With autumn now here, it's time to dump those EDM summer anthems and revamp your iTunes or Spotify library. Check out these relaxing yet beautiful favorite songs of mine and get ready to curl up with some cocoa and your fuzziest blanket and enjoy!
1. Sweet November by SZA
Despite the title being so fitting for the chilly upcoming months, this song has a sexy, jazzy vibe to it that will make you want to play it on a vinyl while you dance around your living room in your underwear, hot cocoa in hand.
2. Cranes in the Sky by Solange
Solange's new album has made waves throughout the country. With #blackgirlmagic anthems like "F.U.B.U" and "Don't Touch My Hair", Solange's comeback has been better than ever. This song, just as beautiful as its music video showcases just how powerful Solange's soft and smooth voice can be.
Check out our very own Shunquell's review of Solange's album "A Seat at the Table" here!
3. Mother Earth by Banks
Banks is one of my favorite artists, I even stayed up late enough so I could be the first to hear her new album "The Altar". This song is, no question, my favorite on the album. While I love Banks' powerful vocals and catchy electronic beats, this stripped down song with haunting melodies and beautiful lyrics is unlike any other song she has put out.
4. Pink + White by Frank Ocean
I, like the rest of the world, was eagerly awaiting year after year for the release Frank Ocean's sophomore studio album. After four seemingly never-ending years, he released "Blonde" this past summer and proved that good things come to those who wait. The best part of this song is arguably when Beyoncé is featured as backing vocals. Frank and Beyoncé's voices perfectly melt together in this enchanting melody.
5. Juke Jam by Chance The Rapper
Chance The Rapper is quickly becoming American's Sweetheart with his down to earth persona and contagious charisma. This (non-creepy) R-Kelly style song reminisces about a precious and innocent relationship. Justin Bieber also has a small part on this song and, don't tell anyone, but he kind of crushes it.
6. Fall by Chloe x Halle
Sisters Chloe and Halle first got their start in the music industry after being discovered by Beyoncé on YouTube. Despite being so young, these girls show their maturity in their music. Their angelic voices and poetic lyrics make for amazing music. Chloe x Halle currently only have an EP out, but with talent like this, they are just getting started.
7. Blue Wine by NAO
I first heard NAO's unique voice on Discolsure's song "Superego" and was instantly enthralled. After researching her and falling in-love with her soulful tunes like "Bad Blood" (link NSFW), I eagerly awaited the release of her debut album which came out this past summer. Her album "For All We Know" is one of those albums where every song is worth listening to, and it was hard to pick just one song of hers to showcase. "Blue Wine" is a hauntingly beautiful piano ballad that showcases NAO's impressive vocal range.
8. Ghost by Lianne La Havas
I first discovered Lianne La Havas while she preformed with Prince on SNL last year during his iconic eight-minute medley, one of this last live performances before his death. I found out that Lianne was one of Prince's protégéés (along with singers Janelle Monae and Judith Hill), recording her music at his Paisley Park studios. Prince's influence shows through her raw and soulful music. La Havas is one of those rare singers that sounds just the same, if not better, live than she does in studio. Her honest performance of "Ghost" is my favorite off the album, watch her performance and you'll understand why.
9. Blood Bank by Bon Iver
Technically, this song is more of a winter song since it tells the story of a new long during Christmastime, but I couldn't resist featuring this song that always brings me peace whenever I listen to it. The lyrics are perhaps my favorite part of the song, the paint such a beautiful picture of blossoming love:
"Then the snow started falling
We were stuck out in your car
You were rubbing both my hands
Chewing on a candy bar
You said, 'Ain't this just like the present
To be showing up like this?'
As the moon waned to crescent
We started to kiss"
10. Intro by The XX
This is the perfect song to listen to when you just want to tune out the rest of the world. With no vocals, this song is great to listening when you're driving, cleaning, laying down, etc. "Intro" is my go-to song when I need to destress or want to zone out.