As leaves on campus flush with red hues and thick sweaters once again make their annual appearance, music tastes at Concord Academy shift perfectly in time for fall. To capture what our school is listening to, The Centipede invited students to share their go-to musical picks that resonate with the feel of the season. Whether you are looking for the perfect songs to walk with beneath the falling foliage, or are interested in which artists are trending for the season, here is what made it on CA's Fall Playlist.
Genres such as folk and indie pop emerged as the defining sounds of fall, with a multitude of students suggesting Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, and Gracie Abrams, all notable for their introspective lyrics and acoustic tones. Just from the thick, vibrant flannel on the cover photo, Taylor Swift’s 2020 hit record “Evermore” embodies the coziness and feelings that pass us in seasonal changes. More recently, Gracie Abrams has also become a household name for bedroom feels with her second studio album The Secret of Us. Specific songs that CA students shared from Gracie’s album include “I Love You, I’m Sorry” and “That’s So True.” Many students also recommended Ed Sheeran’s album “Autumn Variations,” especially considering its intentions for capturing the heart of autumn.
For country lovers, Zach Bryan was also frequently mentioned—especially looking back to his self-titled album, released last year. In an alternative vein of music, Hozier, Laufey, Beabadobee, and the band Wave to earth were often mentioned, offering a varied mix of warm and tender feelings to autumn. Ethel Cain, though only mentioned once, stands out for her album Preacher’s Daughter, distinct for its haunting narratives unlike any of the aforementioned albums.
Beyond the choices of popular artists and albums, some individual songs stood out amongst the responses. “Autumn” by NIKI was pointed to as a great, heartache listen, as well as Mazzy Star’s timeless hit, “Fade Into You.” Eric Clapton’s “Autumn Leaves” is both relaxed and comforting, capturing the essence of what drinking coffee in a cafe feels like. Noah Kahan especially stood out for having the most student responses, specifically for his hit single, “Stick Season,” which excelled for its raw yet impactful lyrics and memorable voice.
This season has proven to offer many more tones than expected, particularly for the recent hyperpop uprising credited to Charli XCX’s new record, Brat and it’s completely different but also still brat. Her album introduces a new perspective to fall, introducing the label of “brat autumn” as a continuation of her summer impact. Fall is no longer confined to slow, emotional tunes, with students taking interest in hit new artists such as Chappell Roan, particularly for her loved and exciting album, “The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess.” Sabrina Carpenter has also greatly contributed to the season’s scene, with her recent release of “Short n’ Sweet,” deemed to be a no-skip album by some.
Whether it is walking alongside orange foliage to Taylor Swift or taking in the vibrant beats of Charli XCX, fall offers a diverse soundscape to love each year it rolls around. Having a playlist enhances the mood to fully embrace the transformative essence of autumn. So go ahead and hit play, and let the music guide you through the beauty of fall!