MIC’s Fall Mixtape

MIC’s student contributors compiled a list of albums—both iconic and underrated—that encapsulate the spirit of autumn.

Luke’s Picks

Punisher - Phoebe Bridgers

There might never be a better time to listen to the soft, warm vocals and instrumentation associated with the genre of indie-folk music than when the seasons begin to change from summer to fall. A perfect example of this is Punisher, the sophomore album from critically acclaimed artist Phoebe Bridgers. Something about the soothing, orchestral instrumentation and the melancholic vocals give the same feeling as a cool breeze on a still somewhat warm and sunny September or October day. Perhaps her best project to date, the vocal work on here is impressive with mesmerizing melodies such as those on “Moon Song” and “Savior Complex” that are sure to keep you entranced up until the very end. Plus, there is literally a song called Halloween on here…what more could possibly be said?

MM…FOOD - MF DOOM

MM…FOOD by MF DOOM has always been my personal favorite DOOM project. I’m not quite sure why this album provides me with that fall feeling, but it definitely does. Maybe it’s the crisp, boom-bap style of production, showcased best on tracks like “Hoe Cakes,” “Potholderz,” and “Rapp Snitch Knishes.” Or, perhaps, it’s the unpredictable, even sometimes nonsensical, lyrical performances and clever delivery on album highlights such as “Beef Rap” and “One Beer.” No matter what the exact reason is, this album is sure to have you bobbing your head to the beat while taking an outdoor walk in the cool weather, hood up, with your favorite pair of headphones on.

hypochondriac - brakence

There are very few artists that encapsulate the season of fall in their music as well as Columbus-based glitch-pop artist, brakence. Everything he does perfectly encapsulates the autumn aesthetic, from the seasonal setting of his punk2 album cover to the beige, brown, and green palette of his fashion choices. However, it is his 2022 record, hypochondriac, that I believe best showcases his musical skills. With some of his most heavy-hitting and moody instrumentation mixed with lyrics that range from extremely egotistical to depressing and lonely, this record provides listeners with a perfect vibe as the season change begins to bring on the lower mood associated with seasonal depression. 

Linda’s Picks

five seconds flat - Lizzy McAlpine

Lizzy McAlpine’s second album, five seconds flat, is an undeniable autumn classic. While it was recently released, on April 8th of 2022, it was immediately clear upon listening that the album was meant to be listened to in the fall. The songs mostly have moodier and instrumentals, accompanying her voice and her lyricism perfectly.

The first song on the album, “doomsday,” starts with the lyric “Pull the plug in September, I don’t want to die in June,” starting the album off by placing the listener directly in the season. The song follows the story of a girl who knows she will be broken up with, but she does have any say as to when. Near the end, she sings “I’d have liked to plan out my part in this, But you’re such a narcissist that you did it on Halloween,” thus engaging the fall with the fact that he broke up with her during a holiday that most people love, making this a song that immediately comes to mind once Halloween rolls around.

Other songs that encompass the autumn feeling perfectly are “erase me,” “reckless driving,” and “ceilings.” Each song has some mention of the gloomier weather, “ceilings” in particular mentioning “It’s raining harder, my shoes are now full of water.” The vibe alone of her songs evokes an autumn feeling, but the cover is the cherry on top. Lizzy’s side profile can be seen only through the yellow/orange light on her hair on a dark night, stabilizing it masterfully as an autumn album released a few months before its time. It is a young classic that is sure to be enjoyed by all lovers of this season. 

Harry Styles - Harry Styles

Harry Styles’ first self-titled album was released on May 12th, 2017, during the spring season. Despite this, the album in itself encapsulates the feelings and emotions of the fall season beautifully, marking it as an album that all of his fans eagerly await to play the moment October rolls around. The lead single, “Sign of the Times,” is a six-minute soft rock song, with the video accompanying it being filmed in a cloudy, mountainous location. This song is the most successful of the album, and the video alone represents the cold yet orangey weather of the season.

