[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 (81–90)
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 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 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
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.
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.