Now that September 21 has finally passed, look to music to fill your highly-anticipated fall fantasies that even the crisp weather and pumpkin spice cannot fill.

Something as simple as turning on the right album can transport listeners into another world. Music has always been used for this reason and consistently acts as an escape from reality or an enhancer of the moment. Whether you are an avid music fan or are just excited about the cooler weather, listening to music is sure to help in achieving the perfect fall season while it lasts.
To match the warm feeling that fall gives off with its bright colors of a warmer shade, people often search for stripped-back, more acoustic sounding music as a way of shifting from the long, summer days spent active and outdoors to the cozier, cooped-up days of autumn.
For Emma, Forever Ago is the debut album by Wisconsin native Justin Vernon, better known by his alias, Bon Iver. From the album cover to the lyrics to the instrumentals, Vernon manages to capture the dying feelings of summer that may also symbolize the end of a relationship.
The closing track, “Re: Stacks,” conveys these feelings perfectly. A single guitar plays while Vernon uses his haunting falsetto to describe an unrequited love that breaks him down only to leave before he can build himself back up again.
However, moving into fall with a melancholic mindset is not appealing for everyone, especially since summer just said its last goodbyes. For a less heavy option, another artist’s debut is sure to bring comfort as the days grow shorter.
Joni Mitchell’s “Song to a Seagull” radiates comfort no matter what time of year it’s played, but hearing Mitchell’s thoughtful lyrics and rich vocal performances undoubtedly reminds listeners of the raw aura fall provides.
Although fall is known for relaxing indoors, it seems to be unrealistic that feelings of angst will not build after a while of being cooped-up. Fortunately, there is no shortage of upbeat albums that bring the excitement of summer inside.
One of music’s most influential artists, Kate Bush, offers powerful ballads and pop anthems on her fifth studio album Hounds of Love. “Cloudbusting,” a fan-favorite among Bush’s fans, includes sounds from a string sextet that manages to carry the song with only a little help from a simple beat in the background, excluding the outro.
Despite the album’s success, Bush’s music is not for everyone, as she tends to be more experimental and unique. For those looking for something a little more digestible and carefree, consider Jenevieve’s Division, which was just released in early September.
Division combines genres of R&B and pop, giving the album a universal appeal. Whether tuning in for the smooth production or Jenevieve’s stunning vocals, the album exudes a laid-back vibe that is sure to transport listeners to a place where the cool breezes of fall forever blow.