For many BCA students, listening to music is a shared passion that accompanies them in their daily activities, whether it be studying at home or relaxing on long bus rides. As the seasons change from summer to fall to winter and students find themselves piled under loads of assignments, as well as the pressuring expectations of the new year, many find that music provides them with needed solace.
“Winter and fall are definitely the seasons that are the toughest for me, especially from the stress of school and just life in general,” said one sophomore. “Listening to music helps me to get through those depressing and gloomy times.”
Another sophomore said, “I enjoy listening to music in general, because I spend at least an hour on the bus daily and it helps keep me occupied and destress.”
Though music-listening may be common throughout BCA, music taste is varied among BCA students. Although the majority of respondents listed more than one genre that they listen to on a daily basis, 71.4% indicated that they listened to pop, according to a survey of 36 respondents, making it the most popular genre.
Other favored genres mentioned by respondents in the aforementioned survey include indie music coming in at 54.3%, followed by rap and rock as well. Some also listen to international music, including k-pop. “It has really catchy and uplifting songs that’s suitable to any mood,” said a student.
I have sifted through all of the songs suggested by fellow students and faculty and picked out some that I think fit well with the seasonal theme of fall & winter, proposing a couple of my own recommendations as well. Below is a compilation of songs, which features tracks by Men I Trust, Vansire, and Earth, Wind & Fire, that may make the colder months a little more bearable.
Listen along on Spotify or Youtube!
- Seven – Men I Trust
Cover art of Men I Trust’s single “Seven”
This subdued single by Men I Trust, a Canadian indie band, combines catchy basslines with soothing vocals provided by Emmanuelle Proux, the group’s main vocalist. The song’s tranquil and unobtrusive nature makes it a suitable background track for studying, as well.
- we fell in love in october – girl in red
Norwegian singer-songwriter Marie Ulven Ringheim, dubbed “girl in red,” captures autumn’s ambience perfectly with this fall classic. The candid romance described in the lyrics has ensured the song’s popularity throughout students whenever October rolls around.
- Pure Gold – Earth, Wind & Fire
In the second track of their 2005 album “Illumination,” soul & jazz group Earth, Wind & Fire presents a swift, soaring tune that seems to lift some weight off your shoulders. As cliché as it can be, “new year new me” sentiments may help you embrace the beginning of the year, especially while listening to the earnest, optimistic lyrics of “Pure Gold”.
- A Night To Remember – beabadoobee & Laufey
The juxtaposition of beabadoobee’s soft, lilting voice and Laufey’s deeper tone provides the perfect balance between both artists’ styles in this collaborative track. The song’s darker, jazz-infused tone makes it a befitting track for when one is staying inside during cold nights.
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Cover art of Keith Jarrett’s album “The Melody At Night, With You” I Loves You Porgy – Keith Jarrett
A pinnacle in both jazz fusion and classical music, pianist Keith Jarrett is known for the unique control and intensity he has over his instrument. His version of George Gershwin’s opera duet “I Loves You Porgy” is plain and somewhat restrained, yet paints a colorful, lyrical resonance. The subdued tones of this wordless piece is perfect for sentimental winter nights.
- The Latter Teens – Vansire
On this track from their 2020 album “After Fillmore County”, Minnesota-born indie pop band Vansire illustrates a nostalgic snapshot of youth and its fleeting nature. One respondent said the song’s description of a road trip was very ethereal, transporting listeners into a dream-like world.
- Get A Guitar – RIIZE
This funky, animated debut by Korean boy band RIIZE lays down rhythmic guitar themes on a retro-synth backbone. Combined with lively vocals, the track makes for a refreshing wake-up call. “It’s very upbeat and reminds me of the summer, even during the colder months,” said one respondent. They added, “I listen to it in the morning before school to get my energy flowing.”
- Where You Lead, I Will Follow – Carole King
You may recognize this track as the timeless opening song of the iconic series “Gilmore Girls”, which has a straightforward tune and empowering lyrics that always manage to evoke that unique fall nostalgia. This duet shared by classic pop artist Carole King and her daughter Louise Goffin is indeed a good fit for the television show, centered around a mother-daughter relationship.
- We Might Even Be Falling In Love (Interlude) – Victoria Monet
Cover art of Victoria Monét’s EP “Jaguar”This short, yet memorable interlude by American R&B artist Victoria Monet draws upon 70s soul music themes, as Monet ponders about her future with a lover. The smooth layers of pop funk under Monet’s mild voice shapes this refined track.
- Perfect Night – Le Sserafim
Beware, as the catchy lyrics and easygoing harmonies of the first English single by K-pop girl group Le Sserafim may actually distract you from your homework. One sophomore said the song gives off youthful and carefree vibes. “It also has very subtle party vibes with its hazy 80s aesthetic.” Another student said the song’s comfortable vibes helped them listen to it while falling asleep.
In the end, there are so many different styles of music that it is impossible to explore them all in one short selection. But it is clear that any music can be powerful enough to brighten your day, especially during these chillier seasons, and I hope this playlist did the same.
