25 Autumn Albums To Accompany Your Pumpkin Spice Lattes

As the leaves turn golden and the air becomes crisp, the world seems to slow down, inviting us to channel our inner Lorelai Gilmore and immerse ourselves in a sonic experience reminiscent of wandering through Stars Hollow. These 25 albums, boasting diverse genres and influential artists like Fleetwood Mac, Taylor Swift, and Jimi Hendrix, offer the perfect soundtrack for the fall season and are just waiting to spin on your turntable.

1/ 'Rumours' by Fleetwood Mac

Fleetwood Mac's 'Rumours' is like the ultimate pumpkin spice latte of albums – classic, comforting, and with a hint of drama. Every track feels like an autumn breeze, filled with emotional revelations. With timeless hits like "Go Your Own Way" and "Dreams", this GRAMMY-winning album has bewitched generations with its tales of love and heartache, making it essential for your fall soundtrack.

2/ 'Baduizm' by Erykah Badu

Slide into fall with the silky smooth vibes of 'Baduizm'. Erykah Badu’s GRAMMY-winning debut was a game-changer, mixing jazz, soul, and a dash of hip-hop, instigating the neo-soul genre. Tracks like "On & On" are perfect for those cozy, contemplative autumn evenings, cementing Badu’s place as the Queen of Neo-Soul.

3/ 'Red (Taylor's Version)' by Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift's re-recorded masterpiece, with the cult classic "All Too Well", feels like a walk through a forest of fiery fall foliage. It’s a journey through heartbreak and healing, wrapped in a blanket scarf, with a grande caramel nonfat latte in hand. Autumn leaves falling down like pieces into place!

4/ 'CTRL' by SZA

SZA's 'CTRL' is the sonic equivalent of an autumnal mood board. Exploring themes of love and self-discovery, with hits like "Love Galore" and "Garden (Say It Like Dat)", it's raw, real, and relatable – perfect for those introspective fall vibes. This critically acclaimed gem has set a new standard for modern R&B, making SZA the voice of a generation.

5/ 'First Two Pages Of Frankenstein' by The National

Across eleven captivating tracks, The National demonstrates their distinctive gift for crafting emotive melodies and compelling lyrical narratives. This album sees them at their most creatively invigorated – their melancholic melodies and rich baritone, perfect for watching the leaves fall and pondering the mysteries of life.

6/ 'For Emma, Forever Ago' by Bon Iver

Crisp air, crackling fires, and 'For Emma, Forever Ago' – Bon Iver’s debut album is autumn personified. Recorded in a remote cabin, it captures the essence of solitude and reflection, with the haunting "Skinny Love" echoing through the falling leaves, making it a fall essential for indie enthusiasts.

7/ 'Carrie & Lowell' by Sufjan Stevens

Sufjan Stevens’ 'Carrie & Lowell' is as intimate as a whispered secret in the cool autumn air. The album, an emotional exploration of grief and memory, is filled with haunting melodies and whispery vocals that evoke the melancholic beauty of fall, making it a deeply moving autumn companion.

8/ 'A Seat At The Table' by Solange

Fall is a season of transformation, and Solange’s 'A Seat At The Table' is the soundtrack to empowerment and self-discovery. With anthems like "Cranes in the Sky", this album’s blend of soul and R&B is as soothing as putting on your favorite cozy knits, making it a staple for those chilly autumn nights.

9/ 'Blue' by Joni Mitchell

Joni Mitchell’s 'Blue' is like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket on a brisk fall day. This masterpiece, featuring poetic gems like "A Case of You", captures the introspective and bittersweet essence of autumn, showcasing Joni’s unparalleled songwriting genius and cements why she's your fave's fave.

10/ 'Harvest' by Neil Young

The rustic, folk sound of Neil Young’s 'Harvest', featuring timeless classics like "Heart of Gold", is the perfect backdrop for a fall day. Its warm melodies and soulful lyrics make it a perennial favorite, like a well-worn flannel shirt, as the leaves change colors.

11/ 'Come Away With Me' by Norah Jones

Norah Jones’ 'Come Away With Me' is the musical embodiment of a warm, soothing cup of tea on a crisp fall evening. The GRAMMY-sweeping album, with hits like "Don’t Know Why", combines jazz, pop, and blues, creating a timeless sound that continues to warm hearts.

12/ 'Tapestry' by Carole King

Carole King’s 'Tapestry' feels like home – warm, comforting, and familiar. With iconic tracks like "Where You Lead", it will immediately transport you to the magical town of Stars Hollow.

13/ 'Freetown Sound' by Blood Orange

Dev Hynes a.k.a Blood Orange's 'Freetown Sound' is a sonic tapestry of fall shades. It's a rich, textured blend of R&B, pop, and electronica that navigates identity, race, and sexuality. Tracks like "Augustine" feel like a walk through a city park in October, the leaves crunching underfoot, as Hynes’ layered compositions echo the complexity of changing seasons.

