Nothing compares to watching the leaves become vibrant shades of orange, mixed with hues of scarlet, gold, and burgundy. The air cools down. The days get shorter. But the music somehow gets warmer, more colorful, and funky! The next time you find yourself sitting among the freefalling leaves, play this playlist of funky songs to keep you warm this Fall!
"Eternal Light" by Chronixx and Free Nationals
In no particular order, kicking off our list is "Eternal Light" by Jamar Rolando McNaughton, popularly known as Chronixx, and The Free Nationals. This soulful tune invites listeners to live with "good vibrations". This ideology is painted into melodic vocals and funky rhythms to deliver a piquant song to play throughout the beautiful season change.
"Forget Me Nots" by Patrice Rushen
Although the lyrics in this song don't give the same joyous inspiration as the song preceding it, it still provides us with a catchy tune for the Fall. Have you ever seen a Forget-Me-Not flower? Look it up!
"Over" ft. Yebba by Robert Glasper
"Over," by GRAMMY award winning artist Robert Glasper featuring Yebba, offers a smooth ode to an old lover. The song is built with lyrics that express optimism: longing for the love that once was but hoping that it's not completely over. These optimistic undertones coincide with the nature of autumn; summer's over, but there's still warm and cozy vibes to look forward to.
"Good Days" by SZA
With warm and cozy vibes to look forward to, we segue into a popular song by SZA. Despite this song living in the mainstream (and probably already on your playlist), there are plenty of funky nuances that provide a new experience each time you hear the song. "Good Days" takes you on a colorful and hypnotic adventure through SZA's mind as she wrestles with accepting the good days that have ended--days that only live in her mind now.
"Pink+White" by Frank Ocean
Known for his colorful songwriting and soulful melodies, Frank Ocean continues to challenge the way we understand and enjoy R&B. Appearing at number five is what I consider a "soft-funky" song, because the groove is smooth and soulful, but the vibe of the song is very hypnotic and layered with different sounds that (when you really listen) come and go. Just like how the leaves turn different colors before it's their time to fall; they come and go.
"On & On" by Erykah Badu
Picture this: You know it's getting cool outside but the sun is at "golden hour" and fills the room, keeping you warm. You're sitting in a soft loveseat in a coffee shop with all brick walls (for the aesthetic). You're sipping on your fresh frappuccino (I'll have an americano) as you notice the conversations in the air began to soften. Heads start to bop. Feet and hands begin to tap. A spotlight reveals Erykah Badu on a short stage, soulfully delivering this soft, jazz-funk masterpiece. Almost every time this song comes on, I'm teleported to this scenario. Add this song to your playlist and enjoy it throughout the autumn season!
"Mulholland Drive" by October London
The first time I heard October London was on the radio and I thought they were playing some songs by Marvin Gaye that I didn't know. So, when I heard he was a new artist I was shook! I quickly became a fan of how much he sounded like Marvin Gaye (my favorite 70's artist). October London enjoyed this comparison so much that his first studio album in 2023 was titled The Rebirth of Marvin. This song comes from that album and every time I hear it, I'm reminded of how simple life really is when we slow things down.
"Just My Imagination" by The Temptations
You can never go wrong with The Temptations! Although this song is talking about daydreaming of a life with a girl [thanks to my Mom playing this song all the time during cookouts and family get-togethers], whenever I hear this song, I think of community. I think of everybody having such a good time that they believe it was just their imagination. I think of warmth and togetherness. Add this song to your playlist; it's better when you sing along!
"California Dreamin'" by The Mamas & The Papas
This song was literally made to be played during the late fall into early winter. The opening lyrics are "All the leaves are brown, and the sky is grey". Although these lyrics sound a little somber, this song is known for the beautiful three-part harmony during the chorus, which gives these words a warmer feeling. As you keep warm this Fall, add this catchy classic to your playlist.
"Free Mind" by Tems
Most of Tems' songs are rhythmic and catchy, so it's no surprise that she made this list. "Free Mind" is one of her more popular songs, delivering a catchy chorus that makes you want to dance among the autumn leaves.
"Yamz" by Masego and Devin Morrison
Last but not least, to add to the list of Songs-I-Thought-Was-One-Artist-But-Ended-Up Being-A-Different-Artist is Yamz by Masego and Devin Morrison. When I first heard this song, I was told it was Fetty Wap (look him up; if you listened to hip-hop during 2014, you've heard a song by him before). But, that didn't make sense to my brain because I never heard Fetty Wap make a song like this. I didn't put the possibility past him; I believed he could make a song like this if he wanted to! However, I was fed more lies and was told that it was Charlie Wilson singing this song. That made more sense to my brain, but this didn't sound completely like Charlie. In conclusion, do your research when you hear a song you like. Use Google, or Shazam it (Shazam has single-handedly helped curate my playlists because I'm always hearing songs I like when I'm out somewhere).
Summer may be Over, but have a Free Mind in understanding that Good Days are still ahead, so you can still shine your Eternal Light. Just think, now you can cruise On & On down Mulholland Drive, passing Forget Me Nots, on your way to get to the Yamz. Whether you're wearing Pink+White or California Dreamin' on such a winter's day, these songs are the perfect addition for the season's change. But, if it's Just My Imagination please, let me know.
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