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

OctoberAlessia Cara

Alessia Cara – October (Official Video)

Singer-songwriter Alessia Cara has drawn major attention since the 2020s for her distinctive sound that blends R&B and indie pop.

She has produced numerous great songs.

Among her works, a track I recommend with an October theme is “October.” The lyrics are abstract, but they likely depict an unfulfilled love, or a love that never had a chance to blossom.

The gentle lyrics and melody match beautifully, so be sure to check it out.

A Head Full Of DreamsColdplay

Coldplay – A Head Full Of Dreams (Official Video)

A song about love and accepting what happens in life.

Frontman Chris Martin has called it his “favorite song.” The music video, directed by American photographer James Marcus Haney, was shot on Super 8mm during the Latin American stadium tour in April 2016.

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?

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!

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!

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.