Other songs in the album that also “sound” like fall are “Meet Me in the Hallway,” “Ever Since New York,” and “From the Dining Table.” The soft tone of his voice even when he is singing louder, the heavy presence of acoustic guitars as well as the detail in each instrumental behind his lyrics make these the perfect fall songs. While he rarely mentions any weather, they are softer, beautiful songs that allow people to paint a picture in their minds with the lyrics as they are sipping a fall drink and watching the autumn leaves fall.

Lastly, the cover alone is so simply unique, showing Styles surrounded by pink water. The image evokes a feeling of peace, quiet, and calmness, the emotions that many associate with the autumn season. It is an incredible album, one that is guaranteed to be very loved by listeners everywhere once the summer breeze subsides and the leaves start turning orange. 

Ike’s Picks

Javelin - Sufjan Stevens

Sufjan Stevens’ musical odyssey circles back to his traditional style with 2023’s new treasure of an album Javelin - a spiritual successor to 2015’s wintrier outing Carrie & Lowell with elements of Age of Adz’s electric scaffolding. Where Carrie & Lowell chronicles his bout with grief over the death of his estranged mother, Javelin is dedicated to his late partner Evans Richardson IV. Javelin evokes the bittersweet nature of the fall -- the onset of seasonal depression and shorter stretches of daylight battling with the resonance of gorgeous scenery and the (at-times deceitful) company of hope.

The honest “Will Anybody Ever Love Me?” details the relatable existential struggles with loneliness we often find ourselves in as cuffing season arrives, and the 8-minute epic that is “Sh*t Talk” proclaims the comforting power of unconditional love. Javelin is a tender return to form for folktronica pioneer Stevens, but he never forgets to integrate the lessons he’s learned along the journey. This fall, consider turning on “My Red Little Fox” and rewatching Wes Anderson’s Fantastic Mr. Fox.

Mista Thug Isolation - Lil Ugly Mane

On one end of the autumnal spectrum, you have the warm introspection of Tyler, the Creator’s Flower Boy. On the other hand, you have the beast of an album that is Lil Ugly Mane’s horrorcore outing Mista Thug Isolation—completely devoid of any trace of wistfulness or sincerity. “Twistin’” featuring a young Denzel Curry, “Throw Dem Gunz,” and “B*tch I’m Lugubrious” are diamonds of underground hip hop with southern beats and virtuoso rapping. In a sense, Mista Thug Isolation is a more developed, well-rounded version of Tyler’s immature Goblin. This spooky season, make your friends do the stank face and queue up “Serious Sh*t” to set the stage for your Hallow’s Eve activities.

Doolittle - Pixies

Halloween is the underrated quirky third sibling of the triumvirate of year-ending holidays, and The Pixies’ Doolittle is a spooky, offbeat soundtrack for these fall evenings. From “Here Comes Your Man”’s zany, nostalgic groove to the haunting mantras of “Monkey Gone to Heaven,” Doolittle encompasses the feeling of the season. Sonic standout “Hey” gives the album an R&B tinge for the season’s eccentric lovers. Where most would pick In Rainbows and The Queen is Dead or Mellon Collie & the Infinite Sadness as their big two autumnal seminal alternative rock albums, Doolittle is the underappreciated sibling that needs more love from general audiences.

Rachael’s Pick

Hozier - Hozier

Hozier has made a name for himself by creating wistful music fit for the cold autumn months, and it all started with his 2014 self-titled project. On this record, the Irishman combines folk with soul and blues to create a masterpiece of a debut. The opening track and Hozier’s biggest hit to this day, “Take Me to Church,” sets the tone for the album, introducing us to the singer’s deep baritone. The record contains a good mix of upbeat tracks, such as “Someone New” and “From Eden,” and more stripped-down, romantic ballads, such as “Like Real People Do” and “Cherry Wine.” His melancholic lyrics often reference nature and otherworldliness, making this album perfect to add to your playlist as we shift into chilly temperatures and gloomy skies.

