(My) Quintessential Fall Albums-- 2022

There are some albums that are just ESSENTIAL for setting those fall vibes. Of course it's going to change depending on what type of setting you're in, how you're feeling, and with a plethora of other factors.

That being said-- you can't beat good music, and I can't think of a better first (well, second to the intro) article than sharing some of my favorite albums, that make my favorite season that much better! These won't be listed in any particular order, but are all worth a listen (or twelve).

Break out your flannels-- let's begin.

Folklore by Taylor Swift

You can't beat the Queen herself when it comes to creating a fall vibe. Working with her partner (dare I say husband?) Aaron Dessner, and two of the best producers/writers of our time in Bon Iver's Justin Vernon and Bleachers' Jack Antonoff, Taylor crafted the perfect album for fall vibes.

Probably the archetypal fall album, the whole of folklore has a feel that it's mourning the end of summer, and replacing the euphoric, wonderous atmosphere of the warm seasons with the quiet, soft rumination that comes with the approaching winter.

Are you proud of me, Charis?

Caamp by Caamp

The band that never performs with a setlist-- Caamp certainly has one of the more unique, interesting sounds on this list. The group out of Athens, Ohio released their first, and self-titled, album back in 2016.

It's held it's value year-round in my opinion, but the pure acoustic and nostalgic sound of this truly-midwestern certainly pairs best with crunchy leaves and a road trip.

From the upbeat, almost greek-tragedy-esque tail told throughout the album (starting with All the Debts I Owe), to the soft, heartfelt harmonies of So Long, Honey (my personal favorite), and the wrap-up in the song that made them, Ohio, this album is a great addition to any pumpkin spiced playlist you're rocking with.

(I'm a sucker for albums that tell a story-- what can I say?)

Harvest Moon, Neil Young

I'd be doing you a disservice if I didn't include my taste in (slightly) older music on this list. Neil Young put together his fourth album with a group he dubbed "The Stray Gators," and guests like Linda Ronstadt and James Taylor.

There isn't much special about this one-- for the most part composed of an acoustic guitar, a piano, and a banjo-- and that's what makes it beautiful. There's a lot of great music on this album, and Young certainly has a vocal style that lends itself to a cool, autumn breeze.

My country lovers out there-- if Old King came out today, it'd be a No. 1 hit on the country charts.

III, Lumineers

There's definitely levels to this one-- and I also won't mind if (despite the explanation) you call me out for being a fan-boy for this one.

The first level comes from the album's opener-- Donna. The piano accompanyment Jeremiah Fraites adds on to this song leaves you with the same sad, melancholy chill as a cold, october wind. That same feeling carries over into the latter parts of the album's 4-disc, rollercoaster-of-emotions layout, with songs like My Cell.

The second level comes from the album's rise from a slow, haunting, melodious story in Disc 1's opening duo, to a story of heartbreak and adventure in (most of) Discs 2 and 3, telling the story of Jimmy Sparks and Co. Though the tempo of this album is the epitome of "What goes up, must come down," it certainly keeps the same sad, haunted storytelling throughout.

For Emma, Forever Ago, Bon Iver

A Bon Iver member has already been mentioned once on this list, and it's no shock to see the band's debut album hit this list. This is arguably my top album when it comes to the weather turning cold, and down to the hazy, almost dream-like production, it screams autumn.

This album itself has a very unique backstory, as well, with Justin Vernon recording the album in a remote hunting cabin in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, channeling his true Emerson-at-Walden. He retreated there after departing his "dead-end" job, and wrote it while dealing with the after effects of mono and a liver infection.

The album focuses on some of the main thematic trends we see when it comes to the fall-- evoking stories and feelings of lost love, mediocrity, and discontent.

If you needed any more explanation for this one-- just go listen to Skinny Love and call it a day.

Strange Trails, Lord Huron

This is just one of those albums that feels like a fall drive through orange, and yellow trees, or a hike through their fallen, crunchy leaves. Even if you haven't heard of this album, you've likely heard the song "The Night We Met" which has been used in about 1,000,000 tiktoks and featured in the show 13 Reasons Why.

