this song was made to be listened to while reading on a cold day, and it’s truly the perfect soundtrack for entering into a new season.
Favorite Verse: Well, you were a magazine, I was a Plain Jane/ Just walking the sidewalks and covered in rain/ Love to just get into some of your stories/ Me, all of my Plain Jane glory.
Autumn In New York by Billie Holiday
I couldn’t possibly make a fall playlist without this song. Billie Holiday’s unique voice and impeccable vocals blend right together with the piano background. The rasp and warmth to her voice is equivalent to the perfect feeling of fall and how the season transforms the entire city. The song Autumn In New York is without a doubt a staple to this season.
Favorite Verse:Autumn in New York/ Why does it seem so inviting?/ Autumn in New York/ It spells the thrill of first nighting/ Glittering crowds/ And shimmering clouds/ And canyons of steel/ They’re making me feel/ I’m home.
Shake the Frost (Live) by Tyler Childers
More on the country folk side of fall, I believe this song is a perfect mix of raspy vocals and the sweet melody that follows. The song itself is warm, even though the title depicts otherwise. I find it perfect for relaxing or going on walks as the acoustic guitar and fiddle used in the background give it a unique mix of sounds that create a beautiful, harmonious song.
Favorite Verse: You remind me of a sunday/ Back in old Kentucky/ With the church choirs just beltin’ to the pines/ And I love you like the mountains/ Loves the way mornin’ opens/ To a soft and bright greetin’ from the sun.
Harvest Moon by Neil Young
Continuing with folk music – because I feel that the season of fall is cohesive to folk, jazz and soft rock – the song Harvest Moon has a unique use of harmonica that I believe is the charming touch of the song. Overall, I think this song is perfect to listen to while writing or getting ready for the day.
Favorite Verse: Because I’m still in love with you/ I wanna see you dance again/ Because I’m still in love with you/ On this Harvest moon/ When we were strangers/ I watched you from afar/ When we were lovers/ I loved you with all my heart.
Come Away with Me by Norah Jones
“Come Away with Me” is my all time favorite fall song. Norah Jones has such a smooth and calming voice, and the background music is an undeniably perfect blend of jazz and blues. I find it perfect for winding down or for a calm shopping trip.
Favorite Verse: Come away where they can’t tempt us/ With their lies/ And I wanna walk with you/ On a cloudy day/ In fields where the yellow grass grows knee-high/ So won’t you try to come.
Autumn Leaves by Frank Sinatra
Frank Sinatra’s deep and smooth vocals in this song are perfect for the fall weather as the sun starts to fade away and the clouds start to move overhead. This song adds to the perfect fall feel and can be listened to while studying, walking or drinking a hot cup of coffee … the list goes on, but I’ll stop there.
Favorite Verse: The falling leaves drift by the window/ The autumn leaves of red and gold/ I see your lips, the summer kisses/ The sun-burned hands I used to hold.
Ends of the Earth by Lord Huron
I have listened to Lord Huron for a very, very long time. Their folk-like tone perfectly fits the transformational side of fall. While it’s more of an alternative song as well, the vocals are perfectly cohesive to the background music and create a feeling of joy for listeners.
Favorite Verse: Oh, there’s an island where all things are silent/ I’m gonna whistle a tune/ Oh,/ there’s a desert that’s size can’t be measured/ I’m gonna count all the dunes/ Out there’s a world that calls for me, girl/ Headin’ out into the unknown/ Wayfarin’ strangers and all kinds of danger/ Please don’t say I’m goin’ alone.