Audrey’s Picks

From 2 to 3 - Peach Pit

Imagine this: you’re sitting by a bonfire on an autumn night with a handful of your closest friends and the warm tune of an acoustic guitar harmonizing with the fire. From 2 to 3 feels like one of those nights where the only thought in your head is how grateful you are to have loving friends who always have your back while having the pleasure of not worrying if the things you share with them are too vulnerable or personal. With lyrics such as “Lookout for me, won’t you though?” and “I like everything about you”, this album proves itself to be largely centered around the struggle of maintaining meaningful relationships while facing everyday life challenges. Although the green leaves and blooming flowers are something you grieve from the summer, the crisp leaves and fallen branches conveniently help you start a fire, signifying a new and promising chapter in your life. In this album, Peach Pit expresses their true selves, without fearing judgment, to get their story across. To them, making mistakes and experiencing hardships are a part of being human and are nothing to be ashamed of. They don’t carve a pumpkin to take away from its original identity but rather paint it to purposefully add to its beauty. Realistically, we are a result of living and learning. Our past selves never quite go away, they just grow into the person we are today. If you’re the type of person who runs at full speed to jump in a leaf pile with open arms while not knowing if it is going to swallow you whole, make a huge mess, or remain relatively the same, this album is calling your name.

Waiting To Spill - The Backseat Lovers 

Waiting To Spill was made for the time of year when the weather starts to get colder, the air becomes crisper, and your head starts to fill with childhood memories of jumping in leaf piles and watching VCR tapes on the TV. As the leaves change color on the tree you walk by every day, the realization of how far you’ve come from the last autumn season hits you. You’re a new person, older, but still foster that fragile inner child. The changing from summer to fall and fall to winter is sheer beauty, just like the universal act of growing and changing. The lyricism of this album captivates the hardships of growing up and the act of leaving all that you’ve ever known behind to move forward. The lyrics of the first track, “Silhouette,” read “Wait / Wait for the day / Stay / Stay for the pain / Run / Run while you can / While you are still a silhouette / Of a man,” beautifully set the tone for this reflective piece. Waiting To Spill takes anyone who is willing to press play on a soulful journey with heartfelt lyrics and extravagant sounds that will leave all who listen speechless. Listening to this album with a soft autumn breeze will bring you comfort in the sense of knowing that you’re not alone in feeling confined by society or swallowed up by the demands of growing up. This album makes it clear that life doesn’t follow a perfect path, and the imperfections are what make living beautiful and real. The Backseat Lovers make it a priority to use vulnerability as a guide as opposed to viewing it as an obstacle, making it an album worth listening to and learning from. 

Aanika’s Picks

Zach Bryan - Zach Bryan

Zach Bryan’s recent self-titled album is a perfect example of music that reminds me of fall. It is one of those albums that I have to listen to with my windows down, looking at all the falling colorful leaves. His lyrics reflect the transformational aspect of the changing seasons, while also providing feelings of love, nostalgia, and yearning. A nostalgia-inducing album seems fitting for fall as I usually reflect on my memories from the summer and albums such as Zach Bryan’s self-titled album guide me through navigating those emotions. Along with lyricism, Bryan’s instrumentals induce the emotions I mentioned earlier, due to their melancholic tone; they feel like comfort chords for some reason. Especially with songs like “Summertime’s Close,” “East of Sorrow,” and “Smaller Acts,” this album encompasses all the passing feelings of fall and gives you a warm hug as we transition into winter. 

II - Bad Books

The first time I listened to this album, it was the first official week of fall, and I knew it was going to be my soundtrack for the season. II by Bad Books, Manchester Orchestra, and Kevin Devine sounds like fall personified. The order of this album is something to pay attention to; the first few songs remind me of the end of summer, energetic and upbeat, something I would want to listen to when the sun is out. As the album progresses, the songs start calming down, with a few upbeat ones in the middle, and the last three songs are softer and gentler, mirroring the transition from August to October to December. For example, songs like “No Reward” and ‘Forest Whitaker” are considerably upbeat songs, ones I would play the first week of September since they are still cheery and fun. Then there is a transition into “Pyotr” which is a considerably somber song compared to the first four songs. Then there is a switchover into the last three songs which are slower, melancholic, and calming. Overall, the entire album provides the audience with a dismal feeling, closing out the summer with serene soundtracks and progressing into the winter season.

Contributors: Luke Hamburger, Linda Tiano, Ike Nabuife, Rachael Darner, Audrey van Schagen, Aanika Bhatia