By: Caitlyn Bailey | Staff Writer
The month of pumpkin spice and spooky ghosts is upon us! As you finally take a step into the autumn chill, there is no better time to get a playlist together with some fitting jams that get you properly prepared for all October activities, from pumpkin picking to trick-or-treating!
We’ve accumulated a variety of songs to put some spice into your playlists. You can find these songs in a Spotify playlist with the links on this page, but first, let’s go through a rundown of why these nine songs are so fitting for October.
Find the playlist here on Spotify!
- “Halloween” by Phoebe Bridgers
The magic of Phoebe Bridgers is enough to make number one on the playlist. “Halloween” gives off a particularly October vibe, for obvious reasons. You could be create an October playlist featuring only music by Phoebe Bridgers, and you wouldn’t hear any objections here! “Halloween” has a beautifully composed melody with contrastingly haunting lyrics. It highlights a dead relationship that cannot find it within itself to bring any life back. Bridgers sings that she will be “whatever [the partner] wants” for Halloween, also implying that she will turn herself into whatever will make her partner stay. - “Best Friend” by Ingrid Michaelson
Ingrid Michaelson is the source of many hidden gems that will likely make their return in other playlists of the month. “Best Friend” is a piece of work that has lyrical genius and powerful synths. Its infrastructure is the foundation to a marvelous piece of October enjoyment. The polar opposite of Phoebe Bridgers’ “Halloween”, Michaelson’s song refers to developing a crush on your best friend. The tune gives undeniable autumn vibes, much like the entirety of her studio album, “Stranger Songs.” The “electric” touch of her best friend is enough to fuel the singer’s obsession. - “(If) The Book Doesn’t Sell” by Ritt Momney
Popularized by his rendition of “Put Your Records On”, Ritt Momney has his own unique sound with truly creative lyrics. He sings about situations that are otherworldly, showing his strengths as a storyteller and a songwriter. “(If) the Book Doesn’t Sell” focuses on a young boy having a conversation with God and the Devil in an attempt to make his own mind up about his beliefs in faith. The titular “book” refers to the Bible itself, with Momney realizing that even if he doesn’t believe in religion, faith is what keeps people going on with their lives and gives them something to believe in. If the book doesn’t sell, these people may not find a reason to go on. - “Poetry by Dead Men” by Sara Bareilles
Sara Bareilles is a vocal powerhouse with the lyrics to back it. She’s done it all: written an award-winning Broadway musical, Grammy awards, toured the world. The entirety of her album “Amidst the Chaos” shows her at her peak, with a smooth and jazzy tone that will bring listeners to their knees. Think of new beginnings, making coffee with a lover, and a flame burning to ember. That’s the kind of vibe found in Bareilles’ “Poetry by Dead Men”. It’s worth a listen any time of the year, however this piece may be particularly well-suited to October. - “Peach Pit” by Peach Pit
With a song title exactly as weird as the band name, Peach Pit is a band that always is keeping audiences on their toes. Their sound is one of the most unique in their genre, and song lyrics always have an interesting plot to keep listeners entertained. The song references a literal peach pit, talking about how it rots as the season continues and finds itself stripped to its core. Metaphorically, it is about a summer love coming to an end. As October finds its roots in the true beginnings of fall weather, it is the perfect time to be nostalgic about the peak of the sunshine season while also getting ready to explore new things. - “Daydreamer” by Adele
With a new album coming out, Adele is back in the game. Still, it would be unwise to forget all of the talent found in her earlier works. Adele’s album “19” is one that cannot be overlooked, and “Daydreamer” is an underrated gem on the album with its beautiful lyrics. The song itself is a daydream of what Adele wishes a particular person would be. She speaks about her idea of a perfect partner, however it is not brought into reality. Instead, she resorts to creating a vision in her mind of what this idealistic lover would be like. The dreamy lyricism is a perfectly fitting addition to the playlist. - “Skin” by Rag’n’Bone Man
A song fit for a blockbuster movie, “Skin” has it all: bellowing vocals, wonderful arrangement, and a story to tell. Rag’n’Bone Man, also known as Rory Graham, taught himself to sing by using historical blues player Muddy Waters as inspiration, and this single showcases those vocal abilities. “Skin” sings about letting down the walls in a relationship. A story is told about how one’s lover will be their last thought, how their ghost will be the one to escort the singer to the afterlife. A romantic song disguised as an intense, adventurous ballad, “Skin” touches upon the idea of spooky ghosts, making it a perfect fit for our October lineup. - “Tell Me” by Johnny Jewel (feat. Saorise Ronan)
Saorise Ronan has taken the world by storm the last few years. Showcasing her acting prowess in movies like Ladybird or Little Women, she is also able to prove her talent vocally. In fact, she was able to sing “Tell Me” for a motion picture, Lost River, that she was already starring in. Talk about covering all of your bases! “Tell Me” is an electric ballad that is just as chilling as it is gentle. The synths on the track are as haunting as Ronan’s voice. The lyrics beg a partner to stay forever, a normally sweet message altered completely by the sound produced on the track. This siren song encompasses everything about October; it’s at times creepy, sometimes peaceful, and altogether a rollercoaster of emotions. - “Witch Love” by Nico Yaryan
Of course, it’s impossible to talk about October without talking about witches! Nico Yaryan’s magical voice does a wonderful job of integrating some of that magic into his writings. His album What A Tease is worth a listen any part of the year. Voodoo, witchcraft, love potions: what else is there to want in a song? Yaryan approaches love with the idea that his lover has bewitched him, playfully asking if the girl is a “good witch” who has enchanted him. Yaryan’s captivating voice strikes audiences and does a wonderful job of encompassing all that October is about!
Find the playlist here on Spotify!
So, what did you think of the list? Anything you think should be added? Hopefully, at least one of these songs will make their way onto your playlist. Stay tuned for a new list in November, but until then, enjoy the month of apple picking and corn mazes!
Cover Image: “Fall in the park” by “Beckywithasmile” on Flickr is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
