If you’re like us, despite the fun of Brat summer, you’ve been secretly waiting for the air the chill and the jumpers to come out. Well, our time has finally come. It’s the last few days of summer, the leaves are starting to brown and people are already planning their Halloween costumes. There is truly nothing better than chilly moonlit evenings that smell like cinnamon and pumpkin. Eating soups and stews, and wearing fluffy socks while being in our natural blanket burrito form. But you can’t have any of that without the perfect autumn playlist to pair with it.
Trying to source a good autumn playlist can be a challenge, we always find them to be one of three things; very white, very ‘indie sad man’ coded, or consisting of predominantly one genre. So as autumn’s biggest fans, we had to craft an eclectic playlist that all our witchy girls, sad girls and cosy girls can enjoy that totally fit the autumnal vibes we’re trying to achieve. Without further ado, here are 93 songs, in no particular order, to add to your autumn soundtrack. Cba to add each one? We got you girl, you can save the full playlist right here.
Pies Descalzos, Sueños Blancos – Shakira (1996)
As the title track of Shakira’s major label debut album, this song surmises her feelings about life in Colombia. The autumnal vibes come from its heavy 90s Seattle Rock influences.
In Another Time – Sade (2000)
Sade has this beautiful blend of smooth jazz and soul, In Another Time specifically feels almost ethereal. The song is nostalgic and introspective about enduring love in the face of hardship. It has the perfect level of calm for a cosy day.
Crush – Ethel Cain (2021)
Everyone’s favourite Southern Gothic rock icon, Ethel Cain’s crush is actually a pretty scary guy. And let’s face it, in spooky season (or any season), what is scarier than a man?
Blue Moon – Billie Holiday (1952)
Is it even Autumn without jazz classics like Billie Holiday? In Blue Moon, Billie has an emotive delivery, coupled with the song’s soft, melodic swing gives a timeless, melancholic charm that is both bittersweet and comforting.
Good Luck Babe – Chappell Roan (2024)
Honestly, any excuse to sprinkle Chappell into a playlist and we’ll take it. Good Luck Babe, is giving major Kate Bush vibes, and for that reason alone it’s going in.
Dreams – Fleetwood Mac (1977)
Stevie Nicks is the OG witch of the music industry, and in her song dreams she summons the elements to draw parallels with a failing relationship.
Edge of Seventeen – Stevie Nicks (1981)
Just like the white-winged dove, and the previous song, Stevie Nicks will never not sing a good autumnal spooky song.
Tomorrow Is My Turn – Nina Simone (1969)
Tomorrow Is My Turn is a super powerful anthem of resilience and self-empowerment in the face of adversity. It’s a blend of jazz, blues and folk and is truly timeless.
Season of the Witch – Lana Del Rey (2019)
Ya’ll already know this was our first pick for this playlist. Season of the Witch feels almost hypnotic to listen to. The eerie, slightly psychedelic arrangement makes you feel like you’re walking through a foggy forest at dusk, surrounded by shadows and whispers. Immaculate witchy vibes.
Gods & Monsters – Lana Del Rey (2012)
Lana Del Rey is a master of summoning imagery to accompany her music. In Gods & Monsters she casts her talent toward exposing the dark side of LA.
In a Sentimental Mood – Ella Fitzgerald (1957)
Another jazz classic, don’t say we didn’t warn you about how eclectic this playlist is. Ella’s smooth voice and the gentle piano are like a lullaby for the soul.
Till It Happens To You – Corinne Bailey Rae (2016)
You may know Corinne from her summer bop Put Your Records On, but Till It Happens to You is a hidden gem in her discography. It’s the kind of song that makes you want to light a candle and journal about your dreams.
Champagne Problems – Taylor Swift (2020)
So can we all agree that Taylor basically owns autumn? Her albums Red and Evermore are essential autumn listening, and Champagne Problems captures November perfectly.
Vampire – Olivia Rodrigo (2023)
I think we all knew that the second Olivia dropped this song it would live forever on our spooky season playlists, right?
