[2025 Edition] A roundup of popular and classic Western songs to listen to in September

We’re Going To Be FriendsThe White Stripes

The White Stripes – We’re Going To Be Friends (Official Music Video)

As a male-female duo distinguished by the rock band’s smallest possible format—just guitar and drums—The White Stripes led the 2000s garage rock boom and achieved worldwide popularity.

Although the band unfortunately broke up in 2011, member Jack White has remained highly active as a solo artist, and he’s been in the spotlight for headlining Fuji Rock in July 2022.

Did you know The White Stripes have a song that’s especially perfect to listen to in September? It’s a track from their breakthrough third album, 2001’s White Blood Cells.

The song has a folky vibe with none of the garage grit, and it’s a masterpiece that nostalgically celebrates childhood friendship—likely drawn from Jack’s own elementary school memories.

It opens by declaring that “autumn has come,” and since that’s also the start of a new school term in Japan, listening to it while reflecting on childhood memories after summer vacation just might bring those scenes vividly back to life.

SeedwongTurnover

Turnover – Seedwong

Turnover is a rock band from Virginia.

They mainly play indie rock and dream pop, and rose to popularity in the 2010s.

Among Turnover’s releases, the one I especially recommend is Seedwong.

There’s a phrase, “a summer fling,” and as the saying goes, some couples break up by September.

This song portrays the end of that kind of romance.

People nursing a broken heart will find the lyrics relatable, so be sure to check out the Japanese translation as well.

September SunType O Negative

September Sun – Type O Negative

Type O Negative, the gothic metal icons born in New York.

Their sound—imbued with a singular aesthetic that draws on a wide range of genres—has a devoted following, not least because of the overwhelming presence and voice of vocalist/bassist Peter Steele, who sadly passed away in 2010.

Today I’d like to introduce “September Sun,” a classic track from their de facto final album, Dead Again, released in 2007.

For them, the soaring, straightforward chorus melody and the dramatic song structure make it relatively accessible even to those unfamiliar with the band.

That said, the lyrical world is enigmatic, and it’s anything but simple—at one point, the Spanish phrase “para toda mi vida” suddenly appears, carrying a nuance like “for the rest of my life.” Perhaps it’s worth pondering what Peter wanted to convey with this song, on a night when the feeling of autumn is growing stronger.

SavantViVii

ViVii – Savant (Official Audio)

September is the time when you can most keenly feel the end of summer, and many people are starting to get swept up in the bittersweet emotions of the approaching autumn.

For those folks, this is a perfect recommendation: ViVii, a dream-pop trio from Sweden made up of Emil and Caroline Jonsson and Anders Eckeborn.

True to the dream-pop genre, their sound is wonderfully dreamy—something you’ll want to listen to on a quiet autumn night.

The lyrics express the desire to make dreams come true, capturing a wish that resonates with everyone.

What You Don’t DoLianne La Havas

Lianne La Havas – What You Dont Do (Official Video)

A track from the 2015 album “Blood.” Beyond the stunning vocal performance, the song’s rhythmical production is packed with highlights.

The gospel-like choral arrangement is outstanding, too! It’s a piece that blends seamlessly into the deepening autumn scenery.

Perfect for a stroll—why not take it along?

Your PowerBillie Eilish

Billie Eilish – Your Power (Official Music Video)

In summer I feel like listening to poppy, up-tempo songs, but come September I tend to prefer something more mellow and quiet.

A perfect piece for such a September is “Your Power.” Released in 2021, it’s a masterpiece by Billie Eilish, notable for her whisper-like vocals—her signature style—and a simple yet deeply evocative track.

The lyrics deal with the heavy theme of domestic violence, but because the focus is on the idea of how one uses power, the song feels less depressing and more empowering.

MoonlightDisclosure

Disclosure – Moonlight (Extended Mix)

In 2017, Disclosure, the real-life brother duo who had scaled back their activities to focus on production, returned after a year-long hiatus with music released in 2018 that was more refined than ever—arguably their best work.

This second release of 2018 is a piece of house music that evokes an autumnal atmosphere and exudes a calm UK garage vibe.