The tone of the album is almost spectral, with a rich sound and the plentiful use of reverberative vocals, perfect for a fall road trip or the start of a new adventure. If you watch the music videos, you'll know the album is an anthology of sorts, pairing together works of "strange" fiction.

From the high, fast-paced adventure songs like Hurricane and Way Out There, to the low, haunting, ethereal hums of songs like The Night We Met, this album carries the autumnal weight not just for its sound, but for its ability to suit every need and mood for the Fall season.

I've always been a sucker for a good music video, and I'd definitely recommend checking out some of theirs. It helps to explain the stories in the album a bit better.

Songs From the Valley, John Vincent III

"Next to you," if you've heard it-- chances are you've loved it.

For someone about to start the rest of their life with their best friend (woot!), the song definitely hits home. That being said-- I think the song also fits the mold of a longing, almost heartbreaking anthem to those still looking for their forever. (It's coming-- be patient!)

When put into perspective, this Texas-born writer's album fits any mindset. Next to you, as mentioned above, fits maybe best as a romantic love song, but Slow Song was written by Vincent for those "crying alone in their bedroom."

The song covers a variety of emotions, but ultimately keeps what I see as an autumnal sound. Despite the wide range, the album comes with a sound that's intimate enough to matter only to you-- and to be interpreted differently by everyone.

Yard Sale, Brook and the Bluff

This next album comes along with a similarity to most of these others in that there is very little digital instrumentation on most of them. Yard Sale was modeled after a classic, vinyl record, even being released one side at a time (Yes, I know that's not how records work.)

In typical fall-band fashion-- after this album released, they went on tour, but not before heading to the mountains to write and begin recording their third album.

As for content, this album took a mix of folk rock, blues, and even a capella, intended to be reminiscent of famed Laurel Canyon artists. It really cements itself as one of my fall albums with the harmonies of Petals on the Floor, acoustic simplicity of Wallflower, and almost-sad penultimate single of On Top of the World.

My ideal autumnal backdrop to listening to this album is a late summer/early fall drive through the woods, or a campfire party with friends-- though the variety of sounds definitely makes it perfect for most occasions.

*slight bias because they also put on one of the BEST shows live*

Plans, Death Cab for Cutie

Straying more into the indie side of fallcore, rather than the folk side, but hang with me.

Plans is named after band member Ben Gibbard's favorite joke-- "How do you make God laugh? Make a plan." and that type of humor is dry enough to make leaves change on it's own, if you ask me, which means I love it.

I was fortunate enough to grow up with an older sister who introduced me to this era's music, probably earlier than she should have, but as a result I grew up listening to Blink 182, etc., and discovering bands like Death Cab.

This album just screams fall-- and honestly, most of their music does. Of course this album blessed us with the now-timeless hit "I Will Follow You Into the Dark," but in it's track list also gives us

The album was also recorded, like most of these, in a rural setting, but keeps Death Cab's predominately PNW-sound.

Mount Joy, Mount Joy

aaaaaand back to the folk!

I could probably say that the entire Mount Joy discography could go on this list-- but this album pairs well with a last-gasp-summer trip along the coast, with some cold, winter-like messages mixed in.

The album's pacing takes listeners on a journey from slower, thought-provoking melodies to crowd-pleasing stomp-and-clap rythms. The band caught my eye (ear?) pretty quick when I first heard them, giving off a Lumineers-esque feel.

The deep-cutting message of battling addiction in Silver Lining aids the overarching theme of holding your loved ones close. The album encourages the listener to take stock and appreciate the little things-- it could always be worse. That message of thankfullness and appreciation goes really well with the fall season.

Plus-- that mixture of folk, surf rock, and garage lo-fi just fits nicely.

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Honorable Mention: The Upcoming Noah Kahan and Taylor Swift Albums

These are going to be INCREDIBLE.

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There are a lot of great albums out there-- trust me, I did way more research than I should-- and some of you may not even see these albums as fall albums, but that's the beauty of it. They can be whatever you want them to be!

I'd love to hear some of your favorite fall albums-- let me know what's on your playlists every year, or just this year!

Stick around for some more music-focused content in the future. I'm really new to the world of writing about it-- but I hope you enjoyed!