Recommended Western music for autumn: popular autumn songs and hidden gems [2026]

Autumn LeavesEd Sheeran

Autumn Leaves – Ed Sheeran

It’s a hidden gem whose arpeggios, played on a wistful acoustic guitar, and Ed Sheeran’s savoring, heartfelt vocals strike right at the heart.

Now a global top artist and arguably the most successful singer-songwriter since the 2010s, Ed is hugely popular here in Japan as well.

This track was included as a bonus on the deluxe edition of his landmark 2011 debut album “+,” so some of you may not even have known it existed.

As mentioned, it’s a song with a quintessential early-Ed simplicity in its arrangement, yet its unforced emotion and deeply moving melody are truly remarkable—a masterpiece that doesn’t exclude any listener.

Judging by the title alone, you might mistake it for a well-known jazz standard, but it’s unmistakably an original by Ed.

It’s the kind of song you’ll want to listen to on a quiet autumn afternoon as the leaves fall—be sure to check out the lyrics, perhaps with a bilingual translation, while you’re at it.

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KOH-1

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False ConfidenceNoah Kahan

Noah Kahan – False Confidence

An American folk-pop singer-songwriter born on January 1, 1997.

Noah Kahan debuted in 2017.

In 2018, Kahan made his debut on the music program hosted by comedian Stephen Colbert, where he performed his single “Hurt Somebody.” The song is included on his 2019 album Busyhead.

Who Are WePlàsi

Plàsi – Who Are We (with lyrics)

It’s a stripped-down, singer-songwriter piece performed with just an acoustic guitar and simple vocals.

Plasi—real name Mikael Vizarakis—was born on Crete to a Greek father and a Swedish mother.

After attending the Rytmus music school, he continued his studies in Stockholm, Milan, and Vienna, dedicating himself to songwriting.

His stage name comes from an Ancient Greek word for creation, and he draws inspiration from folk and acoustic artists such as José González, Passenger, and The Tallest Man on Earth.

Be Your ManRhys Lewis

Rhys Lewis – Be Your Man (Lyric Video)

Over the delicate piano of the intro rides a lyrical male vocal, and I imagine many were instantly moved by this beginning.

It’s a song by the British singer-songwriter Rhys Lewis, and its contrasting yet highly effective arrangement leaves a lasting impression.

It represents a kind of love song that you don’t often hear in Japan.

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Murakami Shinpei

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Fallen LeavesBilly Talent

Billy Talent – Fallen Leaves (Official Music Video)

Billy Talent is a punk rock band formed in Canada in 1993.

This track was released as a single in 2006.

It became a hit in various European countries and reached number 29 on the charts in Canada.

The music video was directed by Dean Karr.