MoniYah’s Picks: 

“Wildest Dreams (Taylor’s Version)” – Taylor Swift – Who doesn’t love some Taylor Swift? Especially when it’s old Taylor mixed with new Taylor. This song became one of my main bops the moment it came out. I feel it fits the fall vibe very well. I truly think Taylor is an amazing artist because she puts a twist on some of her most beloved songs by “remaking” them — not many popular artists do that! 

“September” – Earth Wind and Fire- This song should need no explanation; every 21st night of September I blast this song, blaring out the lyrics and waking up everyone within a five-mile radius. It has such positive and fun vibes. It also tends to remind me of every cookout I’ve ever attended from the age of five.  

“Meet Me At Our Spot” – THE ANXIETY, Willow, & Tyler Cole – This song has one of the best beats I’ve ever heard. I honestly haven’t listened to Willow in such a long time (referring to her “I Whip My Hair Back and Forth” days) so hearing this was a nice refresher. This song is something you’d listen to while driving down a beautiful, clear road, and that’s what I do every single time I hear it. For some odd reason I also associate this song to drinking a Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte; that might be because the first time I heard it I was drinking one! 

“Traitor” – Olivia Roderigo – I’m not sure if this is because everywhere I go I hear some girl humming this song or because it’s played on the radio 500 times a day, but I feel this is an immediate fall playlist song. Especially when you are “falling” out of love for someone.  

“October” – Alessia Cara – They’re is simply nothing more “fall” than the months September, October, or November. A song with the name of these months gets an automatic add to this playlist for obvious reasons. I think Alessia has a beautiful voice and tells a great story throughout this song.  

“Heat Waves” – Glass Animals – Now hear me out, although this song says “late nights in the middle of June,” I think we can all relate to thinking about someone in the late nights of fall. We also tend to have weird weather here in Pennsylvania that it will be a random “heat wave” on a Tuesday in September. This song has had great meaning to me ever since I first heard it. I cherish it every time I hear it. 

“What a Difference A Day Made” – Jamie Cullum – This song has great significance to me as it’s one of the songs my mother would rock me to sleep to as a baby. As school begins and we all start getting busy with the flow of class again, I started to realize that a day can make such a difference, especially towards the beginning of the year. One day you may be cruising, on cloud nine with no worries whatsoever, and the next you may have 10 pages of homework. Don’t worry, that’s what Jamie’s here for: to calm you down with some swift beats. 

“These are the Days” – Jamie Cullum – When I look back on my memories, summer and fall tend to be my most highlighted times. We are living in those days that we will later look back on and miss, whether we realize it now or not.  

“Autumn Leaves” – Ed Sheeran- Another song with no needed explanation. Ed never misses.  

“Are you bored yet?” Wallows (ft. Clairo) – I remember blasting this song one night on the pitch as the cool air brushed against my face. I just think it’s one of those songs that makes you feel content.  

“Night Changes” – One Direction – It always fascinated me how much things changed throughout the night. One day you’d wake up to it being sunny and bright to the next being cold and chilly. Fall is one of those months that you don’t know what the weather will be like the next day. You’ll leave the dorm in pants later wishing you wore a skirt because of how hot it got.   

Ella’s Picks: 

“Achilles Come Down” – Gang of Youths – This song is brilliant to me in the way it provides subtle encouragement to the listener to seize the day no matter the struggle. While it is not exactly a “hype” song, the lyrics and sounds provide a sensation that is more like a gentle push of energy after a hard time and instills a new sense of determination and courage to the listener. 

 “She’s Always a Woman” – Billy Joel – Again, not exactly a “hype” song, but, when Taylor Swift’s vibrant energy is too much, Billy Joel can be trusted to lift the chin of any young woman who needs the reminder that they are beautiful in every sense, always. 

“Crazy Train” – Ozzy Ozborne – While certainly a different energy than the previous two recs, ”Crazy Train”makes me experience a certain type of feeling where I am nearly unstoppable. The guitar solo is Ozzy personally providing a soundtrack to be your most powerful self. Rock on! 

“Killer Queen” – Queen – A classic for sure, but how could it be overlooked? This song represents a certain type of person who I seek to embody: an intellect, a lady, a Killer Queen. The song itself is so versatile that it can be used in nearly any situation; however, I find that it is a fantastic song to get dressed up to and channel your magnificent energy. 

“Mony Mony” – Billy Idol – A total throwback, but totally iconic. When I started to take music suggestions from my Grandpa over the summer, I was not expecting the energy that Billy brings to this song. To dance, party, vibe, or relax, this song will be sure to uplift even the most stoic of souls. 

“Everybody Wants to Rule the World” – Tears for Fears – To me, this song is the embodiment of that end of summer, going into fall sort of nostalgia that comes with this time of the year. This song never fails to make me feel like I am in an ’80s movie, waiting for my time to change the world around me.  

“Chiquitita” – ABBA – Sometimes you’re just having one of those days. While a song like “Achilles Come Down” gives a gentle push to keep going, Chiquitita gives the listener a comforting hug and doesn’t let go until they’re ready to stand up again.   

“Still Don’t Know My Name” – Labrinth – A bit more recent than my previous picks, but still such a bop. Sometimes when I hear the beat drop it makes me space out, and I feel as if I am somehow on a purple cloud where all of my worries are far away. Overall, it’s a great song to listen to on Sunday afternoon. 

“Mr. Brightside” – The Killers – This song needs no explanation; it’s perfect for any situation whatsoever, and it will never not be catchy. Whether you need to zone out, hype up, party, or not look ’cause it’s killing you, Mr. Brightside has your back. 

“Could Have Been Me” – The Struts – When in such a complex, busy place like The Hill School, it is often hard to muster the energy to fully rise to one’s potential. This hype-up anthem sends a different message. I remember listening to this song over and over during pandemic lockdown with the strong resolve to never put my head down. This song is not just a melody; it is an experience of life itself.