Top 5: September 2024

This September was full of acoustic guitar, slow beats and devastating lyrics, shown clearly in my favorites for the month. 

“Amoeba” – Clairo

As the weather transitions from warm to cool, “Charm” summer is out and “Sling” autumn is in. Amoeba is no different from Clairo’s other songs in the sense that it has a profound ability to make you want to dance. Despite the song being about Clairo’s social regrets and difficulties, its soft and sweet vibes leave an indescribable feeling of joy within listeners.

“Townie” – Mitski

When preparing to see Mitski live this month, I listened to her entire discography and this song stuck with me the most. The song goes through the process of becoming oneself again after a destructive and dependent relationship through heavy electric guitar, bold drums and powerful lyricism. The lyrics “I want a love that falls as fast as a body from a balcony” and “I wanna be what my body wants me to be” linger in my mind after every listen.

“That Funny Feeling” – Phoebe Bridgers

The ending tune of this song was stuck in my head for the majority of the month. This is a cover of a song featured in “Bo Burnham: Inside” (2021) and Bridgers adds her own new layer of sadness to the already depressing lyrics. The song discusses the whirlwind of events that were happening during the pandemic and the months after. This song was a favorite of mine when things were still shut down so it will always have a special place in my heart.

“I Want You To Love Me” – Fiona Apple

Fiona Apple is known for her compelling lyrics, especially in this song. One of the most popular and notable lyrics, “I know none of this’ll matter in the long run, but I know a sound is still a sound around no one,” leaves a long-lasting impact on listeners, myself included; the lyric is especially impactful because of the progressive build-up to the lyric. 

“Moon Song” – Phoebe Bridgers

A pit of nostalgia fills my stomach every time I hear the eerie instrumental beginning of this song. “Moon Song” is a staple in my autumn playlist each year. The song opens with “you asked to walk me home, but I had to carry you,” which sets the tone for the rest of the song. Bridger’s use of a simile in “I will wait for the next time you want me, like a dog with a bird at your door,” is so effective that I feel sick to my stomach when hearing it. The lyrics “if I could give you the moon, I would give you the moon,” and “you are sick, and you’re married, and you might be dying. But you’re holding me like water in your hands,” close off the song. Bridger’s way of writing and my own personal connection with this song has always left a strong emotional impact on me.