Bewitched – Laufey (2023)
You didn’t think we were going to make an autumn playlist without Laufey, did you? Starting off strong with the title track of her album, Bewitched is a jazz-inspired ballad with a gorgeous orchestral arrangement. The song creates a magical, spellbinding feeling of deep infatuation.
Dancing with Tears in My Eyes – Kesha (2010)
Fancy a deep cut from Kesha? This song is a hidden gem from her first album that has some little sprinklings of spooky energy.
Les Fleurs – Minnie Riperton (1970)
You may know Minnie Riperton from her lullaby-inspired song Lovin’ You. But before that masterpiece, she came out with Les Fleurs, a soul-stirring, orchestral jazz piece that shows off Minnie’s stunning ethereal vocals.
She Said – Katie Tupper (2022)
She Said is a heartfelt indie-soul and R&B track that feels very hypnotic. Katie Tupper is a rising Canadian soul singer, who we never hear people talk about, but since this song is a perfect addition to this playlist, it’s time ya’ll get to know her.
Army Dreamers – Kate Bush (1980)
Kate Bush might actually be autumn, and Army Dreamers is her eerie magnum opus. The melody is both soft and plucky with an ethereal and harrowing sound. The song is actually about the impact of war through the beautifully poignant story of a young soldier, which explains the dark undertones of the track.
Float – Olivia Dean (2023)
Why is no one screaming about Olivia Dean?! She has recently settled into her well-deserved spot in the public eye but she needs way more hype. There are a few of her songs on this playlist because they all feel so soft and cosy. Float literally makes me feel like I’m floating. We promised you cosy, and we’re delivering.
Running Up That Hill – Kate Bush (1985)
If only I could, make a deal with God, and get him to make autumn eternal. PS Yes this is that song from Stranger Things.
Cranes in the Sky – Solange (2016)
Cranes in the Sky is a soulful blend of R&B and jazz. It’s mellow, atmospheric making it a fitting accompaniment for those quieter, reflective moments as the leaves fall and the year winds down.
Zombie – The Cranberries (1994)
The Cranberries are quintessential listening for any self-respecting witchy gal, they’re at their very best on this song as it is both infectious to sing along to, and really speaks on serious stuff.
Wuthering Heights – Kate Bush (1978)
Wuthering Heights a dramatic and ethereal track that brings the gothic atmosphere of Emily Brontë’s novel to life, with its haunting vocals and mysterious, brooding melody perfectly capturing the dark melancholy. Ya’ll already know it was an obvious pick for the playlist.
Dive – Olivia Dean (2021)
We told you, we’re deep in the Olivia Dean hype train. Dive is her most well-known song and found its spotlight around November last year when she sang it on The Graham Norton Show. Now, whenever we hear it we picture it in the soundtrack to an autumnal romcom, iykyk.
Family Tree – Ethel Cain (2022)
Religious trauma autumn anyone? Ethel makes some of the most hauntingly deep and thematically dark music of anyone in the game, and this song is her at her most dynamic.
20 Something – SZA (2017)
20 Something is an R&B track that resonates with the uncertainty of early adulthood, and everyone knows we’re in our reflective sad girl era at this time of year, so it’s the perfect addition.
Autumn in New York – Billie Holiday (1956)
The song is has the word ‘Autumn’ in it, need we say more? This jazz classic is a staple for any autumn playlist. Even if you’re not a fan of jazz, this song just sets the mood. When I hear it play for the first time each year, I know it’s Autumn. Yes, it may seem a bit wild to have Billie Holiday on the same playlist as Kesha but we did promise an eclectic mix.
No Body, No Crime – Taylor Swift (2020)
Let me set the scene, you’re in a small New England down in the middle of October. You’re at the Olive Garden with your bestie. But wait, she’s not there, or at her job, or anywhere! Yeah, this song is a banger and a mini murder mystery in one.
