Blissful Melancholy: Songs to Accompany Autumn Chills, by Karla Garcia

Autumn is a time of bliss; the falling leaves, cozy sweaters, and warm drinks are this season's niche. Everything feels strangely connected because the weather influences our mood. Fall brings melancholy through its chills, shorter days, and grey skies. Simultaneously, this time of year is heavily romanticized for its amber color palette and Pinterest-esque aesthetic. What isn’t there to love about a crisp atmosphere filled with ravishing trees, festivities, and pumpkin-flavored everything? 

Autumn gifts us an ambience of blissful melancholy—a feeling of bittersweetness or desolate nostalgia. This season invites us to embrace fluctuating sentiments, rather than push them away. We can seize the low temperatures while enjoying the vivid imagery of the autumn harvest.  

Music captures this essence, translating the physical into an overpowering soundscape that features nature and human emotion. Such melodies are often felt, connecting listeners with the artist’s message, while evoking past experiences. If you’re in a blue mood, the following songs will resonate with you and fill your soul with cinnamon-colored warmth. Add these tracks to your November playlist to accompany your coffee run or late-night reads. Queue these songs as you walk to class pretending to be on the set of Gilmore Girls, October Sky, or whatever fall graphic you vibe with! 

The Field by Blood Orange (feat. The Durutti Column, Tariq Al-Sabir, Caroline Polachek & Daniel Ceasar) 

This track is relaxing, reminiscent of childhood car naps and waking up to a cold breeze. Its sound is folk-like, infused with modern percussion. The overall feeling is that of cottage life—grasslands, sheep, and ever-sustaining peace. Lyric-wise, the song contains only a few verses and repeats the line “sing to me,” searching for something within “The Field” of life. 

Alternative pick: Vivid Light 

Ojos Tristes by Selena Gomez and benny blanco (with The Marías) 

Emotionally and musically rich, “Ojos Tristes” honors the original “El Muchacho de los Ojos Triste,” released by Jeanette in 1981. It perfectly balances love and sadness, communicating romantic despair through English and Spanish lyrics. The verse, “Antes eran tus ojos lloviendo en otoño / Y ahora son los míos” translates to “Before, it was your eyes raining in autumn / And now mine are.” The song’s feel-good synth pads beautifully complete its airy singing and subdued guitar riffs. 

Alternative Pick: Scared of Loving You

JoyRide by CORTIS 

This track is an effortless delight, mastering an alternative-pop sound. “JoyRide” provides comfort through its retrospective vibe and laid-back instrumentation. Its sound is graceful, tying raspy vocals and silky chords with light electronic effects. This number is enduring; each listen feels new and sends tender chills because it's that sentimental. The verse “Driving so fast 가로질러 긴 밤” (cutting across the long night), is unforgettable. 

Alternative Pick: Lullaby 

Cottonwood by Twenty One Pilots 

As the month that hosts both the Day of the Dead and All Souls’ Day, November is a time to remember our loved ones, especially those who’ve passed. “Cottonwood” softly rings a mournful message, igniting a bittersweet ambiance of affection and woe. The line, “I look back in time through a telescope” is wistful, highlighting the delicate nature of our memories. Instrumentally, the track features lush keys and drums, relying on heavy layering. Still, the song maintains tranquility through its familial message. 

Alternative Pick: Intentions 

Take My Half by BEOMGYU (of TOMORROW X TOGETHER)

Perhaps one of my most played tracks of 2025, “Take My Half,” is near to my heart. This song has gotten me through uncertainties, providing enthusiasm, confidence, and connection. This record is immersive; every line is felt through passionate vocals and enigmatic guitar sections. It's an authentic piece that transcends language. Beomgyu's pains and hopes are raw, uniting listeners with inner healing and “행복,” or happiness. 

Alternative Pick: Panic 

Through The Years by The Walters 

This indie pop track is melodic and easy to listen to. Beginning with lo-fi-like sounds and an electric riff, “Through The Years” is filled with yearning; its lyrics speak of better times, or “old days when no one had expectations.” Its soothing tune, however, offers optimism and alludes to a character overcoming adversity. Life is a mix of complications; this song warmly captures this poignant reality. 

Alternative Pick: Good Company 

Autumn is the perfect time to listen to songs filled with emotion, nostalgia, and hope. The grey skies and chill breezes may bring down our spirits, but music can always give gloom a new meaning—transforming it into something beautiful. So, go ahead and romanticize this fall weather, taking in everything this month has to offer. Sip on some apple cider as you replay these awe-inspiring tracks released this year, filling your senses with blissful melancholy. 

Check out the playlist here!