Fall is the one good part about going back to school. No matter why you love Fall -- the sweaters, the movies, the leaves changing colors, the pumpkin spice everything -- you need a Fall soundtrack. Here are some great albums that truly encapsulate the feeling of Autumn!

1. Red (Taylor’s Version) by Taylor Swift

Regardless of how you feel about Taylor Swift, you cannot deny that this album encapsulates Autumn to the fullest extent. Her references to Fall and the wide variety of genres within this record set it apart from the rest of the list. If you’ve gotten your heart broken, lost a friend, found the love of your life, or simply just need a soundtrack while you pick out pumpkins and apples at your local orchard, Red is the perfect album to play during this season.

2. Preacher’s Daughter by Ethel Cain

This incredible album was released in May of 2022 but it should’ve been released in October, because this dark gothic folk-rock album is exactly what I imagine listening to during the Fall, especially around Halloween. This record is heavily inspired by Catholic music and has major themes of the Southern Baptist, the religion that singer Hayden Anhedönia, AKA Ethel Cain, was raised in. This isn’t just an album; it is a cohesive story of the life of the fictional character Ethel Cain. With stand-out songs like "American Teenager" and "Strangers", the songs can be listened to individually or in chronological album. Either way, it’s the perfect Fall album with a darker tone.

3. Everybody Else Is Doing It, So Why Can’t We? by The Cranberries

Probably The Cranberries' most iconic album, with hits like "Linger" and "Dreams"’ it’s hard not to know about this incredible record. However, if you’ve only heard the hits and are looking for a Fall album to add to your favorites, this is the one. This is an excellent debut album, and Dolores O'Riordan's soft vocals complement the production beautifully. My favorite on this list is my favorite album to play while getting work done in my favorite coffee shop. A fantastic contributor to Fall music and a record that will make you feel something, no matter what.

4. Sling by Clairo

Clairo’s sophomore album is her most “Fall-coded” record. She is known for her soft vocals and production backing, making her music extremely soothing. This piano-heavy record allows Clairo’s vocals to shine more than usual. Her lyricism is beautiful, so this album is more emotional than some others, but don’t let that stray you away from listening. This jazzy record is the perfect music to have from Fall to Winter.

5. Five Seconds Flat by Lizzy McAlpine

Probably her most unique record, each song will surely surprise you. Mostly known for the hit song "Ceilings", this album has way more to offer than one song. While an incredible song, the lead single "Doomsday" references death and Halloween while the remaining songs fit the theme of Autumn very well. With several love songs and songs about hookups and broken hearts, it’s very easy to find a song you can relate to.

6. Ella and Louis Again by Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong

Once the seasons change, we look for nostalgia or at least some good vintage records. Whether it’s songs featured in Fall films or songs we grew up listening to, Ella and Louis Again has that feeling. This iconic record truly has it all; whether it’s direct references to Fall or the smooth, sultry sound of '50s music, classic albums are a must-have for this season. Their voices are familiar, regardless of whether their music was your childhood's soundtrack. It’s hard to hear Louis Armstrong’s rasp without being taken back to the first time you listened to a song of his and Ella Fitzgerald's, which is simply too classic to pass up. Whether you’re looking to find more oldies to add to your collection or eager to broaden your music library, this is the duo to get you going.

7. So Tonight That I Might See by Mazzy Star

To make a list like this and not add a song known to be featured in "Gilmore Girls", AKA the show that makes us so excited for Fall, would be a crime. Rory Gilmore is known for her music taste, which she shares so fondly with her mother and her best friend, Lane. Mazzy Star is a name you will know, whether you’ve been a long-time fan, heard her songs in a show or movie, or on social media. So Tonight That I Might See was her sophomore album, debuting in 1993; this alternative rock record is worth downloading so you can listen front to back on a chilly Fall day. If you prefer '90s rock or any alternative music, Mazzy Star is the artist who will help guide you through the Fall.

8. Why Does The Earth Give Us People To Love? by Kara Jackson

I love to highlight new Black artists, and if the album's name isn’t enough to get you to at least listen to the title track, I don’t know what will. Kara Jackson is a 25-year-old folk artist from Illinois who released her debut album Why Does The Earth Give Us People To Love? just last year. While the smallest artist on this list, she is set to make herself known in the music world. The minimal production creates a space like you’re in the room with her while she sings each track. This record is perfect for the slow transition from Summer to Fall, as it fits both seasons. If you’re a folk or soft alternative music fan, passing up on Jackson’s album would be insane.

9. Sixpence None The Richer by Sixpence None The Richer

The band that brought us "Kiss Me", we would be remiss not to mention Sixpence None The Richer on this list. While so many people love their hit songs, I do not hear people talking about this album enough. Also, it’s a perfect album as we transition out of Summer and into Fall. Leigh Nash, the lead vocalist, takes her inspiration from country singers she loved as a child, so it only makes sense that, even with an alternative rock band, there is still a hint of country in her voice. Her vocals alone make the album feel broader than other records; this band is simply unafraid to experiment, and this album is the perfect example of that. Whether their cover of "There She Goes" or the undeniable feeling of leaves changing when you hear this band play, listening to Sixpence None The Richer is something you won’t regret.

10. Punisher by Phoebe Bridgers

Everyone knows this album, so adding it to this list makes me sound like a broken record. However, there is a reason why everyone refers to this as their favorite Fall album. It’s simple; it’s just that good. If you aren’t already a Phoebe Bridgers fan, this album will turn you into one. The lyricism throughout this entire record is truly astonishing. With stand-out tracks like "Moon Song" and "I Know The End" being some of the most popular, the album is a masterpiece of emotions. If you love “sad girl fall” music, and Phoebe Bridgers isn’t on all your playlists, it’s time to hunker down and prepare for the emotional rollercoaster of a lifetime. It doesn’t matter if you’re listening to this album on a rainy day while you clean your room or on a long drive through the mountains; somehow, it goes along with everything.