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[2026] Classics and Recommended Popular Western Songs to Listen to in October

In recent years, the intense heat of summer has lingered on even after autumn arrives, and it’s really not until October that it finally starts to feel like fall.

It’s a comfortable time of year that makes you want to go out for a walk or a drive, and it’s also perfect for quiet contemplation at home—so I’ve put together a list of Western music classics that make great background music.

From songs that take October itself as their theme to mellow tracks that suit autumn’s slightly melancholic mood, I’ve selected a wide range—from recent hits to timeless classics.

You might even make a new discovery, like realizing that a song’s lyrics actually mention October!

Be sure to check them out.

[2026] Classic Western songs to listen to in October: recommended popular tracks (81–90)

Sweet OctoberHRVY

HRVY – Sweet October (Vertical Video)
Sweet OctoberHRVY

This song, which conveys the ache of unrequited love, is included on HRVY’s EP “Views from the 23rd Floor,” released in January 2022.

Centered on the theme of changing seasons, it expresses the longing to reunite with a distant lover through HRVY’s clear, airy vocals.

Alongside its pop sound, it captures the frustration of a romance that never quite lines up, making it a track that resonates all the more in October’s chill.

It’s perfect for autumn nights—highly recommended for gazing out the window while you listen.

An ideal song for anyone who wants to connect with the feeling of thinking about someone special.

DriveHalsey

Halsey – Drive (Audio)
DriveHalsey

October gradually starts to cool down, making it the perfect season for going out, right? I’m sure you’ll be going for drives, and this is the song I want you to listen to on those drives.

It’s not a breezy, fun kind of track; it’s a song with a mature vibe themed around driving.

It has a heavy, weighty atmosphere, but that’s exactly what makes it incredibly cool—so it’s a track I’d especially recommend.

Long OctoberHandguns

This song, which evokes the beginning of autumn, is a pop-punk number from Handguns’ debut album Angst, released in September 2012.

Weaving in the names of famous bands like Counting Crows and Foo Fighters, it deftly portrays the protagonist’s feelings as October arrives.

The energetic sound packs an emotional punch as it depicts a young person who, despite loneliness and anxiety, strives to find a glimmer of hope.

It’s a perfect track for long autumn nights, for moments spent zoning out in your room, or for soothing the melancholy that comes with the change of seasons.

It will resonate not only with pop-punk fans, but also with anyone who wants to revisit the complex emotions of their youth.

OctoberIcarus

Icarus – October (Official Audio)
OctoberIcarus

Icarus is an electronic band from the UK that’s gaining popularity with their sophisticated house music.

If you mainly listen to pop or mainstream music, you might not have heard of them, but within the house scene they’re steadily attracting attention, and their YouTube views are climbing fast.

Their October-themed track, titled “October,” showcases a very stylish and refined take on house music.

October SwimmerJJ72

JJ72 – October Swimmer (Official Video)
October SwimmerJJ72

JJ72 is a three-piece rock band from Ireland.

The first track on their self-titled album, JJ72, is October Swimmer.

It’s a song with a distinctly desolate feel, depicting several sad events set in October—such as the death of someone close and conflict.

It also carries a message that seems to question one’s own purpose for existing.

Although the song’s themes are weighty, listening to it may prompt you to reflect on the world around you.

Glimpse of UsJoji

Joji – Glimpse of Us (Official Video)
Glimpse of UsJoji

Do you know Joji, the Japanese singer-songwriter who’s making waves in America? His signature song, “Glimpse of Us,” has become a huge hit worldwide.

The song portrays a man tormented by lingering feelings for a woman he parted ways with.

At first glance, it seems like a simple heartbreak song, but when you watch it together with the music video, you might notice another dimension.

Its melancholy mood also makes it perfect for October, just before winter.

If you’re in the mood for something mellow, give it a listen.

[2026] Classic Western songs to listen to in October: recommended popular tracks (91–100)

We Could Go Back ft. MoelogoJonas Blue

Jonas Blue – We Could Go Back ft. Moelogo (Official Video)
We Could Go Back ft. MoelogoJonas Blue

Here’s a poignant song about continuing to think of a precious person even after heartbreak.

The story-driven music video set in a big city adds an extra layer of sentimentality.

The lyrics—enduring loneliness and the absence of someone dear while standing alone in the heart of a metropolis—fit perfectly with the autumn breeze.

In contrast to the melancholic words, the relatively upbeat, pop-leaning sound makes it very easy to listen to.

It’s a track you’ll want to watch the MV for while reflecting on the meaning of the lyrics.