When fall rolls around the temperature drops, leaves change, and the days get shorter, welcoming a moody atmosphere contrasting the bright summer atmosphere. Subsequently music playlists rotate to reflect the season;, here are some of the top moody fall playlists.

1- Older (And Wiser) by Lizzy McAlpine

Lizzy McAlpine’s indie/pop album Older (and Wiser), released Oct. 4, 2024, contains 19 tracks, having a run time of one hour and 14 minutes. 14 of the tracks are from a previous album Older, the other five are additional tracks creating the album Older (and Wiser).

The album explores the themes of getting older and the issues with it including anxiety, uncertainty and heartbreak. Although her songs express her uncertainty and negative experiences with getting older there is an overall theme of reflection and acceptance. The songs share a sad and moody theme making them feel cozy, familiar, and suitable for the fall ambience.

2- So Tonight That I Might See by Mazzy Star

Mazzy Star’s alternative rock album So Tonight That I Might See was originally released Oct. 5, 1993 containing 10 tracks with a run time of 50 minutes.

The moody rock album explores a melancholy feeling of longing and love as well as themes of sadness and existentialism. The album contains moody vocals as well as heavy instruments including instruments like acoustic guitars, drums and tambourines that combine to give the album an edge. Overall the album, although edgy, is slow and calm invoking a melancholy fall ambience.

3- Sling by Clairo

Clairo’s indie album Sling released July 16, 2024, the album contains 12 tracks and has an overall run time of 44 minutes.

Sling is a departure from Clairo’s previous albums, it’s more orchestra heavy and has vintage sounding songs contrasting her brighter upbeat albums. Sling explores the themes of motherhood and mental health in the context of growing up and embracing adulthood and the domesticity that comes with it. The album has an orchestra on instruments accompanied by Clairo’s airy voice to create a comfortable mood.

4- The Bends by Radiohead 

The Bends by Radiohead was released Mar. 13, 1995 and contains 12 tracks with an overall run time of 48 minutes.

The Bends, Radiohead’s alternative rock album, is also the name of a decompression sickness that occurs when one surfaces from water too quickly., Radiohead used this as a parallel toof their sudden fame after they released “Creep” in their debut album, ‘Pablo Honey’. The album explores the themes of sudden fame and the isolation of celebrities as well as the negative emotions that accompany self loathing, jealousy and conformity. Overall the album is sad, smooth and grunge and therefore perfect for the thoughtful fall mood. 

5- Submarine by The Marias

Submarine by The Marias was released May 31, 2024 and contains 14 tracks with a run time of 45 minutes.

Submarine is an indie pop album that explores the themes of longing, heartbreak, and the solitude that accompanies it. The band’s use of guitars, bass, drums and synthesizers paired with the lead singer Maria Zardoya’s airy voice creates a really unique but comforting listen. 

6- Tell Me I’m Pretty by Cage The Elephant

Tell Me I’m Pretty by Cage The Elephant was released on Dec. 18, 2015; the alternative indie album contains 10 tracks with a run time of 38 minutes.

Tell Me I’m Pretty explores the themes of a darker more cynical view on life with the acceptance of “everybody dies” as well as the longing to be loved and want for validation, as seen in the album title. Overall the album is a little more loud and upbeat than the rest in the list but still contains a calmer darker melody creating a comfortable listening experience.

7- Purgatory by Tyler Childers

Purgatory by Tyler Childers was released on Aug. 4, 2017, Childers’ folk album contains 10 tracks with a run time of 37 minutes.

Purgatory explores the themes of struggle with a variety of things like drugs, sin and redemption, the search for belonging and growing up. The folk album has an emphasis on the background instruments, its spunky orchestral accompaniment making it stand out. The songs are smooth making the album a comforting folky listen.