Eulogy For Nobody – Debbii Dawson (2021)
Debbii Dawson is still at the beginning of her career but her song Eulogy For Nobody recently caught our attention for it’s beautiful and haunting melody. Debbii is an American country/folk singer-songwriter with Desi heritage, so aside from this song being perfect for this playlist, we really wanted to give her some hype.
Intergalactic Janet – Ley Soul (2020)
Another deeply underrated song, though it had a brief moment on TikTok. Intergalactic Janet is a deeply hypnotic song, that has this cosmic experimental vibe. This will be a fave on the playlist if you like experimental soul.
All Too Well (10 Minute Version) – Taylor Swift (2021)
Possibly the definitive autumn song, All Too Well is Taylor’s magnum opus. It captures a short relationship during the fall months. It is dramatic, it is devastating, and it has you enthralled for the whole 10 minutes.
You Oughta Know – Alanis Morissette (1995)
Okay so how do we feel about feminine rage autumn? If you’re on board then add miss Alanis to your fall rotation. This song is quintessential essence of female anger.
I Put a Spell On You – Nina Simone (1965)
Did someone say witchy? Yes, and it was Miss Nina Simone. And yes, she did put a spell on us with this song. Listeners beware, you may fall in love with her if you’re not already familiar with her discography.
Not Strong Enough – boygenius (2023)
Phoebe Bridgers, Lucy Dacus, Julien Baker. Need I say more than their names to give you the vibe and why they’re on our playlist?
We Fell in Love in October – girl in red (2018)
No one is surprised to see girl in red here. Let’s face it, this playlist was made by a couple of slightly witchy, mentally unstable queer femmes.
Hey Lover – Daughters of Eve (1966)
You will most definitely recognise this song as a viral TikTok sound, specifically used in autumn or Halloween-themed videos, for that reason alone it will live rent-free in our heads as an autumn song.
Coffee – Chappell Roan (2024)
Did we tell you we’re obsessed with Chappell Roan? If you’re not, this may not be safe space for you. Why is this on an autumn playlist? It’s giving sad girl vibes and also we’re obsessed with Chappell, argue with the wall.
Exile – Taylor Swift (2020)
Taylor and Bon Iver together make a hauntingly chilly song about a relationship that has failed.
She Wolf – Shakira (2009)
There’s a she wolf in all of us, and as the autumn solstice is coming let Shakira help you set her free. She Wolf is perfect for a girls night out playlist.
Joyride – Kesha (2024)
Clowns are spooky right? Like we all saw IT and nobody walked out of that cinema thinking ‘hey clowns are cool’. Kesha may actually be the exception though. This song sounds like if a club was located in a haunted circus, but in the BEST way.
Who’s Afraid of Little Old Me – Taylor Swift (2023)
Speaking of haunted locations, how about a mental asylum? Taylor dramatically parallels her youth in the spotlight to growing up in an asylum. It’s melodramatic and totally belongs on a spooky season playlist.
There She Goes – The La’s (1988)
Ah yes, the TikTok song of autumn. You will usually find this pop up on your FYP mixed with sound bites from every cosy introvert’s favourite show, Gilmore Girls. It comes back every year and honestly, we’re not complaining. Listen to this on a bright autumn day to pick up the mood.
Tomorrow Never Came – Lana Del Rey (2017)
Tomorrow Never Came is a melancholic duet with Sean Lennon that reflects on the bittersweet nature of fleeting moments and lost love. It’s a hauntingly beautiful ballad that is dripping in melancholy.
Promise – Laufey (2022)
She’s back with her third song on this playlist. We don’t know what to tell you, she just oozes cosy autumn vibes. Promise has gentle vocals and a delicate orchestral arrangement. It’s all-round a beautiful song.
Your Blood – Aurora (2024)
Speaking of ethereal, if you haven’t listened to Aurora yet, you are missing out. Your Blood by Aurora is an atmospheric track that is picked up by a driving, rhythmic beat. This will be nice to break up some of the sad girl energy of the songs so far tbh.
