By Bridie Bolger ’24
The seasons have officially begun to change; leaves fade to a vibrant ombré while the weather nips at our fingers and noses. This transition to autumn from summer brings waves of romantic creations with it, from songs to paintings, and poems to performances, and since I love my songs, here’s a playlist with the top five most comforting oldies to go along with this stunning transition of temperatures!
5. Besame Mucho – Tino Rossi
Throughout his 50-year career of 200 million records, French singer Tino Rossi ends this song on a light, falsetto note, leaving the listener with an almost creepy feeling; a perfect blend for the beauty of autumn colors and the oncoming uneasiness of the Halloween season.
4. C’est Si Bon – Janet Seidel
If it’s good, you should listen! Janet Seidel takes this piece to a lovely new bilingual level with her additions of background tenor and baritone singers. This one remains one of my favorite oldies to dance around the falling leaves to!
3. You Make Me Feel So Young – Frank Sinatra and Charles Aznavour
Another of Sinatra’s classics but much more niche to younger audiences. We’ve all heard “Fly Me to the Moon” or even “That’s Life,” but Frankie’s 1956 collab with Aznavour always makes my inner child sing with joy for the oncoming apple cider.
2. I Could Write a Book – Harry Connick Jr.
After beginning with an energetic intro, Harry Connick Jr. brings a smooth, Sinatra-esque voice to the song. (The lyrics also, in my opinion at least, rival the best poets in Romanticism.) You’ve definitely heard this if you’ve seen When Harry Met Sally (which I’ll unashamedly admit to being one of my favorite films of all time). I love it because it evokes that sense of fluttery warmth that comes with the romanticization of autumn.
1. Autumn in New York – Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong
This is my all-time favorite song to play in autumn. Soft and bluesy, it never fails to remind me of the subtle beauty that the falling leaves bring to our campus. Although they will never rival my home in Vermont, I still love the aesthetics they bring to my life.
So there you are! As promised, five beautiful songs by the musical masters of yore to add that little extra something to this wonderful season. If you have any requests for playlists or song recommendations, feel free to contact us here at the Highlander News Team!
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