Fall is finally here! The summer heat has come to an end, leaves are changing to shades of amber, and pumpkin spice lattes are back in high demand. With sweater weather in full swing and Halloween just around the corner, it’s time to update our playlists with fitting songs for the season. Throw on your best flannel pajamas, light that 3-wick candle from Bath & Body Works, and cozy up with these B-side tracks.

“BUTTERFLY” - STAYC

“BUTTERFLY” is the fifth track from STAYC’s YOUNG-LUV.COM EP released earlier this year. The song is reminiscent of early 2000s pop and R&B with STAYC’s angelic vocals being the focal point. Their dazzling harmonies combine with Sieun’s effortless ad-libs to create an overall dreamy vibe. The lyrics are innocent and charming, using a butterfly to describe love that shines “brighter than any other star.” As days become shorter with the changing seasons, “BUTTERFLY” is the perfect way to illuminate your night.

“First Love” - Cha Eunwoo

Cha Eunwoo shines in this solo song from ASTRO’s third studio album, Drive to the Starry Road. Like the title suggests, “First Love” is a heart-warming track about falling in love for the very first time. Eunwoo starts off by singing about his desire to confess his feelings on a beautiful starry night. The melody is bright and cheerful as Eunwoo continues through his confession with a fun guitar riff jumping in before the bridge. The romantic lyrics are perfect for sunny fall mornings and equally radiant nights. Eunwoo is sure to have you “smiling like an idiot” by the end of this enchanting track.

“Light a Flame” - SEVENTEEN

SEVENTEEN released their second special EP in October 2020. ; [Semicolon] features six tracks, including the unit song “Light a Flame.” The unit consists of 4 out of 13 members from the group: Jun, Hoshi, Wonwoo, and Woozi. SEVENTEEN are known for their ability to blend various genres to create a fresh, ambiguous sound, and “Light a Flame” is no different. In an interview with PAPER, Woozi mentioned that the song was inspired by bossa nova—a style of samba-jazz created in 1950s Brazil. The final product is certainly reminiscent of the genre, but there’s also hints of slow jazz and R&B. The 96-liners pull it off seamlessly, creating a sensual vibe that aligns perfectly with the tension-building lyrics. “Light a Flame” is perfect for romantic, candle-lit dinners and late nights curled up by the fireplace.

“Autumn Leaves” - BTS

BTS released “Autumn Leaves” in 2015 on their fourth EP, The Most Beautiful Moment in Life Pt.2. The Korean title is 고엽 (goyeop), which more accurately translates to dry or dead leaf. As the seasons progress from summer to fall and fall to winter, the leaves slowly change color and dry out before eventually falling, thus making “Autumn Leaves” a fitting title. Throughout the song, BTS uses these dying autumn leaves as a metaphor for a withering relationship. They sing of love turning cold with the seasons, wishing desperately to hold onto the last green leaves of good memories together before everything fades away. The ballad uses layered synths to create an ominous, melancholic feel that’s perfect for the season’s bitter cold nights. If you’re a fan of emotionally charged tracks, don’t hesitate in adding “Autumn Leaves” to create the perfect fall playlist.

Edited by Erin Rupprecht