14/ 'Dreams: The Collection' by The Cranberries

The Cranberries’ 'Dreams: The Collection', featuring the iconic "Linger" and "Zombie", is as ethereal and captivating as a misty fall morning. Dolores O’Riordan’s haunting voice and the band’s poignant lyrics make this collection a timeless classic, evoking the mysterious beauty of autumn.

15/ 'Titanic Rising' by Weyes Blood

Fall into the dreamy, cinematic soundscapes of 'Titanic Rising' by Weyes Blood. This album blends vintage and modern, creating a mesmerizing atmosphere that’s perfect for gazing at the "Andromeda" above, autumn skies and getting lost in your thoughts.

16/ 'Grace' by Jeff Buckley

Jeff Buckley’s 'Grace', featuring his haunting rendition of "Hallelujah" and heartbreaker "Lover, You Should've Come Over", is the epitome of autumnal melancholy. The album’s emotional depth and Buckley’s extraordinary voice make it a timeless classic, perfect for those reflective moments as the days grow shorter.

17/ 'Electric Ladyland' by Jimi Hendrix

Jimi Hendrix’s 'Electric Ladyland' is the sonic warmth you crave on chilly fall nights. With revolutionary tracks like "Voodoo Child", this psychedelic masterpiece will set your autumn evenings ablaze, showcasing Hendrix’s unparalleled guitar genius.

18/ 'Dizzy Up The Girl' by Goo Goo Dolls

Step back into the 90s this fall with 'Dizzy Up The Girl'. The Goo Goo Dolls’ blend of rock and pop, featuring hits like "Iris", which will have you racing for the microphone at karaoke!

19/ 'In Rainbows' by Radiohead

Radiohead’s 'In Rainbows' is the soundtrack for shifting autumn moods. With experimental sounds and evocative tracks like "Weird Fishes/ Arpeggi", it’s a musical journey through the kaleidoscope of fall colors, making it an essential for those seeking depth and atmosphere.

20/ 'Bridge Over Troubled Water' by Simon & Garfunkel

Simon & Garfunkel’s 'Bridge Over Troubled Water' is as soothing as the autumn rain. Featuring timeless harmonies and classics like "The Boxer", this album is a comforting embrace, showcasing the duo’s enduring appeal and making it a fall classic.

21/ 'Awaken, My Love!' by Childish Gambino

Donald Glover, under his moniker Childish Gambino, brings funk and soul to your fall with 'Awaken, My Love!'. Tracks like "Redbone" bring warmth to the chilly air, and the album's unique sound, a departure from his earlier work, showcases Glover’s versatile artistry. It’s like sipping hot apple cider while grooving in your living room, making it an autumn essential.

22/ 'A Symphonic Celebration - Music From The Studio Ghibli Films Of Hayao Miyazaki' by Joe Hisaishi and Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

Lose yourself in the magical world of Ghibli with 'A Symphonic Celebration'. The lush, orchestral renditions of iconic Studio Ghibli scores by Joe Hisaishi and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra transport you to a world of enchantment, reminiscent of watching the leaves fall in a magical forest. It's the perfect symphonic backdrop to a cozy, fantastical fall evening.

23/ 'the record' by boygenius

Dive into the harmonious blend of indie rock and folk with 'the record' by boygenius. The supergroup, consisting of Julien Baker, Phoebe Bridgers, and Lucy Dacus, crafts a soundscape as varied and rich as autumn itself. Their emotive lyrics and powerful harmonies make it the ideal companion for a contemplative fall day, curled up with a good book.

24/ 'At Last!' by Etta James

'At Last!' by Etta James is the sonic equivalent of wrapping yourself in a warm blanket by the fireside. Etta's soulful voice and timeless tracks like "At Last" and "Stormy Weather" embody the comforting and romantic essence of fall. The album’s classic, bluesy vibe is as enduring and beloved as the golden autumn sunsets.

25/ 'The Best Of Sade' by Sade

Ease into fall with the sultry, smooth sounds of 'The Best Of Sade'. Sade Adu’s enchanting voice, combined with the band’s sophisticated blend of jazz, R&B, and soul, creates a serene atmosphere, perfect for unwinding on a cool autumn evening. With hits like "Smooth Operator" and "Cherish The Day", this compilation is a celebration of Sade’s timeless elegance and a reminder of the warmth in the midst of the autumn chill.

Well, what are you waiting for? Get yourself another cuppa, your fave blanket, and embark on your vinyl voyage now!

(Photo of Sade by Jacques Langevin/Sygma/Sygma via Getty Images)