As the rain pours down and a gloomy grey consumes the sky, there is little motivation to leave the bed. The fall funk: a period of hibernation consisting of Netflix binges, oversized hoodies, and no desire to participate in any form of physical activity. I have found that the only way to combat fall funk is through a concept of the same name: Fall Funk. With ten songs from every decade ranging back to the 1920s, Fall Funk is a playlist powerful in its ability to eradicate any of that melancholy and gloom threatening to consume you in the coming months.
1929
When You’re Smiling (The Whole World Smiles With You) – Louis Armstrong
A song that will put a smile on your face – in no time, you will be skipping around in the rain with an umbrella in hand. Armstrong preaches the message that the joy you emanate will be reflected in everything around you. Let the sweet sound of the trumpet take you back to the 1920s, perhaps at a jazz bar in New York City, as you watch the world go by.
1939
Over the Rainbow – Judy Garland
Garland’s melody expresses the message that beyond the rain lies a place bereft of clouds or trouble. Written for the classic film Wizard of Oz, Over the Rainbow gives a sense of innocence and adventure shown by Dorothy throughout her adventures in Oz. To spook up your October, watch the film and find yourself in a land of witches, scarecrows, and tin men.
1944
In the Mood – Glenn Miller
In the Mood will put you in the mood – perhaps for a night out, or an evening spent grooving in the comfort of your apartment. Miller’s big band-era tune stirs up nostalgia, giving you the feeling of sailing across the San Francisco Bay on a yacht, drinking cocktails galore and swing dancing until dawn.
1958
Rockin’ Robin – Bobby Day
Blurring the lines between pop and R&B, this smash hit begins with an upbeat rhythm accompanied by the mimicked sound of chirping birds. Bring yourself back to the decade of Grease, hand jiving your way through high school proms and county fairs.
1965
Do You Believe in Magic – The Lovin’ Spoonful
This groovy tune will have you bouncing around in no time. An anthem expressing the power of music and love, The Lovin Spoonful’s timeless hit is sure to get you out of your October gloom and take you to the 1960s, into a decade of innovation, counterculture, and activism.
1975
Blame It on the Boogie – The Jacksons
This banger will get your head bopping and your feet twisting as you find yourself dancing along to The Jackson’s tune. Watch the music video to truly understand what it means to blame it on the boogie.
1985
Everybody Wants To Rule The World – Tears for Fears
A new wave song incorporating guitar solos and melody shifts, Tears for Fears’ classic was released in a decade defined by shoulder pads and leg warmers. Take yourself back to the era of Stranger Things, dancing through shopping malls and roller skating rinks.
1990
Doo Wop (That Thing) – Edit – Ms. Lauryn Hill
Influenced by R&B and soul, Ms. Lauryn Hill’s tune will have you on your feet in seconds, ready to take on the day no matter how grey the sky is outside. A female rap anthem inspired by doo-wop music of the 1950s, this song will have you prepared for anything coming your way.
2002
Rock Your Body – Justin Timberlake
JT knows how to get you out of a funk and into a FUNK. Let your hips shake, fingers snap, and body rock to this gem of a song. Netflix can wait- getting down to this song can’t.
2019
Patience – Tame Impala
Arguably the greatest bop of 2019, Patience is the essence of Funk. The lyrics discuss the phases we go through and the inevitability of change. If Fall Funk can’t get you out of bed, let one piece of advice from the final song ring through- have patience, fall funk will pass, as it does every year.
Author: Gigi Migliazzo
Editor: Kat Nivera
Illustrator: Clara Cronin