[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.
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[2026] Classic Western songs to listen to in October: Recommended popular tracks (101–110)
UH OH! feat. BENEESub Urban
Another great recommendation for Halloween BGM is Sub Urban.
It’s a collaboration between Sub Urban and BENEE.
Not only is the melody arranged with a horror vibe that’s perfect for Halloween, but the lyrics are uniquely crafted as well.
At first glance it sounds like it’s told from a vampire’s perspective, but if you listen to the end, there’s an unexpected twist.
One more thing you can’t leave out when talking about this song is the music video.
It’s creepy yet catchy enough to make you chuckle.
There are even homages to famous films.
It might give you some ideas for your Halloween costume.
RunawaysThe Killers
The Killers are a four-piece band known for their distinctive new wave sound with heavy use of synthesizers.
Since they’re a globally famous band, many of you have probably heard of them.
Released in 2012, Runaways is a track that showcases their signature electric sound.
The verses have a darker melody, but the energy surges as soon as the chorus hits.
It’s a perfect pick for autumn parties!
R.I.P. 2 My YouthThe Neighbourhood
A ballad by the American rock band The Neighbourhood.
It depicts the climb from childhood to adulthood—perhaps capturing the feelings of a slightly precocious teenager.
As summer ends and autumn begins, it’s a perfect, mellow sound for a calmer season.
While the tempo is relaxed, the lyrics are expressed with a machine-gun-like density of words, perhaps influenced by hip-hop.
Enjoy this modern take on a mixed-genre sound.
October & AprilThe Rasmus with Anette Olzon
This song beautifully captures an autumnal mood with a melancholic atmosphere.
The dramatic world created by the duet between The Rasmus and Anette Olzon is striking.
Released in November 2009, the track is included on The Rasmus’s best-of album “Best of 2001–2009.” The lyrics, which liken the contrasting seasons of October and April to a man and a woman, evoke complex romantic dynamics as autumn deepens.
It’s perfect as background music for enjoying the charms of fall—whether leaf peeping or relaxing in a café.
A recommended track for those who want to feel autumn’s arrival and spend some time in quiet reflection.
9th of octoberTove Lo
Swedish singer-songwriter Tove Lo.
Her release “9th of October” is not to be missed.
The title means “October 9th,” and the lyrics are structured so that what happened on October 9 gradually comes to light.
Minor spoilers from here, but it seems the song’s protagonist unexpectedly broke up with their lover on October 9.
The sorrowful story is truly heart-wrenching.
[2026] Classic and Popular Western Songs to Listen to in October (111–120)
Cool GirlTove Lo
Swedish singer-songwriter Tove Lo is hugely popular, known for her cool vocals and stylish tracks that have earned high praise.
Her signature song “Cool Girl” is an electro-pop track released in 2016.
Strongly influenced by techno and house, as the title suggests, it’s crafted with a cool, sleek sound.
The lyrics portray the dangers surrounding passive women—surprisingly, it’s quite a socially conscious song.
How about adding it to your autumn driving playlist?
New SongWarpaint
A song that portrays the feeling of falling in love by comparing it to the thrill of hearing amazing music for the first time.
It is included on Heads Up, the third album released in 2016 by Warpaint, a Los Angeles–based art rock group.