Same Ol’ Mistakes – Rihanna (2016)
I bet you didn’t expect to see Rihanna on here. Admittedly, she is not known for anything particularly ‘autumnal’ sounding but Same Ol’ Mistakes has this repetitive, heavy, almost 90s Buffy-esque synth bass that just screams October.
Cherry-coloured Funk – Cocteau Twins (1990)
Speaking of Buffy, we really tried to capture the sombre moodiness of the 90s with a lot of the songs on this playlist. Cherry-coloured Funk is no exception, with swirling guitars and an ethereal production, it’s both melancholic and beautiful.
Thunder – Lana Del Rey (2021)
Of course Lana is back again. Thunder is a moody song styled with her signature dreamy vocals. It has a slow and haunting melody that embodies a moody rainy day.
California Dreamin’ – The Mamas & The Papas (1965)
California Dreamin’ is a classic folk-rock song about longing for the warmth of California during a cold, grey day, with its catchy melody and harmonies perfectly capturing the somber mood despite it’s upbeat tempo.
Astronomy – Conan Gray (2021)
Okay so this is a bit of a sad one besties, but Conan really does have such an autumn vibe.
Rhiannon – Fleetwood Mac (1975)
In the words of resident Supreme of the coven, Stevie Nicks, this song is about an old Welsh witch. It’s one of the most iconic witchy songs of all time from the OG witch.
From The Start – Laufey (2023)
Once again, Laufey makes an appearance on the playlist but this time with arguably her most well-known song. From The Start has such a classic sound, especially paired with her vintage vocals. It’s gorgeous from start to finish and is perfect for a cosy autumn day.
My Love Mine All Mine – Mitski (2023)
My Love Mine All Mine is a tender song where Mitski reflects on self-love and the permanence of her own feelings. You may recognise the infamous soft melodies from a viral TikTok sound, but the heartfelt lyrics is what really captured us, it just feels warm.
Never an Easy Way – Morcheeba (1998)
This one is a bit of a curve ball, we’ll admit, but it’s kind of an iconic track from the Buffy The Vampire Slayer soundtrack and is another super hypnotic, eerie sound that is perfect for a moody Halloween vibe. You’ll soon discover a few of these on the playlist because the 90s really had no shortage of them.
Cyber Stockholm Syndrome – Rina Sawayama (2017)
This song is a masterpiece, if you’re a music buff you’ll love every part of it from composition to production. Notorious as one of Rina’s first tracks that got into the public eye, the song is energetic and genre-blending, and it’s hard to pin down why this gives autumn but you’ll understand it when you hear it.
Two Black Cadillacs – Carrie Underwood (2012)
Oop is that another country song about killing someone? I think it is! Carrie Underwood has a few but this one hits the hardest. Needless to say there are some spooky vibes.
You Should See Me in a Crown – Billie Eilish
Though a masterpiece I think we all got a little spooked by Billie’s debut album When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? The music video to You Should See Me In a Crown is particularly terrifying if you’re an arachnophobe. Visuals aside, the eerie vocals and menacing beat make this the perfect fit for this playlist.
Rose Rouge – Jorja Smith (2020)
This is really niche and specific, but listen to this while driving down a motorway on a sunny autumn day and then get back to us and tell us if you get it. This is a hidden gem from Jorja Smith and if you’re a fan of modern jazz you’ll love this.
Silver Springs – Fleetwood Mac (1977)
This is the best Fleetwood Mac song of all time and anyone who disagrees needs to have a sit down with themself. Stevie is literally putting a curse on her ex and it is stunning.
doomsday – Lizzy McAlpine (2021)
If autumn had a breakup song, this would be it. Lizzy McAlpine’s doomsday wraps you in its hauntingly beautiful sadness, making it the perfect soundtrack for those crisp, introspective autumn evenings when the leaves and your emotions are both falling
Smooth – Orion Sun (2022)
Orion Sun’s voice is like liquid gold, flowing effortlessly over the lush, dreamy production in Smooth. The title says it all—this track is a warm, velvety embrace, perfect for those quiet autumn moments when you just want to get lost in the music.
