These Songs Will Make You Long For Fall

There are four different seasons, but one of them is clearly better than others: fall. The months between summer and winter boast the best weather — the blazing heat is gone and instead, a light chill hangs in the air, making it perfect hoodie weather — not to mention beautiful scenery in the changing leaves AND the best holiday, Halloween. It's also a wonderful time to curl up with some good music and watch the world go by, since it's the last time to enjoy nature before it dies off or hibernates for the winter. It's a cozy season, and the music we listen to during the autumn months needs to match that mood, so your playlist for late September through early December had better be chosen wisely.

I know summer is only halfway over right now, but it's the worst and I'm really looking forward to the end of the season. Fall is, without a doubt, the best, and the music that I gravitate towards during that time is very particular in the sense that I wouldn't really listen to it when the weather is warm. If you, too, want to look forward to autumn, press play on some of the tracks below, sit back, and feel that cool breeze wash over you. Metaphorically speaking, of course — it's still disgusting outside.

Whiskeytown, "Jacksonville Skyline"

Basically any song Whiskeytown ever recorded would fit the bill for the fall season, but this has always been one of my favorites.

Fleet Foxes, "Blue Ridge Mountains"

Fleet Foxes is another band that makes music specifically for the colder months, but "Blue Ridge Mountains" holds a particular magic that always lands it at the top of my playlist.

Sufjan Stevens, "For The Widows In Paradise..."

I find it difficult to listen to Sufjan Stevens at any other time of year, but once the air gets nippy, he gets a lot of play on my iTunes. This is an oldie but a total goodie.

M83, "Kim & Jessie"

M83 is dreamy and intense and I first heard "Kim & Jessie" in autumn many years ago, so it has a special place in my heart.

Gemma Hayes, "My God"

Little known on this side of the pond, Hayes is an Irish singer with the voice of an angel that completely warms me up when it's cold outside. Ugh, it's so god.

Bon Iver, "I Can't Make You Love Me"

I generally don't agree with anyone covering this song because I love the original so much, but somehow Bon Iver just GETS it, and it works, and it's beautiful.

Joanna Newsom, "Cosmia"

Joanna Newsom is one of the best modern songwriters out there, and she creates these epic beautiful tales in her songs that are just like living inside a dream. Basically, what I'm saying is that she's perfect for cold weather.

Neko Case, "Calling Cards"

I don't really have words for how much I love this song or why, but just listen and hopefully you'll understand.

Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong, "Autumn In New York"

Obligatory, obviously. Sigh — is it fall yet?

Image: Getty Images