8 Pop & Alternative Albums That Pair Beautifully With The Fall Season

Photo by Paige Cody on Unsplash

When the fall season is in full swing, it’s all too easy to crave the perfect autumnal soundtrack. Whether you’re taking a walk through your hometown or commuting to a large city for work, you probably enjoy matching your tunes with the seasonal aesthetic.

From alternative 90s rock to literature-inspired ballads, the following are eight albums that are downright magical to listen to when there’s a chill in the air and the leaves are falling like sunlit jewels.

01 | Sixpence None The Richer — Greatest Hits

From the elegant and upbeat “There She Goes” cover to the iconic, wistful melody of “Kiss Me,” this 90s alternative rock band is (arguably) best enjoyed in the fall. There’s just something about the hauntingly beautiful voice of Leigh Nash that pairs perfectly with the golden autumn light and restless leaves — and playing this album in the background during your morning commute is enough to make you feel like you’re starring in your very own romantic comedy.

02 | Adele — 19

While any of this powerhouse artist’s albums are worthy of being added to an autumnal playlist, the “Chasing Pavements” and “Hometown Glory” anthems are particularly reminiscent of a walk down memory lane for many of us; and it’s a walk where you can easily picture leaves scattered across the sidewalk with a lingering fog and a chill in the air, even without explicit autumnal imagery in the lyrics, right?

03 | Sam Phillips — A Boot and a Shoe

Again, pick any album by this iconic alternative music artist and you will not be disappointed. If you aren’t familiar with Phillips’ work, after one song you will instantly recognize her as the “la, la, la” lady singing and strumming in the background of countless Gilmore Girls episodes. (And we all know Gilmore Girls is THE official show to rewatch in the fall.) There is nothing like a Sam Phillips album to mentally put you right in the town square of Stars Hollow, dodging Kirk’s latest antics and begging Luke for a third cup of coffee.

04 | Eisley — Room Noises

When you want to listen to something that is equal parts eerie and enchanting, the hauntingly beautiful melodies of Eisley will deliver. Reminiscent of fantastical storytelling and otherworldly adventure, Room Noises is an album that will truly transport you, from “Marvelous Things” to the “Trolly Wood.” Between the crisp air outside and the whimsical beat of “Plenty of Paper,” this is an album that will make you want to curl up with a good book on a chilly fall day.

05 | The Cranberries — Everybody Else Is Doing It, So Why Can’t We?

This Irish rock band has gifted us with some of the most iconic songs of the season and I would be remiss to not include them. Honestly there’s just nothing more autumnal than a walk through your favorite city or town while listening to “Dreams.” Grab a cup of coffee and a pumpkin and you’ll be feeling like Kathleen Kelly herself from You’ve Got Mail in no time.

06 | Joni Mitchell — Both Sides Now

Whether you’re in deep contemplation listening to “Both Sides Now” or cozied up for the night playing “Stormy Weather” in the background, this soulful artist has a way of getting right to the heart of things. In the autumn months, the veil between the seen and the unseen world begins to thin, and the crisp air paired with vibrantly warm color gifts us a clarity of mind we don’t typically possess throughout the year. (Or is this just me?) And this is precisely why nearly any of Joni Mitchell’s albums pair beautifully with the fall season.

07 | Meg & Dia — Something Real

Packed with literary references and heartbreak anthems, this early 2000s rock duo is probably best known for their hit track “Monster,” but the band has also released plenty of soulful, bluesy tracks, such as “Cardigan Weather.” Avid readers will especially appreciate the storytelling behind the tracks on this album. (There is an entire song devoted to Daphne du Maurier’s Rebecca.) You’ll be torn between taking an autumnal afternoon drive or curling up in bed with your favorite book after listening to this band.

08 | Taylor Swift — Evermore

While I’m not sure I can call myself a “Swiftie,” I’ve dipped my toes into the world of this legendary music artist enough to know that the autumnal imagery and storytelling aspects of this specific album is enough to make it a strong contender for the best Taylor Swift album to listen to in the fall.  (I have a considerable amount of respect for any music artist that can cleverly place a literary reference, regardless of the style of music.) So whether you’re a diehard fan or not, give this magical autumnal album a try.