5 Songs Perfect for Feeling Thankful This Season 

As the air cools and the days get shorter, November has a way of slowing us down for the new season ahead. Here in the U.S., Thanksgiving sits at the center of it all, graciously setting aside space for us to pause in the noise, to gather, to eat, to laugh, and to remember what’s carried us through the year. It’s the season for thankfulness in its simplest form — building memories that last a lifetime, taking time to show love, and showing up for the people who’ve been there, and for the strength that’s kept us inspired to keep moving.

If you’re like me, music has always been a part of that feeling. The right song can set the mood or serve as a timestamp to a memory that surfaces when you least expect it. There’s so much to be thankful for, and these songs help bring that into focus, carrying warmth and a sense of calm that fit perfectly into this time of year.

As you move through the month, whether you’re traveling home, cooking with family, or simply trying to stay grounded through the shift into winter, add these songs to your playlist. Let them hold space for you, remind you of what matters most, and fill the quiet moments with something that feels like gratitude.

Forgetting You – Luna Elle 

If you haven’t heard of Luna Elle, the 20-year-old singer and songwriter is proving that age doesn’t define the depth of a sound or the weight of introspective lyrics. One of Canada’s most exciting emerging talents, Luna Elle has quickly gained recognition for her smooth vocals and timeless songwriting. Her rich, Toni Braxton-esque tone shines through tracks like Forgetting You, a beautiful reminder that seasons change — and that’s okay. While it’s clearly a breakup song, there’s a warmth that suggests endings don’t always have to be painful; they can mark the start of something new. The track encourages reflection, shedding old baggage, and moving into a space of deeper alignment. Forgetting You is the kind of song that belongs on a thankfulness playlist, a reminder to honor the relentless strength that lives within us all.

Mag!c – Ariel J 

Ariel J calls herself the Mystic of Mississippi, and her music reflects that title. The way she weaves poetry and reflection into her songs creates an emotional conjuring that invites both vulnerability and encouragement. As a singer and songwriter gaining momentum — and earning the support of artists like Erykah Badu and SZA — Ariel J continues to carve out her own space in the music industry.

In November, a month of reflection, songs like Maj!c stand out. The track opens with the poetic words of novelist Toni Morrison, emphasizing the power of storytelling to unlock vulnerability. Ariel J sings about growing through low moments and overcoming obstacles, blending historical references, comforting vocals, and affirming lyrics. The result is a song that reminds listeners they can rise like a phoenix from the ashes, move freely through life, and trust that the world is cheering them on.

God – Doechii 

“God,” the 2020 interlude from Doechii’s EP Oh the Places You’ll Go, feels like a manifestation in hindsight. Written during a period when she worried about being a one-hit wonder, the track reflects on divine abundance and limitless creative energy, a reminder that someone else’s success doesn’t take away from her own. Five years later, Doechii has emerged as a Grammy-winning artist on a remarkable streak, and listening to “God” now is a moment to give thanks — for growth, resilience, and the blessings that come from trusting the journey. The song stands as a quiet celebration of gratitude, personal evolution, and the power of embracing abundance in both life and creativity.

Fellowship – Serpentwithfeet

Serpentwithfeet’s Fellowship is a gentle, heartfelt celebration of friendship that feels like home. The understated yet captivating production perfectly frames his dextrous voice, tender and powerful all at once, while Sampha joins him in a chorus that repeats a simple but profound line: “I’m thankful for the love I share with my friends.” Throughout the song, serpent offers small, charming snapshots of friendship — breezy Sunday afternoons, Christmas films in July, shared fascination with Prosecco, the silly faces friends make — and contrasts them with the bigger truths about love and connection: how certain friendships make him breathe easier, laugh more, and appreciate life’s moments instead of fixating on worry. In the spirit of November reflection, Fellowship is a perfect reminder to give thanks for the people who anchor us, bring joy, and feel like home in an unpredictable world.

You’ve Got a Friend – Elmiene 

Elmiene’s 2025 cover of You’ve Got a Friend brings a fresh, soulful energy to the Carole King and James Taylor classic, reimagined with a Stevie Wonder-inspired touch. Released as part of his This Is The Remix EP, the track keeps the iconic message of unwavering friendship and support intact, offering an ode to platonic love and the promise of being there through anything. Elmiene, a rising force in R&B known for his modern take on neo-soul, blends reverence for the original with his own vibrant style, making the song feel both timeless and current. In the spirit of Thanksgiving, this cover is a simple, heartfelt reminder to be grateful for the friends who are always there.