26 Brilliant Songs You Need In Your October Playlist

Update your October aesthetic.

1. "Season 2 Episode 3" by Glass Animals

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This is pure September synth, but mellowed out for October.

N.B. this video is a very accurate representation of who I am throughout October. Loungewear and takeout ~everywhere~.

2. "Clap Hands" by Tom Waits

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My aesthetic in October is black humour and layers. Imagine Dylan Moran wrapped in a cashmere pashmina. Clap Hands is the musical equivalent. It makes me think of bare branches and chill winds and biting sarcasm, but is also strangely comforting.

3. "Cranes In The Sky" by Solange

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What I wouldn't give to be snuggled up in that giant pink blanket (is it a blanket? Is it a cardigan? Solange, I have so many questions). Make do instead with being snuggled up in Solange's soft vocals and even softer piano notes.

4. "Chill Out" by Ray BLK

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BRB just chilling out for the whole of October with this smooth sound.

5. "Blood Sweat & Tears" by BTS

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Usually I'm more into my K-Pop girl bands than I am the boy bands, but the fellas have been KILLING it this season. This track from BTS dropped a few days ago, and is all my October electropop dreams realised.

6. "All We Know" The Chainsmokers

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It's time to move on from Closer (don't @ me) and into the arms of The Chainsmoker's thoroughly autumnal All We Know.

7. "Fools" by Troye Sivan

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There's something about October that makes me want to get under many layers of blankets and listen to songs that inspire a very particular brand of bittersweet melancholia.

If you are also into this, Fools needs to be in your playlist.

8. "New England" by Jonathan Richman and The Modern Lovers

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"I have been out west to Californ'. But I miss the land where I was born. I can't help it. DUM-DE-DUM-DE-DUM-DUM-A-DUM-DAY."

Sing this song all the way back to your parents house, then continue to hum it while wrapped up on the sofa with the steaming mug of tea your dad's just brought you.

9. "Fade" by Kanye West

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Autumn vibes and motivation to go to the gym all wrapped up in one handy package.

FYI, I know why they have all those sheep at the end. It's because Kanye is trying to tell us winter is coming and to prepare by gathering as many sheep as possible for warmth.

10. "Joan of Arc" by Arcade Fire

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September is all sun-drenched mellow vibes, but in October you need a bit more oomph to get you psyched up to take on the upcoming cold. Listen to this and then scream FUCK YES COME AT ME WINTER I WILL TAKE YOU.

11. "Girlfriend" by Nao

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Nao's voice is bright sunshine on the crisp, cold October day of this track.

12. "Cold Water" by Major Lazer

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Justin Bieber's addictive-as-crack pop tempered with the more indie-like, electropop sounds of Major Lazer, Ed Sheeran and MØ.

13. "Good Summer" by Kate Nash

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This single is for people who just miss summer plain and simple. ALSO KATE NASH IS BACK AND IT'S ABOUT TIME IS ALL I'LL SAY ON THE MATTER.

14. "Gasoline" by Halsey

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I mean tbh you could probably just skip this whole playlist and listen to Badlands on repeat from now until December and that would be a solid autumn soundtrack. Gasoline is my pick for October though.

15. "Your Type" by Carly Rae Jepsen

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Pure, sweet Carly Rae Jepsen cinnamon roll pop but with added synth for autumn.

16. "Human" by Rag'n'Bone Man

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Look at that cosy jacket. Look at those muted blues and reds. Listen to that powerful beat. Rag 'n' Bone Man knows what's up. October. October is what's up.

17. "Big Sparks" by Few Bits

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I defy you to listen to Few Bits' softly trippy sound and not feel instantly more seasonal.

18. "One Bad Night" by Hayley Kiyoko

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This came out three days ago. Thank you Hayley for this October offering, it is much appreciated and I will be listening to it on repeat until the sun comes back.

19. "The Night" by Honne

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Wrap me up in hundreds of crispy red gold leaves and play this to me forever and ever.

20. "Lil Bit" by Ta-Ha

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Sweet, trance-like R'n'B with a line of gritty sung-spoken lyrics running through the whole thing. It's just so October.

21. "1 of 1" by Shinee

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If it's all getting a bit too grey and rainy for you, you need to put this on. It's just so lovely. The beat is bouncy and the 90s aesthetic is ON POINT.

Plus if nothing else, you can use this as your new style-guide: nothing but double denim, buttoned up A-line skirts and saffron yellow styling for the rest of the season please.

22. "Get You Alone" by Kyle Dion

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I'm giving you two for the price of one here. Put on Get You Alone for vocals that feel like being wrapped in silk, then move onto Hold Onto Me to reach pure October nirvana.

23. "Flume" by Bon Iver

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Bon Iver was made for autumn. To play them in summer is a crime. You must not be sweaty and hayfever-y when you listen to Bon Iver. You must be dressed in soft layers and be gazing wistfully out of a rain-soaked window, with a single beautiful tear on your cheek. That is the Bon Iver way.

24. "Atlantis" by Bridgit Mendler

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BRIDGIT MENDLER. BRIDGIT MENDLER OF READY OR NOT AND WIZARDS OF WAVERLY SUCCESS. COMING OUT WITH THIS SMOOTH OCTOBER JAM.

Who'da thunk?! Welcome to Team October Bridgit.

25. "Mykonos" by Fleet Foxes

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Fleet Foxes are just so on brand for autumn.

26. "Caroline" by Aminé

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Yeah, this song probably falls more on the summer side of things, you need some solid beats in your autumn playlist or you run the risk of getting in too deep and turning into a sweater. True story.

This is a monthly series. Let me know what you think should be in my November playlist in the comments or tweet me.