Listening with Lindsay
Entry One: Fall + Early Winter Album Recs
evermore – Taylor Swift
This one is pretty much a given. She’s literally wearing an autumn-toned flannel on the cover. Seriously though, the woodsy, folky vibe of the music is fully fall. I know I’m Taylor Swift-obsessed, but even if you’re not as crazy as me, I’d highly recommend giving this album a listen. The songs all tell their own stories, many laced with sadness, longing, or closure, perfect for listening while staring out an open window looking at the cloudy fall sky. “champagne problems” recalls a failed proposal and all the emotions with it, while “dorothea” reminisces about an old friend. If Florida had trees with leaves that change colors, the leaves’ favorite album would be this one.
Rumours – Fleetwood Mac
We’re going back to ‘77 for this one, and for good reason. Stevie Nicks is THE witchy fall queen of everything ever, and she has made this album a timeless classic. I mean, look at any picture of her, with her black shawls and gloves and hats. Personally, I feel that she is the best in the band, but whoever your favorite is, I’m sure you’ll love this album. “Gold Dust Woman” absolutely radiates powerful energy, and “Rhiannon” makes you want to dress in all black and cast spells in the woods. It’s perfect for listening with the windows down in the car, feeling that 60 degree sunshine-state-version of fall weather.
So Tonight That I Might See – Mazzy Star
This is a slightly lesser-known choice, but for no good reason. This album gives us the tranquil and beautiful Fade Into You, heard in many a movie or TV show, along with other masterpieces like “Wasted,” “Five String Serenade,” and “She’s My Baby.” Hope Sandoval offers stunning, haunting, wistful vocals paired with calming guitar chords and poetic lyrics, making this an all-around beautiful album. The nostalgia and atmospheric style of the album make it perfect for a fall or winter day.
Hozier – Hozier
This album feels like living in a little cottage in a bog or swamp, eating the berries of the bushes around you, and regressing back to our glorious hunter-gatherer era. Seriously. Packed with one beautiful song after another, the music and vocals envelop you in a warm hug. My personal favorites are “Cherry Wine,” “Angel of Small Death,” “the Codeine Scene,” and “Someone New,” but I don’t think you can go wrong with a single song on the album.
Siamese Dream – The Smashing Pumpkins
The slightly less popular sibling to Mellon Collie, Siamese Dream features tracks like “Today,” “Cherub Rock,” “Luna,” and “Disarm.” Today feels like waking up early, throwing on some music, and dancing around your room while you get ready for the day. “Luna” is reminiscent of twilight in late November or early December and walks outside feeling the wind and finally being able to see your breath. All in all, this album is an underappreciated choice for background music while baking pies or cookies.
Punisher – Phoebe Bridgers
Phoebe is the ultimate sad girl artist, and what better time to wallow in that kind of music than late fall? With popular hits like “Kyoto” and “ICU,” and more underrated numbers like “Graceland Too” and “Savior Complex,” you can’t go wrong with hitting shuffle and sitting down with a hot cup of tea. If you really want to complete the experience, you can get yourself a Phoebe costume, more commonly known as a skeleton onesie, but this isn’t required. (Highly recommended, though!).
I hope that everyone found at least one album to enjoy with a cup of hot cocoa and a fall breeze on their face. Look forward to my next entry for more music recs!