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

StarvingHailee Steinfeld, Grey ft. Zedd

Hailee Steinfeld, Grey – Starving ft. Zedd (Official Video) ft. Zedd

Autumn is often called the “season of appetite,” and as the heat eases, it’s a time when we tend to get hungry more easily.

With that in mind, give the song “Starving” a listen.

“Starving” literally means “famished” in Japanese.

Of course, it’s not simply about someone whose stomach is growling—it’s used in the sense of “craving you.” The sound isn’t overly flashy, and it perfectly matches the image of autumn, don’t you think?

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Saitō Ayumu

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Perfect StrangersJonas Blue ft. JP Cooper

Jonas Blue – Perfect Strangers ft. JP Cooper

A collaboration between Jonas Blue, a British dance music producer, and JP Cooper, a singer-songwriter from Manchester.

It’s a summer track released as a digital download in 2016.

The music video was filmed in Cape Town, South Africa.

AloneMarshmello

Marshmello – Alone (Official Music Video)

Globally popular DJ Marshmello is known for hits like “Silence,” “Wolves,” and “Happier.” “Alone” is one of his signature tracks, with over 1.7 billion views on YouTube.

He wrote it after spending some time away from his hometown, and it captures a sense of nostalgia for home.

Although it’s electro-pop and has a bright tone, its structure evokes a subtle feeling of loneliness.

It’s a theme that fits autumn perfectly!

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Ryo

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Treat You BetterShawn Mendes

Shawn Mendes – Treat You Better

Shawn Mendes is a singer-songwriter known for his soft, memorable vocals.

He’s also famous as Camila Cabello’s boyfriend.

Treat You Better is one of his signature songs and achieved major commercial success.

Thanks to its impact, it earned prestigious awards such as the MTV Video Music Award for Best Pop Video and the Juno Award for Single of the Year.

Its serious melody perfectly fits the image of October as it turns toward winter!

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Ryo

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RedTaylor Swift

Taylor Swift – Red

Taylor Swift, who enjoys immense popularity among teens in Japan as well.

As the title “Red” suggests, it’s a poignant song that evokes an image of a crimson sunset glowing in the autumn sky.

The contrast between the guitar-forward band sound and her raw, passionate vocals amplifies the sense of heartbreak.

The deliberate, restrained drumming in the bridge builds a rising excitement toward the final chorus.

While Taylor Swift is often associated with upbeat, catchy songs, this track lets you feel just how cool she can be.

October SkyJavier

October Sky

Singer-songwriter Javier Colon captivates with a sound rooted in acoustic soul.

He’s also known for winning the inaugural season of the music competition show The Voice in 2011.

Among his works, there’s a gem perfect for long October nights tucked at the end of his debut album, Javier, released in August 2003.

This piece is a tender, beautiful jazz ballad that overlays the ache of lost love onto the October sky.

The trumpet of jazz maestro Roy Hargrove delicately traces the song’s poignant emotions, while the silky-smooth vocals and instrumentation melt into one another.

The result is a track perfectly suited for those who want to spend a quiet night in a slightly more sophisticated mood.

When All Is Said And DoneABBA

ABBA – When All Is Said And Done (Video)

Let me introduce a heartbreak song set in autumn: “When All Is Said And Done.” This track, released by the Swedish music group ABBA, focuses primarily on the emptiness and sense of loss that follow a breakup.

Its raw portrayal makes it highly relatable to many listeners.

The song is also known for being featured in films and covered by numerous artists.

Comparing different versions can be a fun way to enjoy it.

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yamamoto

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