Ah, autumn. That time of year when we don polo necks, wrap scarves a little tighter, break out the berets to warm our chilly ears, and indulge in the joy of kicking through multicoloured leaves.

Of course, as young, intellectual students, this inevitably leads us to think about the important stuff — politics, philosophy, the rising price of flat whites, whether or not red wine is worth the hangover.  But how to soundtrack such pensive moments of stomping through the city, gazing moodily about with headphones in?

If you like Camus or the Amelie soundtrack, look no further than Barbara. A two-disc homage to the eponymous French chanteuse twenty years after her death, a range of Gallic singers and musicians collaborate on this charming gem. Delightful arrangements by pianist Alexandre Tharaud feature minimalist piano, accordion, and handclaps. The husky vocals of ‘Septembre’ and the gentle scatting of the opening bars of ‘Pierre’ are perfect for crisp autumnal weather. ‘Au bois de Saint-Armand’ fits a more whimsical mood — skipping across Front Square, perhaps, your overcoat trailing poetically in the breeze behind you.

This writer doesn’t even speak French (I know, how did I even get here), but the songs are a pleasure to listen to, regardless of lyrical comprehension. Plus, if you’re reading TN2 you’re probably preparing yourself for a future of pseudo-intellectualism, so get used to a bit of bluffing. If anyone asks you about the lyrics, just say an English translation doesn’t really do the originals justice.