- Shame Listens: A Playlist
- The 2025 Fall Playlist: Get Cozy with Imaginary Gardens
- The “Fall Breakers” Playlist: Take a Break with Imaginary Gardens
Introduction by Anna Trevathan, Managing Editor
With Fall Break on the horizon, many students are packing for a necessary getaway or simply catching up on some much needed rest and relaxation. No matter which plans you align with, one thing is for sure: you could use the right playlist to make the season even sweeter.
This is where our “Fall Breakers” playlist comes in – the Imaginary Gardens team has put together a mix of jazzy beats and fall melodies for your enjoyment. This playlist has a little something for everyone, with: jazz classics, indie tracks, and dreamy soundtracks.
Kick your feet up, have an iced chai, and take a deep breath with us.
Anna Trevathan- Managing Editor
“It Had to Be You (Big Band and Vocals)” by Harry Connick Jr.
When fall comes around, something in the air signals my brain that it’s just time for a When Harry Met Sally re-watch; it’s just a perfect culmination of all things fall and comfortable. “It Had to Be You” plays at the beginning of the film as this welcome to fall in Central Park and is the musical equivalent to walking on those crunchy leaves after a long day of class.
Heather Lee Schroeder, Faculty Mentor
“Double Infinity” by Big Thief
A brand new release by Big Thief, this song is the title track of the band’s sixth studio album and was recorded live, adding to the messy beauty of the song. Adrianne Lenker’s reedy lyrics overlay the signature sound of her bandmates Buck Meek and James Krivchenia, and the song channels the sorrows and beauty of fall with lines like “The trees on fire, the rivers flood/And all the banks are soaked in blood,” and “Beauty speak to me/Let me know, let me see.” It’s an aching eulogy for joys found and lost, evoking the falling leaves, the dying light, and the cooling days of autumn.
Addison Chrivia, Editor
“Ragtime Lullaby” by Harry Nilsson
This song has been stuck in my head for about three weeks and is what got me into Harry Nilson’s music. It’s such a lovely and calm song that incites a nostalgia for childhood naps; the imagery in it is sweet, setting you in a rowboat slowly sailing away to dreamland, with the waves gently rocking you to sleep. If you enjoy this song I highly recommend exploring Nilsson’s other music, as he explores a wide range of genres and sounds.
Reese Bunch, Staff Writer
“Autumn” by Couch and Jackson Lundy
A track littered with falling leaves, nostalgia for past years, and a beautiful melody tying it all together, “Autumn” is a wonderfully crafted song by Couch, featuring vocals by Jackson Lundy. It’s a great way to kick off fall, and can harken back to past falls that have been tinged by nostalgia. I highly recommend putting this song on during a crisp fall morning and enjoying the wonderful fall weather, all while thinking back to past years and hoping for a better future.
Draven Copeland, Editor-in-Chief
“Together” by Nine Inch Nails
I’ve never said anything to anyone about this song because it’s one of the more niche tracks I listen to – at 10 minutes long with no lyrics and minimal production (at least as far as Nine Inch Nails’ discography goes), it’s a hard one to recommend unless you’re looking for dreamy relaxation/ambient vibes. I’ve genuinely written some of my best creative work in my life (including Endling) while listening to this song and the rest of Ghosts V; it evokes so many strong emotions for me, which is definitely helpful for putting together whatever art you may be in the process of creating. If you’re looking to study, create, or have a chill introspection session, this is a great track to put on for background or foreground ambience.
Jackie Ayala, Writer
“Silver Lining” by Laufey
Laufey’s jazz-filled love song reminds me of an early fall morning drinking a cup of coffee or a late date night with a loved one, signaled by the lyrics “Drowning in red wine and smelling cinnamon.” It’s the type of song that would be played in a movie, where two lovers are walking around Central Park. To me, this song brings the perfect ambience for a night of studying in a coffee shop and brings to mind that someone you love the most.
Rebecka Jones, Contributing Writer
“Cherry Blossom” by Joshua Basset
This sweet, romantic song talks about seasons changing and growing up too fast. The mention of falling, autumn, and sundresses gives it a cheerful fall vibe, and the beat is just right, not too slow or too fast. It’s just perfect for more cheery fall vibes.
James Cochran, Photo Editor
“Sailing” by Christopher Cross
Yacht rock is a nice blend of jazz and soft rock, so pretty much any yacht rock song deserves a spot in any relaxing playlist. The lyrics “And if the wind is right you can sail away, and find tranquility,” really speak to me as it’s kind of a reminder to just relax sometimes and give yourself a break.
Bean Gast, Staff Writer
“The Truth” by Handsome Boy Modeling School, Róisín Murphy, J-Live
This song IS Fall–the season of color, death, and grief–the air is crisp but chilling. Fall is genuine and continues to inspire me to sit with my grief, to feel the chill, and embrace it. I find that every Autumn, when the leaves fall, the truth emerges. “The Truth” is both beautiful and ugly; the background instrumental contrasts with Murphy’s warm and comforting voice as she carries the chorus. The rap is raw, reminding me of 90’s rap, and like fall, makes me feel reminiscent of past times.
Amelia Williams, Staff Writer
“My Castle Town” by Toby Fox (from Deltarune)
A few weeks ago, I put out a review on the site about the game Deltarune; this song from its soundtrack is absolutely relaxing and I love listening to it. It gives off a good autumnal theme with the piano and such, and I hope you enjoy the rather unusual songs I stuck in the playlist, as I’m not one for listening to mainstream artists.
Emma G. Harrison, Editor
“Wonderful Tonight” by Michael Bublé (with Ivan Lins)
Have you ever had a song that just makes you feel so warm and fuzzy you want to cry? Well, that is how this song makes me feel. The warm jazz tones and the sweet, simple romantic lyrics make this a must listen for me in the fall season. Originally done by Eric Clapton, Bublé adds the jazzy feel, accompanied by some Portuguese lyrics done by Lins, making for a smoother, laid-back production with Brazilian influence. The song is a simple ballad in which the narrator sees his partner getting ready and, in that intimate moment, admires her, loves her, and expresses how she “looks wonderful tonight.” Overall, this song expresses love and appreciation in the overlooked, quiet moments of life.
Kiera Tempel, Contributing Writer
“Take Flight” by Alice Phoebe Lou
Alice Phoebe Lou is a singer/song-writer that doesn’t get enough credit for the amazing music she puts out. The thing I love best about her, other than her brilliant singing voice, is her ability to match any feeling and any season. “Take Flight” especially gives me the imagery of walking through the park as fall-colored leaves blow by me. It’s great to listen to while you study, read, or walk through campus! I hope you enjoy this song as much as I do, and also take this opportunity to listen to more of Alice Phoebe Lou’s music.
