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

October Passed Me Bygirl in red

girl in red – October Passed Me By (Official Audio)

A bittersweet song that quietly traces the memories of a past romance along with the autumn wind.

It’s by the Norwegian singer-songwriter girl in red.

The track was created as an official sequel set several years after the love story told in her signature 2018 song.

The warm yet melancholy tone of the acoustic guitar makes it perfect for long autumn nights.

It feels like a song about gratitude for days gone by and sorting out one’s feelings in order to move forward.

Released in October 2022, it follows her debut album, “if i could make it go quiet.” Aaron Dessner of The National participated as a producer, and his delicate sound design enhances the track’s appeal.

Highly recommended for those solitary, sentimental moments when you want to be lost in thought.

Loving SomeoneThe 1975

The 1975 – Loving Someone – (Vevo Presents: Live at The O2, London)

It’s a work distinguished by vocals that speak to you almost like spoken word.

This is a track by The 1975, the hugely popular pop-rock band from the UK.

It’s included on their acclaimed 2016 album, “I Like It When You Sleep, for You Are So Beautiful yet So Unaware of It.” The piece stands out for its serious tone that probes youth culture and the emptiness of fame while questioning the nature of love.

The music video was released in January 2017, and the band has continued to convey social messages, performing the song live with rainbow-hued staging.

Reading the lyrics makes it clear the setting is autumn, and the introspective, bittersweet electronic sound perfectly captures the image of a contemplative autumn night.

Harvest FairSummer Salt

Harvest Fair

Summer Salt is an indie-pop duo based in Texas, known for their soft, retro sound influenced by 1960s pop and bossa nova.

Among their works, this is the one I recommend for autumn listening.

Set against the backdrop of a harvest festival, it tells a romantic story about longing to reunite with a past lover.

The melody, tinged with a gentle sense of sadness yet warmed by hope, seems to tenderly accompany the sentimental mood unique to fall.

Released in November 2018, the track is included on the EP “Favorite Holiday, Vol.

1.” If you listen to it on a slightly chilly evening at dusk, lost in thought, you’ll be able to immerse yourself even more deeply in its world.

All Too Well (Sad Girl Autumn Version)Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift – All Too Well (Sad Girl Autumn Version) – Recorded at Long Pond Studios

Taylor Swift, an American singer-songwriter who is also extremely popular in Japan.

As the title suggests, her “All Too Well (Sad Girl Autumn Version)” is an arrangement of the 2012 song “All Too Well,” reimagined with the theme of a “sad girl in autumn.” The vintage-tinged piano tone pairs exquisitely with her wistful vocals, evoking a nostalgic autumn atmosphere.

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Francis ForeverMitski

Mitski – Francis Forever (Official Audio)

Some of you who had a fun summer might be feeling a sense of emptiness now that autumn has arrived.

That’s why I want to introduce “Francis Forever.” It’s a song performed by singer-songwriter Mitski.

Under the gentle autumn sunlight, it reflects on a summer spent with a loved one and contrasts it with the loneliness of autumn.

Combined with her powerful vocals, it’s truly heart-wrenching.

By the way, there’s an acoustic version available on YouTube, and that one’s highly recommended too.

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AutumnCouch

Couch – Autumn (Official Lyric Video)

Couch is a band attracting attention for their pop sound infused with funk and soul.

They have a unique origin story: the members began writing songs remotely from different locations.

The work I’d recommend for the fall is this single released in October 2022.

The track seems to capture both the faint loneliness brought by the changing seasons and the joy found in the warmth of human touch.

Its comfortable groove and vibrant horn tones evoke the buoyant feeling of walking down a golden-lined avenue.

It’s not merely bittersweet—you can savor the gentle happiness of autumn.

Give it a listen as a companion for a leisurely weekend stroll.

October (Ft. Kiko Bun)Loyle Carner

Loyle Carner – October Ft. Kiko Bun (Official Video)

This track masterfully blends elements of hip-hop and jazz, creating a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere.

It’s included on British hip-hop talent Loyle Carner’s debut EP, “A Little Late,” released in 2014.

The piece is marked by introspective lyrics that explore the complexities of love and relationships, set against a cold October night.

Reflecting on past romances and intimate moments, it captures a heart caught between reconnection and loneliness.

The collaboration with Kiko Bun, known for reggae and dub, brings a distinctive worldview to the song.

It’s a mellow, grown-up tune perfect for listening alone on a long autumn night.