Summer’s not over until we say so – or at least until Sunday, September 22, 2024, at 8:43 a.m., according to the autumn equinox. Yet, it’s impossible to ignore the vibe shift when Labour Day weekend comes and goes, school starts up again, and the weather cools down. To make the most of the rest of summer, and embrace those mixed September feelings (excitement, nostalgia, a hint of drama), here’s a playlist that captures the essence of the season.
“Sun in September” – Matthew Halsall
Who knew a plaintive flute, a steady harp, a brushed 6-8 tempo, and the echo of a trumpet make up the perfect recipe for this time of year? Brilliant British jazz musician and producer Matthew Halsall has it all figured with this tune, and the title couldn’t be more evocative. Time to step outside and enjoy the warm rays of the golden hour as you listen.
“When Dove Cry” – Prince
Hear us out here. Doesn’t late summer just make you want to break into an improvised dance break on the sidewalk (or are you normal)? For reason unknown, this Prince classic has the perfect energy for that – impressive for a song with literally no bassline.
“September” – Earth Wind and Fire
Just stating the obvious here. We all count down the days to the 21st of September JUST to sing that famous line. And remember, a “ba-dee-daa” a day keeps the winter away.
“I Think Of Angels” – Cat Power
This deceptively beautiful ballad feels like it was made for staring into the soul of a sunflower and thinking of a beloved. Cat Power covers this haunting tune by Icelandic musicians KK and Ellen Kristjánsdóttir; you can also listen to the stirring original version here.
“The Heron and the Fox” – Little Scream
With the lyrics like “dreamy colours gold and red, dreamy colours run right through,” Laurel Sprengelmeyer evokes leaves turning, even though this storytelling tour de force takes place in a snowstorm. It paints a beautiful image of trying to get over something hard, hope in tow, conjuring up the melancholic mood of September and new beginnings.
“I Want You” – Bob Dylan
Late summer calls for delusion, and given that cuffing season opens while summer romance dies, a lustful song feels apropos. “I Want You” by Bob Dylan seems pretty straightforward on the surface, yet at second glance, it is composed of enigmatic thoughts laid out on an easy pop-ish melody. Very demure.
“Going Home” – Alice Coltrane
Days end are getting shorter, making the way home glorious in the light of the golden hour – especially when accompanied by this 10-minute journey orchestrated by genius composer, pianist, and harpist Alice Coltrane.
“Dreams” – Fleetwood Mac
When Stevie Nicks calls for rain, it’s time to come clean. May we ask, as the seasons change, are you rather anticipating someone’s Fall? Afterall, a little righteous, contained rage makes a hypnotic hit song (and a viral TikTok trend).
“I Went Dancing With My Sister” – Sufjan Stevens
This one’s for those late-night drives home, half-awake, half-blissful with memories of the night still fresh. Windows down, cool air rushing in is all it takes to make us feel alive sometimes. The melody is repetitive to a fault, with a driving effect.
“Temecula Sunrise” – Dirty Projectors
Some mornings, the world is your oyster, and this song captures that feeling. With its math-art-rock flair, it’s a bold, sunshine-filled proclamation to the world.
For more summer playlist articles, check out: Top 10 Dreamy Tracks to Relax to this Summer and 10 New Songs for Your Summer 2024 Road Trip Playlist.
Written by Christelle Saint-Julien
Illustration by Holly Li
