Fruit baskets are a timeless gift, symbolizing freshness and natural delight. Similarly, music inspired by fruits offers a unique blend of flavors through sound, capturing moods and memories in melodic form. Recently, a curated playlist titled “Songs About Fruit” has gained attention for bringing together tracks named after various fruits, each offering its own distinct taste in music.
The playlist begins with “Apple Orchard” by Beach House, released in 2006. This song carries a nostalgic and sweet tone, reminiscent of the calm and reflective qualities associated with apples. Notably, the band’s Baltimore recording space is named Apple Orchard Studios, underscoring the track’s significance. Moving on, “Blackberry Song” by Kurt Vile from 2009 combines banjo-inflected fingerpicking with a melancholic mood that recalls personal memories of berry picking.
Alex G’s “Oranges,” set to release in 2025, stands out for its simplicity and soothing quality. Departing from his usual complex style, this song features just voice and guitar, offering comfort during difficult times. Another entry is “Persimmon” by The Army, The Navy (2024), an indie-folk duo known for their harmonies that reflect deep friendship and musical chemistry.
The list also includes Tyler Burkhart’s “Cranberries” (2016), a lo-fi dream pop piece recorded independently at home. Burkhart’s preference for solo creation highlights a growing trend in music production where artists seek full creative control. Classic rock fans will appreciate Led Zeppelin’s 1970 acoustic ballad “Tangerine,” known for its gentle yet powerful melody.
Other notable tracks include Shuggie Otis’ psychedelic love song “Strawberry Letter 23” (1971), which evokes a time when written letters were the primary form of romantic communication. Us3’s “Cantaloop (Flip Fantasia)” (1993) blends jazz and hip-hop to create an energetic groove inspired by Herbie Hancock’s “Cantaloupe Island.” Four Tet’s “Mango Feedback” (2022) introduces an eclectic dancefloor vibe with its unusual string loops.
Newer releases like Fakemink’s “Lemon Cherry Escort” (2024) offer catchy and dynamic sounds from the UK rap scene. Swae Lee’s upcoming solo album features “TOMATO/TOMÁTO (SAME DIFFERENCE)” (2026), which intriguingly includes tomato—a fruit often debated in culinary circles. Meanwhile, Lil Mosey’s “Blueberry Faygo” (2020) became a notable anthem during the COVID-19 lockdown despite mixed reviews.
Finally, Drake’s “Passionfruit” (2017) remains a fan favorite with its tropical beat and themes of life-affirming love rather than romantic attachment. The producer described the song as evoking imagery of clouds in a jungle filled with love from life itself.
This musical fruit basket showcases how artists across genres use fruit as inspiration to create songs that range from nostalgic to experimental. Each track offers listeners a unique taste experience through sound, proving that fruit-themed music can be as rich and varied as the fruits themselves.
