Need a Thanksgiving Day soundtrack? Check out our holiday playlist

We often talk in terms of what Thanksgiving tastes like or even smells like, but what does Thanksgiving sound like?

Maybe you close your eyes and hear the sound of relatives bickering — good-natured or otherwise — around the table. Or the soft hum of a football game on in the background.

If you're interested in a few different sounds this year, we've compiled a Thanksgiving playlist that's 28 songs strong, over 90 minutes of music. Some tracks directly reference the holiday; others speak to themes of gratitude, togetherness with family and friends or the comforts of autumn.

From living legends such as Paul Simon and Mavis Staples to modern stars like Brandi Carlile and emerging artists such as Willi Carlisle, turn this playlist on during dinner, while you're cooking or when you're recuperating from the meal with a drink.

A Thanksgiving playlist

Here are the songs featured on the Tribune's playlist. Listen straight through or shuffle them for a few Thanksgiving surprises:

"Kind and Generous," Natalie Merchant

"Crowded Table," The Highwomen with Brandi Carlile

"The Thanksgiving Song," Ben Rector

"Most People," Dawes

"My Thanksgiving," Don Henley

"Thanksgiving," Pinegrove

"Thank U," Alanis Morrisette

"Anytime You Call," Margo Price with Lucius

"Thanksgiving Theme," Vince Guaraldi Trio

"Sweet Potato Pie," Ray Charles and James Taylor

"Family," Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors

"We Get By," Mavis Staples and Ben Harper

"Autumn Town Leaves," Iron and Wine

"Mother and Child Reunion," Paul Simon

"Autumn in New York," Billie Holiday

"Thanksgiving Song," Mary Chapin Carpenter

"The Mother," Brandi Carlile

"Song for My Father," Sarah McLachlan

"By Blood," Shovels and Rope

"Your Heart's a Big Tent," Willi Carlile

"Macy's Day Parade," Green Day

"Almost Thanksgiving Day," Graham Parker

"Friendship," Pops Staples

"Family is Family," Kacey Musgraves

"Thank You," Dido

"Autumn," Paolo Nutini

"Kindness Will Follow Your Tears," Lonnie Holley with Bon Iver

Three more albums for your Thanksgiving Day soundtrack

If you'd prefer to just hit play on an album and let it go, here are three albums that will fill up your gathering space.

The Avett Brothers, "The Carpenter" If you're in the mood for something folksy, family-driven and thoughtful, this 2012 album from the Avett boys should hit the spot.

John Coltrane, "Coltrane '58: The Prestige Recordings" Classic jazz is never a bad choice on Thanksgiving Day, and this beautiful, sprawling set of Coltrane's recordings — collected and released in 2019 — will seal a sense of gratitude and reflection.

Nickel Creek, "Celebrants" If you want something a little newer, this year's release from the always sublime bluegrass trio is themed around the notion of returning to one another and celebrating our common life. Some of the songs are a bit complex for the ear, but when Chris Thile and the Watkins siblings, Sean and Sara, harmonize, it always sounds like home.

Aarik Danielsen is the features and culture editor for the Tribune. Contact him at adanielsen@columbiatribune.com or by calling 573-815-1731. He's on Twitter @aarikdanielsen.

This article originally appeared on Columbia Daily Tribune: Here's more than 90 minutes of music perfect for your Thanksgiving Day