With the new season, a new rotation of songs is welcomed. Use this set of instrumental heavy and vocally haunting classics to view the world with a set of orange-colored glasses.

Paper Bag by Fiona Apple

When the Pawn… houses Fiona Apple’s classic hit “Paper Bag.” The song comes off as a chant, where Apple is able to charm her listeners with the same lyrics. Its repetitive nature evokes a deep desperation of love, or more accurately the need to be wanted. Though a darker theme, it is one many can relate to during this season.

Favorite Lyric:

“Hunger hurts and I want him so bad, oh, it kills.”

California Dreamin by The Mamas & The Papas

The Mamas & The Papas released their single “California Dreamin” late in 1965. Though the chorus is classic, the religious motifs and disparity in their vocals are what truly emulate the fall season.

“I feel like I’m taking a stroll and crossing a bridge,” said Joyce Wang, sophomore.

However, it would be a great sin to ignore the flute solo supposedly improvised by Bud Shank. The only hesitancy on whether or not this solo was improvised stems from its excellence. Though ignorant to the instrument, it’s dumbfounding to imagine someone being able to perform at that superior level on the spot.

She Smiled Sweetly by The Rolling Stones

“She Smiled Sweetly” lives on The Rolling Stones’ Between the Buttons. Released in 1967, frontman Mick Jagger takes his rightful place in the spotlight, as he often does, with his eerie vocals.

“[Jagger’s] strained but inviting voice makes me think of being bundled up by the fireplace,” said Ren Pang, junior.

Both the organ and lyricism work alongside him, creating the familiar theme of disparity. The specific disparity is one of the shocking peace love conducts, needing it to eliminate a deep depression. Which, as aforementioned, is one that fall can often bring. 

Wigwam by Bob Dylan     

A single on Bob Dylan’s Self Portrait, “Wigwam” was released in the middle of 1970. The brassy instrumentals with the absolute nonsensical lyrics incite the deep warmth of fall.

“This song feels like a cup of apple cider,” said Naina Kapur, choir student and junior.

Dylan, departing from his folk-esque tone, showcases a jazz-inspired side he has immorally hid from the world. Harmonizing with those brass instruments exposes that part of his musical genius, making it an honor to listen to.

Ghosting by Mother Mother 

“Ghosting,” track seven on O My Heart, reached a new, younger audience with its rise in popularity during fall of 2020. “Ghosting,” about a deep serenity stemming from pain, creates a paradoxical tone, similar to the relationship between the environment of fall and emotions often felt during it.

“It feels like walking outside without a jacket on,” said Kapur. “It’s cold but pleasant.”

The song follows a protagonist with an unfathomable love that they must let go for the betterment of their lover. This is through a metaphor of them being a ghost, deciding whether or not they should stop their “haunting.” Despite the obvious correlation of fall and ghosts, the song has the previously mentioned paradoxical relationship with the season.

“Fall Playlist” is available on both Spotify and Apple Music for your listening pleasure.