November is the time for lipstick stains on your coffee lid, jackets fully back in season, crunching on leaves, window shopping, and strolls through the park with wired headphones. One staple we all need this month? The perfect, enchanting playlist that encapsulates the whimsy and romance of November.

I’ve been rummaging through all my old autumn and winter playlists and re-listening to my favorite staple artists, but I’ve also been listening to new music. Whether it’s old or new releases, I have been exploring all the “November-esque” music. So let me put you onto the artists I’ve had on repeat this month!

Frank Sinatra

Sinatra is the maestro of all things seasonal, bringing fall alive with music that makes you want to dress up in a classy, timeless gown and go dance at a jazz club. He has a wide variety of music spanning between chic romance and sorrowful longing, creating that perfect November array of options.

• Something Stupid
• Fly Me to the Moon
• I'll Be Home for Christmas
• I Can't Believe I'm Losing You
• You'll Never Know

The 1975

In high school, I had a The 1975 shirt I wore to the bone and was obsessed with them. In fact, my then-boyfriend was so desensitized to my obsession that I’m pretty sure he could sing you their entire “Being Funny in a Foreign Language” album (you’re welcome, future ladies). To this day, I still wonder where that shirt mysteriously disappeared to and still obsess over them.

The band’s music is a lovely mix of alternative indie, falling in love, and, consequently, heartbreak. Their vibe fits November’s aesthetic perfectly. Gray weather? Long, foggy drives home? Watching the rain fall onto window panes? Yep, that’s The 1975’s same vibe. My top recommendations for you this November are:

• About You
• All I Need to Hear
• Mine
• Undo
• By Your Side

The Favors (and FINNEAS)

I don’t know if you heard me screaming from the mountaintops or not, but in case you didn’t, FINNEAS HAS A NEW BAND! FINNEAS and Ashe’s new band, called The Favors, will easily be at the top of my Spotify Wrapped despite their newest and first album dropping just this September. Their band is bursting with talent, and with their new album being a hit, I wouldn’t be surprised if the band grows more recognition quickly!

Their music is soft yet vibrant, with beautiful instrumental backgrounds. It screams November blues, so let me put you on before they completely blow up!

• The Little Mess You Made
• Times Square Jesus
• Necessary Evils
• David's Brother

*Now, I also have some references just from FINNEAS to put down here. His music perfectly encapsulates that cozy, slow autumn mood November brings.

• Angel
• Another Year
• What They'll Say About Us
• Break My Heart Again
• Only a Lifetime

Taylor Swift

Now, of course, especially with her older albums, Taylor is an indisputable classic during this time of the year. Many of her albums contain those melancholic emotions that November has a tendency to sway on you, which is perfect for walking through the park with those wired headphones while yearning over your ex-situationship that ended ages ago (I know you get me). Some good Taylor songs to add onto your November playlist are:

• All Too Well (10 Minute Version)
• Closure
• This Is Me Trying
• My Tears Ricochet
• 'Tis the [censored] Season
• Cowboy Like me
• The 1

Sarah McLachlan

“I made my baby cry, he tried to help me, you know he put me at ease...” If you don’t know this song, it’s “River” by Sarah McLachlan, and it’s quite possibly the best winter song to cry to. McLachlan’s music is full of yearning, with beautiful, soothing vocals, and her music truly feels like poetry. Her tunes are graceful, causing you to slow down and be in the moment by embracing the November energy. Some good starter songs are:

• Witness
• Full of Grace
• River
• Adia
• Answer

Delaney Bailey

You may know Delaney Bailey from her top hit “j’s lullaby (Darlin’ I’d Wait for You).” If you love that song, then you are sure to love the rest of her music. Her music has a soft and assuaging feeling to it, making your eyelids heavy and putting your mind at ease. The vibes of her music remind me best of that somber and drowsy feeling you adapt to when the sun starts setting earlier this time of year. Some of her most “November” songs are:

• J's Lullaby (Darlin' I'd Wait for You)
• (I Would Have Followed You)
• Finish Line
• Coffee Stained Smile

Noah Kahan

You know him, you love him; Noah Kahan could easily already be one of your top artists this year with his charming “Northern Attitude” and lyrical brilliance. Noah Kahan has consistently been at the top of my Spotify Wrapped Artists list for the past three years, and he’s staying there. Noah Kahan brings heartbreak and desperation to the November party, and we all love him for it. Here are some of his songs you should add to that playlist to heighten our season’s emotions:

• Growing Sideways
• Stick Season
• Homesick
• A Troubled Mind
• Strawberry Wine
• Hurt Somebody

Matt Maltese

The November golden hour creates such a strong poetic sense of yearning and fervor, so when I drive home from work around this time, I always put on Matt Maltese. Maltese’s music is composed mainly of longing ballads, the type that make you reminisce on the aforementioned situationship—the perfect music that gives off November aura. Some good classics are:

• Curl Up & Die
• Pinned for You My Whole Life
• Little Person
• Buses Replace Trains
• Waiting in Vain
• As the World Caves In
• Complicated

Olivia Dean

There’s something so cozy about Olivia Dean’s voice. Her music can be despondent, yet also give you a pep in your step at the same time. Her lyrics hit home and make you relate like you’re best friends. Here are some of her songs that are perfect for walking under the streetlights on a November night:

• The Hardest Part
• Echo
• Lady Lady
• No Man
• Nice to Each Other

Sixpence None the Richer

Sixpence None the Richer puts you in that dizzying, nostalgic haze of November with acoustic melodies that remind you of cinema and the smell of vanilla. Their vocals carry you into that November mindset with tones of wistfulness and wonder. They're absolutely perfect for creating that seasonal aesthetic in your mind with beautiful songs and whimsical talent. Here are some good recommendations:

• A Million Parachutes
• Melody of You
• Breathe Your Name
• Waiting on the Sun
• Kiss Me
• I Can't Catch You

I’m sure I will have more recommendations to pile on as the season continues, but for now, this is what has been on repeat inside my headphones. This time of year is always amazing for music, as you can explore and blast all kinds of genres without being judged, even devastatingly heartbreaking music is acceptable, so go ahead and make that November playlist! Go grab your wired headphones, break out those rouge lipsticks, put on your Docs, and head out the door to go for a lovely walk with your tunes.

P.S. I have also linked a Spotify playlist of mine down below with all the songs on this list, making it quick and easy for you to add them to your playlists!

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6wyjxxP7YbYMVlXo1nV0u4?si=a3b9564d17e74c3d