Songs for a changing season: The Panther’s fall 2025 playlist
Collage by Sienna Lewis, Staff Photographer; All album covers below courtesy of Spotify
While the leaves won’t yet change here in Orange, your playlist can. As we leave summer behind, what better way to punctuate the changing seasons than with new music?
The following are recommendations from The Panther on songs, albums and artists to listen to as we welcome fall (or at least the idea of it).
Songs
“1979” - The Smashing Pumpkins
Album: “Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness” (1995)
The nostalgic, drum-forward soundscape of The Smashing Pumpkins paired with echoing background vocals give the song “1979” a certain glow with the undercurrent of passing time. Its mix of melancholy and warmth line up perfectly with the bittersweet nature of the season.
“Sandman” - Dominic Fike
Album: “Rocket” (2025)
“Sandman” is, simply put, so Dominic Fike. It’s the perfect follow up to songs like “hi grace” on 2024’s “14 minutes” and “Mama’s Boy” on 2023’s “Sunburn,” striking the ideal balance between upbeat sound and yearning lyrics. Its golden warmth reminds us of long summer days as the seasons begin to transition.
“Weird Fishes/Arpeggi” - Radiohead
Album: “In Rainbows” (2007)
The atmosphere of the fourth track off Radiohead’s “In Rainbows” mirrors the movement, textures and sense of change of the transitioning season. “Weird Fishes/Arpeggi” is classically haunting, layered and perfect for fall.
“Francesca” - Hozier
Album: “Unreal Unearth” (2023)
Hozier’s distinct voice paired with guitar-heavy instrumentals creates a compelling, earthy sound — perfect for a new season. “Francesca” builds and breaks open in an emotional sweep, echoing the drama of fall.
“Dracula” - Tame Impala
Single (2025)
After mixed reviews of his first single, “End of Summer,” ahead of his much-anticipated album release, “Dracula” has fans perplexed again, with some comparing him to artists like The Weeknd. Is this the new, stripped-back Tame Impala? We’ll let you decide — either way, Dracula is spooky, fun and perfect for fall.
Albums
Standout song: “Drawn Away”
Three words to describe the album: Wistful, reflective and easy.
With warm, coastal soundscapes and light melodies, the tracks and atmosphere of “Gold Past Life” feel like floating by on a gentle fall breeze. It’s openly sentimental yet light, expressing as much nostalgia as hope for the future.
“bones” - Rainbow Kitten Surprise
Standout song: “bones” (titular track)
Three words to describe the album: Energetic, dynamic and melancholic.
RKS does it again! With a distinctive sonic atmosphere not unlike their popular older tracks (see “It’s Called: Freefall”), “bones” has a certain edge. The familiar but evolved sound on the 10-track project yields a sense of newness and captures summer’s eclipse amidst its grapple with the realities of love and relationships.
“Continuum” - John Mayer
Standout song: “Stop This Train”
Three words to describe the album: Vulnerable, refined and groovy.
An album that is as familiar as it is timeless, “Continuum” feels like coming home. None of the 12 tracks accelerate above mid-tempo, allowing Mayer’s bluesy vocals and signature guitar riffs to shine. A good listen when time feels like it’s moving too fast, as it always tends to in the fall.
“Hickey” - Royel Otis
Standout song: “more to lose”
Three words to describe the album: Infectious, passionate and rich.
Released on the cusp of fall in late August, Australian duo Royel Otis’ sophomore album is a charming showcase of thoughtful lyricism and lush indie-pop production. The band’s genius lies in their ability to disguise heartbreak within layers of danceable, sunlit instrumentals, providing a little extra shine as the days get shorter.
Artists
Favorite song: “California Stars”
Wilco consistently delivers easy alt-rock anchored in jammy instrumentals and profoundly emotional lyrics. Laid-back and comforting yet captivating and magnetic, the band’s unhurried vibe and mature musicianship is the perfect soundtrack to fall.
Favorite song: “Say It”
Maggie Rogers’ emotionally intimate, reflective sound is at times both cozy and crisp in its production. From upbeat, rhythm-driven songs to slow strings, Rogers offers something for everyone in every season, and her versatility plays especially well into the transition to fall.
Favorite song: “Skin”
Coming off production and songwriting credits, as well as a feature, on both recent Justin Bieber albums and the release of his own solo album after a four-year hiatus, it’s safe to say Dijon is on the come-up. His rhythmic, percussion-driven sound is one to watch this fall and into the coming seasons.
Favorite song: “For Emma”
Bon Iver’s music is transitional at its core, from more experimental work on 2016’s “22, A million” to his classic folksy sound, which is as nostalgic as it is anticipatory. His most recent album, “SABLE, fABLE,” translates perfectly into fall despite its spring release this past April. Much of his other work emulates the anticipation of winter’s arrival, carrying a reflective nature perfect for fall.
Favorite song: “BC, Victoria”
Known for songs like “Evergreen” and “Lake Missoula,” RMCM is synonymous with rich, strumming instrumentals and radiant soundscapes that evoke images of the great outdoors. The band’s warm, melancholic style is the sonic equivalent of falling leaves, even while the sun still shines here in California.
As the days grow shorter and the California sun begins to soften, music reminds us that fall isn’t just a season — it’s a feeling. Autumn might not look the same in sunny, ever-green Orange, but with the right music, it can feel like a true fall. As the air slowly starts to cool, let your playlist do the changing for you. While we welcome a season of slowing down, looking back and welcoming change, let’s press play on something new.