As of this writing, it is *officially* the first day of fall.
Pumpkin spice is here and colder weather is (hopefully) just around the corner. As the leaves change to a fascinating orange hue, and as we begin to prepare for the holidays, we can expect a cornucopia of new music. Think of it as an early gift to you - no Black Friday craziness required. Here’s a preview of fall’s best new music, and some of the sounds that we will be bundling our ears up with this autumn.
Bon Iver - 22, A Million.
The highly anticipated 3rd studio album from the indie music gods is the album that I am personally looking forward to the most. Their previous two records, Bon Iver, Bon Iver and For Emma, Forever Ago, are two of my favorite albums of all-time. The band has already released a few singles from the upcoming album, including the trippy but blissful “33 “GOD”” and the beautiful and spare “22 (OVER SOON)”. This is sure to be one of the year’s best albums - if not the best - and will certainly fall into everyone’s ‘pumpkin spice’ playlist on Spotify.
John Vincent III - Various albums
If you are a fan of Bon Iver but don’t want to wait until September 30th, you owe it to yourself to check out John Vincent III. With an EP out in 2015 and a full-bodied album out earlier this year, this guy provides some of the most intoxicating sounds I’ve heard in a while. “Mountain Sounds” and “The Days That Are to Come” are both beautiful tracks, perfect for listening to by a campfire with a steaming cup of coffee or hot chocolate to wrap your hands around.
Kings of Leon - Walls
Due out in early October, Kings of Leon look to return with a bang. The title track “Walls” is a slow burning ballad, more folk than country, and still retaining KOL’s trademark poetic lyricism. It may not be a foot-pounding romp, but it offers a look into the emotional landscape that the new record will build its home upon. Their previous album, Mechanical Bull, was not my favorite, but it wasn't all bad - just a bit too country for my liking, and it left a much weaker impression on the listener than Come Around Sundown or Only By The Night. Hopefully they will return to the style and energy of their early work to produce one of the best rock albums of 2016.
Francis and the Lights - On the verge of a new LP?
Having released two fantastic singles over the last few weeks - “Friends” and “See Her Out (That’s Just Life)” - Francis and the Lights seems to be getting back into the studio pretty heavily. Hopefully this time spent will produce a new record for the synth-heavy indie artist who has previously collaborated with Bon Iver and Kanye West.
Adam Torres - Pearls to Swine
He’s not a newcomer to the music scene, but his music will make you stop and ask yourself, ‘Where has this guy been for the last few years?’ This third album continues to perfect his sound, offering velvety smooth vocals and an entrancing sound-stage. Not every song is a hit, but a good shuffle or two of this guy’s tunes will make your ears very, very happy this autumn.
Leif Vollebekk - Various albums
If you can look beyond his unique name you are sure to find some seriously good music. I stumbled upon him through the ‘related artists’ page on Spotify and have been listening to him ever since. He hasn’t released any new music since 2013, but his most recent album North Americana is a spare and sweet compilation of slow burning acoustic tunes that were meant to be played on a relaxing autumn’s eve.
Gregory Alan Isakov - Various Albums
I first fell in love with this guy’s music as I heard the heartbreaking “If I Go, I’m Goin’” on the soundtrack to the hit TV show (and personal obsession of mine) Californication. His music is like hopping in an old, beat up van, driving across the country, and setting up camp under a starry sky with your lover at your side. He’s not very well-known, but his music will make you rethink everything you’ve ever done in life.
Justin Timberlake - A new album on the horizon?
This one is purely speculation, but the world is in dire-need of a new full-length album from my boy, JT. He had a monster year in 2013, releasing two entire albums and setting the tone for what pop music should and can be. The summer, his worldwide hit, "Can't Stop The Feeling!", was but a tease at what is to come from the pop megastar in the near future. There have been rumors swirling around that his new album will have many different elements, even possibly adding a hint of country sound to his repertoire. I am patiently awaiting for JT to release some new tunes, and if he does happen to drop a new album this fall, it will be Christmas in November.
While this list is by no means conclusive, there are many beautiful options to treat yourself to this fall. And whether or not pumpkin spice is your thing, there is sure to be an artist on this list that makes you feel all warm and tingly inside, and music that will prepare you for the change in the air that is yet to come.
