Yenska Beaudoin
“Harvest Moon”: The epitome of a fall song, a slow, melancholic yet happy ballad. This song feels like being alongside close friends on a sweet fall night. Neil Young employs smooth lyricism, combined with warm instrumentals, to paint a beautiful picture through music.
“Rain King”: Upbeat, it feels like the rush of an Ohio State University football game, chaotic yet beautiful. This song combines deep lyrics with bright instruments and reverberating percussion to create a moving and amazing song.
“Brown Eyed Woman”: A Grateful Dead classic, I would suggest the Denmark ‘77 version. The picture painted is so vivid; the effortless vocals blend perfectly with the smooth, rhythmic guitar. My favorite thing about this song is the easy piano, which perfectly accompanies the lyrics.
“See You Later, I’m Gone”: Robert Fullson’s song is slow and sad yet sweet at the same time. “See You Later, I’m Gone” is a melancholic ballad about the similarities between the changing seasons and people leaving. Reflecting on the summer, having to leave, and there being nothing we can do about it.
“My Cherie Amour”: Stevie Wonder produced a smooth love song about devotion, it really paints the picture with its beautiful lyrics of affection and longing. The perfect song for a Friday, with windows down and the cool fall air pouring in. “My Cherie Aumor” feels like an escape from monotonous fall days.
“Forget the Flowers”: A hidden Wilco gem in classic Wilco style: easygoing and rhythmic. This song screams fall due to the hints of the acoustic guitar. Smooth lyrics about missing a girl correlate perfectly with how most people feel about summer once the fall eventually rears its head.
“In My Life”: This is a Beatles hidden gem: the groove and production are outstanding. The Beatles made such an easy-going masterpiece about reflection and simply enjoying this life and all of the sweet memories it blesses us with.
“Jesus Etc.”: Jeff Tweaty’s voice shines through on this track; it perfectly goes with the background instrumentals. This song is perfect for the fall season; it’s calming, smooth, and easygoing. The rhythm is just so easygoing and satisfying to listen to.
“California Stars”. Another Wilco song, this one is just so good. People love this song, and for good reason. The contestant’s rhythm of acoustic guitar effortlessly combines with Billy Bragg’s impeccable vocals. Woodie Guthrie, a legendary folk singer, originally wrote the song. After his death, his daughter found a treasure trove of unpublished songs. Thirty years after his daughter’s discovery, she gave the lyrics to Wilco and Billy Bragg. They pay their respects to the late folk singer in a spectacular way, combining their unique style of music with classic folk and country.
“Box of Rain”: Another Grateful Dead classic. This song is so deeply thought out, using metaphors to describe how simply enduring and processing our own different experiences of pain can lead to necessary healing. Football games and fall nights with friends are great, but no matter the season, people will always be facing their own sets of seemingly impossible challenges. Acceptance is necessary, and I truly appreciate the message the Dead tried to convey through this beautiful song.