Gold Dust Woman – Fleetwood Mac (1977)
Okay so we’re not done with adding Stevie Nicks-led Fleetwood Mac songs, this is another chill witchy tune perfect for a mid-September evening.
Bored – Laufey (2021)
Laufey’s silky smooth voice drips with the kind of ennui only a self-obsessed partner can bring out. Bored is exactly what it says on the tin—a jazz-pop gem that captures the bittersweet moment when you realise you’re just not that into it anymore. Add this to your playlist for when you’re ready to move on, but still want something that sounds as classy as a late-night jazz club.
Casual – Chappell Roan (2023)
Casual is as heartbreaking as it is relatable, making it a standout for when you’re feeling done with the drama but still caught in the feels. The music video is kind of giving seaside autumn vibes which is why this is making the list. Also, did we mention we love Chappell Roan?
I Know The End – Phoebe Bridgers (2020)
Phoebe is one of the leading sad girlies right now, and while we considered her song Halloween for our playlist we settled on the closing track on her second album Punisher. This song is a journey that summons feelings of anxiety and nostalgia, and ends in an all-encompassing spooky scream.
Only Exception – Paramore (2009)
Paramore took a step back from their usual high-energy sound with The Only Exception, a soft ballad that hits right in the feels. It’s gentle and sentimental and the perfect addition to any sad girl playlist.
Female Energy, Part 2 – WILLOW (2019)
WILLOW channels some serious cosmic vibes in Female Energy, Part 2. This track is all about embracing who you are and where you fit in the universe, with lyrics that reflect on self-discovery and empowerment. It’s got this dreamy, almost meditative feel that makes it perfect for when you’re in the mood to just sit with your thoughts and let the world fall away.
All the Good Girls Go to Hell – Billie Eilish
Another spooky track from Billie’s When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? Honestly, the album cover is the only explanation needed for why this is on the list.
Getaway Car – Taylor Swift (2017)
Grand theft auto anyone? In Taylor’s darkest (at the time) era, this song is a perfect vibe for the build-up to spooky season.
Promises – Cleo Sol (2021)
See how we have a balance of genres? Very mindful, very demure. Cleo Sol is a neo-soul British artist and one of our absolute favourites in the genre. Her vocals are soothing and quite frankly, out of this world. It’s very mellow, smooth and the perfect accompaniment to a cosy day.
sever the blight – hemlocke springs (2023)
If you have not heard of hemlock springs yet, we urge you to check out her entire discography right now. She is incredibly talented and hugely underrated! sever the blight is her single from 2023 dripping in 80s synths, and vocally reminiscent of Kate Bush, this song feels so perfect for this playlist.
Billie Bossa Nova – Billie Eilish (2021)
Surprisingly, this one isn’t from Billie’s spooky album but from Happier Than Ever. Billie Bossa Nova is all about the thrill and secrecy of a hidden romance, wrapped in a smooth, sultry bossa nova vibe. Inspired by the classic Brazilian genre and infused with Billie’s signature style, it feels a little mysterious.
Motion Sickness – Phoebe Bridgers (2017)
Oop did someone say more Phoebe Bridgers? This was her big breakout back in 2017, and it is a perfectly melancholic song for autumnal blues.
Kill Bill – SZA (2022)
Kill Bill is Inspired by Quentin Tarantino’s iconic film which is perfect for the ‘ber’ months, so of course it’s going on the list. That aside, SZA’s smooth R&B melody is stunning.
Moscas en la Casa – Shakira (1998)
Arguably the best song in Shakira’s entire discography, this song is about longing for someone you can’t have. The imagery of flies in the house (which is what the title means in Spanish) feels autumnal in a way only Shakira could deliver.
