The weather is muggy, the fog is low. Those stockings that have been defrosting in your drawer finally break free once that first autumn leaf falls. As fall approaches, you might just want a playlist that captures the romantic way the contrast sharpens and the autumn melancholy swells. For those who crave the poetic ache of it all, the old Stranger Things fans who still miss the angsty ’80s vibe, the Jonathan Byers fans and leather jacket enthusiasts, look no further, because this playlist is for you.
With some throwbacks to old classics and a few modern songs with good twists, this playlist is a soundtrack for walking through fall like it’s a movie. With equal parts nostalgia, drama and just the right amount of “being haunted.”
- The Cure: “M”
A haunting, deep cut from The Cure, perfect for walking past streetlights on a cold night with a defined breeze through your hair. It’s gloomy, romantic and undeniably essential. - The Smashing Pumpkins: “1979”
Nothing captures bittersweet nostalgia quite like this. It’s juvenile nights in slow motion, the kind of song that follows you through college. When the leaves start to turn brown, the air is cooling, this is what plays through your speakers at least once. - The Clash: “Should I Stay or Should I Go”
Punk swagger with a grin. Equal parts anthem and argument, it’s impossible not to sing along when the chorus hits. A Jonathan Byers staple. - Joy Division: “Disorder”
The sound of post-punk being born. Urgent, restless and unforgettable, it’s the track that set the tone for decades of dark alt-rock. Spunky and energetic, you honestly can't help but just move to it. - Talking Heads: “Psycho Killer”
An art-rock classic that feels both eccentric and menacing. It’s witty, twitchy and unforgettable, just like Byers himself. - New Order: “The Perfect Kiss”
Classic ’80s new wave. All glittering synths and aching emotion. From frog-like sounds and sick music panning. It’s heartbreak dressed up in red neon lights. - Joy Division: “Shadowplay”
Bleak and beautiful, this is peak Joy Division atmosphere. It sounds like wandering into the night with too much on your mind. - TRAITRS: “Thin Flesh”
A newer song you can’t go wrong with. Modern darkwave that feels instantly timeless. Shimmering distortion and fractured vocals for every midnight thinker. If you don't feel this song in your bones something isn't right. - DECEITS: “Drowning In An Empty Sea”
Melancholy you can dance to. This track is moody, cinematic and perfect for fall leather jackets and late walks. - Part Time: “Lies in the Eyes of Love”
Slight cult Tumblr-era favorite. Dreamy and sad in equal measure, it’s heartbreak written in soft focus. Witchy and leaving me feeling somewhat mystical with its saxophone outro. - Memo Boy: “Insomniac”
Lo-fi and restless, this one feels like being awake at 4 a.m. with nothing but your screen for company. But even with that, its peak gloomy darkness as wet leaves cling to the floor and the air chills. Restless but riled up, it's comforting. - When In Rome: “The Promise”
And last but not least for the yearners, the iconic ’80s ballad that still cuts deep, it’s hopeful heartbreak echoing through time. For those who want to just punch the air and dramatically move on from it all.
You can access the playlist here.
Nadirah Vander Linden is a junior in the College of Arts and Sciences. She can be reached at nav27@cornell.edu
‘Solar Flare’ is a weekly playlist column where Sun contributors spotlight a slice of musical taste with the campus community. It runs every Monday.
