“One Of These Things First”
No man encompassed fall more than Nick Drake in his prime. Funnily enough, before writing this article, I had no idea he died, so I’m a fake fan, I guess. That said, lately, I have been getting into his second studio album, Bryter Layter, specifically the fifth song “One Of These Things First.” With one of the most comforting opening guitar licks, making way for Drake’s signature ambient vocals, “One Of These Things First” delivers a heartwarming story about “what could have been,” leaving the listener filled with nostalgia and yearning for a simpler time when Drake, “Could have been your statue, could have been your friend.” A song with almost perfect composition, “One Of These Things First,” combines many simple instruments so well that it’s hard to pinpoint which one carries the song the most. The satisfactory piano line to end the melody might have to be my favorite one.
“Milk”
Fakemink is no longer niche. British rapper and producer Vincenzo Camille, once an indistinguishable artist of the UK underground scene, has become a new fixture of London hip-hop in what feels like a matter of seconds. “Milk” samples the infamous Mike Dean guitar riff on Kanye West’s Monster. Although distorted, the original spirit of the sample is there, supporting a strong second verse and acting as a glorious beat transition. Apart from the sample choice, Fakemink provides a vibrant, ever-shifting landscape of lyrics, each line punctuated by heart-racing bass beats. What makes this a fall song, you ask? Maybe the combination of grunge-esque sampling, layered with a hardcore yet simplistic drumline is what reminds me of the season. Or maybe I just wanted to write about Fakemink, we’ll never know.
“Los Angeles”
“Los Angeles” is easily the shining star of Big Thief’s latest album, Double Infinity. It begins with 37 seconds of ruckus: familiar laughter behind a strong strumming guitar. Pause here and go play it immediately. As you listen, Adrienne Lenker, the main vocalist, quietly coos until breaking into a reckless love song. Lyrics like “I’ll follow you forever, even without looking” are felt beyond their cliches. Her voice is raw and hot-blooded, completely human. Los Angeles flawlessly encapsulates the aching heartbreak of loving someone so deeply that your love becomes something greater than your two parts.
“Center of Gravity”
Something about 3-man bands! If I had to pick an artist that, to me, is the most autumnal, I would choose Yo La Tengo. Specifically, their 1997 album, I Can Hear The Heart Beating As One. The album is perfect for strutting down crisp Cambridge streets, perhaps wearing a knit sweater and holding a hot chai. One song specifically sticks out; “Center of Gravity” is fun and keeps listeners away from the wintery blues. The lyrics easily float through the enchanting duet and create a world around you that is a little bit more mystical. When the homework is piling up, and the sunlight seems to be escaping you, “Center of Gravity” serves as a wholesome remedy.
This article also appears in our October 2025 print edition.
