As much as I hate to admit it, I am one of those annoying people who always posts screenshots of whatever they’re listening to on their Instagram stories even though no one asked for them. I know this is something that most people hate seeing on their timeline, but I often find myself interested in the things that people listen to. I feel like when people share specific songs it allows for friends and followers to get a glimpse into what they are thinking about, or whatever they’re going through at the moment. With this in mind, I’m also interested in seeing which songs remind people of specific points or seasons in their lives. Yes, I already know that “Hot Girl Summer” is a part of almost everyone’s summer playlist, but where are all the fall playlists? I decided to create my own playlist of some of the songs that remind me of the season. Here are a select few of my fall favorites: 

1. Janet Jackson, “Got Til it’s Gone”––This song was the lead single from Janet Jackson’s 1997 album “The Velvet Rope,” which features a handful of classics that I hold dear to my heart. Featuring a sample of Joni Mitchell’s “Big Yellow Taxi,” the song mainly deals with the emotions that come with leaving a lover that you actually miss.
2. Brent Faiyaz, “Talk 2 U”––This album also holds a special place in my heart for a lot of reasons, mainly for its nostalgia factor: Faiyaz’s album, “Sonder Son,” was released during the fall of my freshman year at Brandeis. Also, Brent Faiyaz is a very interesting artist whose work resembles many of the great R&B singers of the late ’90s and early 2000s—his smooth, charming voice followed with a soft beat is a golden combo. “Talk 2 U” is mainly Brent’s attempt at trying to prove that he isn’t like other guys—and it’s great!
   
3. Tyler, the Creator, “FIND YOUR WINGS”––This is one of those songs that really helps motivate me during those long study nights. The fifth track off his 2015 album, “Cherry Bomb,” this song features Tyler expressing the overall message that has stuck with him since the beginning of his career—making your own path and taking agency over your own life. The entire song is a testament to making the decision to focus on doing the things that make you happy. 
   
4. Steve Lacy, “Playground”––The chords. The chords! Steve Lacy is an amazing guitarist, and this track proves it. “Playground,” from his debut 2019 album “Apollo XXI,” is a perfect blend of urban pop and R&B. 
   
5. Shawn Chrystopher, “Wysg ’93”––––If you haven’t heard anything from Shawn Chrystopher yet, I definitely recommend that you do. Representing Inglewood, CA, Shawn Chrystopher has been in the music game for a minute now. He’s more of a reclusive artist, but once you dig into his work you can see that he’s legit.
   
6. Megan Thee Stallion, “Tina Montana”––First of all, if you haven’t really delved deep into Megan Thee Stallion’s discography, I think it’s about time that you do. It’s the standout track on her 2018 EP “Tina Snow” (which in my opinion doesn’t receive the proper credit that it deserves). “Tina Montana”—which is likely a reference to Antonio “Tony” Montana, the main character of the acclaimed 1983 film “Scarface”—is one of those songs that really showcases just how talented Megan is as a lyricist. 
   
7. Frank Ocean, “Wither”––This is one of my favorite tracks off Frank Ocean’s “Endless.” Followed with background vocals by Jazmine Sullivan, “Wither” is a song detailing Frank’s newfound love, as well as his wish for their future children to be able to witness their love. It’s beautiful. 
   
8. Tyler, the Creator, “WHAT’S GOOD”––Something about this song makes me feel like I’m getting ready for a fight. I’m not sure if it’s the heavy use of drums and the distorted songs in the background, or the fact that it’s one of the only songs from Tyler’s “Igor” which features the artist rapping throughout the entire track, giving his fans the quick punchlines and hard hitting lyrics for which he’s known. 
9. Solange, “Down With the Clique”––Before I even get started on this song in particular, “When I Get Home” is an entire masterpiece in itself. The gentle beats in the background, followed by Solange’s smoky timbre is a match made in heaven. “Down With the Clique” is one of the standout tracks from this album. 
10. Tyler, the Creator, “November”––Featured on his acclaimed album, “Flower Boy,” in “November,” Tyler hits listeners with a huge wave of nostalgia. The artist reflects on what he considers to be the greatest time of his life––this “November” to which he continually wishes to return. He does this while also sharing his own anxieties about his work as an artist and doubting the people around him. 

All the songs listed above can be found on popular streaming services such as Spotify and Apple Music with the exception of “Wither.” Of course, these are not all the songs that I would consider to be apart of my fall playlist. If I could go on and on, I would probably add another 10 songs to the list. However, these are some of the songs that stick out to me. If you haven’t already started your fall playlist, it is never too late to create one.