Cool weather has arrived. Students have broken out the sweaters and sweatshirts. Leaves have started changing colors and falling.
Nothing pairs better with Miami University’s red bricks than the vibrant hues of fall. And nothing sets the mood quite like blasting our favorite autumnal tracks as we soak it all in.
RedHawk Radio executive members, show hosts, writers and more collaborated to come up with a collection of our quintessential fall songs. While genre and theme vary from song to song, each tune contributes to a richer experience of the season.
“Garden” by Pearl Jam
Hayden Baker: show host, Talk-A-Thon committee.
The guitar intro sounds like leaves falling on a cold autumn morning, and as the song progresses, the whole breadth of the season is embodied. The bass holds a fuzzy warmth in the mix, like the fall sun, while the guitar has a searing coldness, evocative of the biting winds of November.
“See the Day” by The Altogether
Ethan K. Poole: writer.
Originally written for the miniseries “Dances Moving!,” it’s a melody for a soft apocalypse, one personal and private. In essence, this song represents the ending and the beginning with a feeling of change at its heart: impeccable for fall.
“Dark Red” by Steve Lacy
Megan Harrison: marketing director, assistant editor.
This song alludes to vibrant fall hues, Halloween and rainy autumn nights. It was one of my top hits in the fall of 2022, and I can’t wait to bring it back around as the weather gets cooler.
“Falling in Love at a Coffee Shop” by Landon Pigg
GraciAnn Hicks: senior editor, show host.
Lyrically and thematically, this song is so cozy. Plus, when I think of leaves falling, acoustic is always the vibe, so this song is a must. Aesthetic and aromatic setting, wholesome plot, and upbeat yet wistful instrumentals? Check, check, and check!
“Connect the Dots” by Greer
Chloe Southard: music director, show host.
This song just feels like a crisp fall day. I’ve spent the past three falls on campus walking around to it while taking in the autumnal atmosphere.
“Full Moon” by The Black Ghosts
Nya Hodge: assistant editor, show host, music committee.
Twilight (and its soundtrack) is at the epicenter of the fall-autumnal-vibe. This song is what a rainy, orange leaf paradise sounds like.
“Old Man Took” by America
Charlize Hadix: show host, Talk-A-Thon committee.
This album was released in 1974 and perfectly encapsulates taking a hike in the cool breeze of Appalachia. I’m from the foothills of the Appalachian mountains, and the bird sounds, lyrics about the swaying pines, and general vibes fill me with a sense of appreciation of fall and of being outdoors in general.
“You’re Gonna Go Far” by Noah Kahan
Rachel Foley: writer.
Indie folk music just exemplifies fall to me. Every time I hear this song, it makes me think of new beginnings and the start of new school years. Moving out and moving on are just so autumn.
“Step On Me” by The Cardigans
Lauren Tolliver: music director, writer.
This song screams “fall” to me. If I’m listening to “Step On Me” while stepping on all the leaves, life is good.
“This Must be the Place” by Talking Heads
Henri Robbins: chief engineer, assistant editor, music committee.
This track just epitomizes fall — it's close, cozy and fun, but it can still invite a deeper introspection if we let it. It's a conversation about love and understanding, closeness and empathy. It's autumnal, if you felt autumn in the soul.
“Since I Saw Vienna” by Wilbur Soot
Ethan Kalb: show host.
It’s my favorite for the fall season because it’s sort of slower than summer songs. At the same time, it’s nice and calming. It captures the fall feeling because it’s slower but not so sad.
“When We Met” by Dana and Alden
Rachel Watkins: writer.
I can see the bright red and orange leaves falling off the tree whenever this song plays. The smooth jazz the saxophone creates puts me in the mood to curl up with a blanket and pumpkin spice latte.
“Portland - 2008 Remaster” by The Replacements
Karsen Davidson: event coordinator.
The Replacements really understand what it is like to be a big ole loser down to your last dollar, kicking rocks and crunching leaves on your walk home. Lyricist and front man Paul Westerberg is one of the American Heartland's most honest and illustrative songwriters. He is Norman Rockwell and Elliott Smith all in one, fabling late century American life.
“Hotel Lobby” by Blvck Hippie
Emma Rudkin: writer, show host.
Nothing reminds me of fall quite like gentle guitars and introspection.
“I Saw Her for the First Time” by Dr. Dog
Mary Hines: general manager, show host.
This song screams “leaves are dropping,” which is perfect for a dramatic walk around campus. Dr. Dog's voice is the raspy voice we all need in a fall tune. An overall great song for an autumn hang out.
“Bags” by Clairo (Electric Lady Studio recording)
Ellie Irish: web programmer, show host, music committee.
This song will hit at any time of the year, but it hits even harder when there is a slight crisp in the air and the leaves are red. Clairo is very fall to me, especially Sling. I attribute it to her whispery voice, horribly sad lyrics and funky little beats.
“Cape” by Suzy
Karla Garcia: writer
“Cape” by Suzy is my go-to when I am tired, sad and wrapped in a blanket. Its lyrics “Through the wind and rain … I want to be by your side” are comforting and make me feel a little less cold.
“Trouble” by Father John Misty
Connor Donaldson: business manager, show host, music committee.
“Trouble” is the perfect melancholy, orange-blue tinged song for deep fall times. This folk cover of a Cat Stevens classic is comforting and heartbreaking. It always fits the mood of crunching on autumn leaves on a chilly, cloudy day.
“Graceland Too” by Phoebe Bridgers
Abby Adamson: writer.
I know this song is gloomy, but that's what makes it ideal for fall. Cold weather and falling leaves always make me nostalgic and draw me toward the folk genre. The repeating line toward the end of the song, “whatever she wants,” just makes me want to give my friends the biggest hug. And also cry.
Listen to a playlist of our soundtrack to fall on the RedHawk Radio Spotify!
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