Sugar Water – Cibo Matto (1996)
Once again, the soundtrack to Buffy The Vampire Slayer has taken hold of this playlist. If you’re a Buffy fan like us, you’ll remember this sultry, melancholy and slightly bizarre song from season one. The best word to describe Sugar Water is haunting.
Potential Break-Up Song – Aly & AJ (2007)
Who remembers this song?! This one is a big throwback and absolutely had to go in this playlist. Potential Break-Up Song has this playful, slightly spooky energy—think Halloween party vibes. The resurgence on TikTok gave it a new life, which made it an obvious choice.
I Only Have Eyes for You – The Flamingos (1959)
This dreamy doo-wop classic might seem like a sweet love song, but it has taken on a haunting life of its own in pop culture. I Only Have Eyes for You has been featured in some eerie and intense scenes across TV and film, including an episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and the horror film Annabelle.
Try and You Try – Cleo Sol (2020)
Cleo Sol is back with a voice like silk. Try and You Try is a soulful reflection on perseverance and resilience, which honestly we all need a reminder of when the days are this short.
Still Cold – Cleo Sol (2018)
What can we say? We just can’t get enough of Cleo’s calming and soulful presence. Still Cold is all about a lingering sense of loneliness even in the presence of love. This could also work for a winter playlist, but either way it’s a gorgeous accompaniment to a cosy day.
Landslide – Fleetwood Mac (1975)
I wonder if there is a Fleetwood Mac song that wouldn’t work for Autumn?
Someone To Watch Over Me – Ella Fitzgerald (1951)
Ella Fitzgerald’s rendition of Someone To Watch Over Me is an absolute classic, dripping with longing and vulnerability. With Ella’s smooth, emotive vocals, it’s the kind of song that wraps around you like a warm blanket, or accompanies a romantic slow dance in the kitchen.
She – dodie (2019)
This iconic song from dodie is a heartbreakingly beautiful queer ballad about unrequited love. It’s a go-to heartbreak song if you need to ball your eyes out for a while.
Fade Into You – Mazzy Star (1993)
Mazzy’s Fade Into You was an obvious pick for this playlist. It has become a cultural touchstone, appearing in over 30 films and TV shows, including Gilmore Girls, Euphoria, and Yellowjackets, and in all to backdrop scenes that are moody, sad or longing.
Spooky – Dusty Springfield (1970)
Originally an instrumental hit by Classics IV, Dusty’s version added lyrics that made it a sultry, Halloween-appropriate anthem.
Rainy Days and Mondays – The Carpenters (1974)
This melancholic classic by The Carpenters captures the universal feeling of gloom that often accompanies a rainy day or the start of a new week. With Karen Carpenter’s soulful voice delivering lyrics that resonate with anyone who’s ever felt down for no particular reason, the song has become an enduring anthem for those down days.
Ocean Eyes – Billie Eilish (2016)
Ocean Eyes is the track that introduced the world to Billie Eilish, and from day one, she was in her spooky era. The haunting melody and Billie’s ethereal vocals make this song a perfect choice.
Where You Lead – Carole King (1971)
Okay this one was a cheap shot, but we fear our cosy girls would be deeply disappointed if we didn’t have the iconic Gilmore Girls theme on here.
Misguided Ghosts – Paramore (2016)
Misguided Ghosts is an underrated and hauntingly beautiful song from Paramore. I mean just having ‘Ghosts’ in the title makes it worthy of a spot but this is Paramore at their most raw and vulnerable. Misguided Ghosts feels like wandering through your own thoughts on a rainy day, trying to figure out where you belong.
A Case Of You – Joni Mitchell (1971)
The last song on the playlist is a classic by Joni Mitchell, and is well recognised as on the soundtrack to Practical Magic.
As the air turns crisp and the days grow shorter, there’s something undeniably comforting about finding that perfect playlist to match the season’s mood. These autumn songs are the perfect soundtrack to every cozy, witchy, and introspective moment you’ll have this fall. So whether you’re lighting candles, planning your Halloween costume, or just soaking in the autumn vibes, let these autumn songs be your go-to.
