[2026 Edition] A Roundup of Popular and Classic Western Songs to Listen to in September

HelloAdele

Adele – Hello (Official Music Video)

With the changing of the seasons come both new romances and heartbreaks.

September is the time when summer turns to autumn.

Many people may associate it with breakups.

For those people, I recommend the song “Hello.” Released in 2015 by Adele, “Hello” became a worldwide hit and won a Grammy Award.

It’s a masterpiece in which a poignant melody elevates lyrics filled with apology and lingering feelings for an ex.

Hold OnAlabama Shakes

Alabama Shakes – Hold On (Official Video)

They’re a powerhouse act who were nominated for Best New Artist at the 2013 Grammy Awards, with this track also earning a nomination for Best Rock Performance.

It’s a captivating song featuring a heavy guitar sound and the explosive vocals of frontwoman Brittany Howard.

The perfectly timed breaks hit exactly where you want them, making it incredibly satisfying!

I Built a FriendAlec Benjamin

Alec Benjamin – I Built a Friend (MUSIC VIDEO)

Singer-songwriter Alec Benjamin, who has gained popularity with a sound rooted in indie and folk-pop.

He broke out in 2018 with “Let Me Down Slowly,” and he’s continued to drop hit tunes into the 2020s.

Among his works, a song that’s especially perfect for September is “I Built a Friend.” Its acoustic, chill tone matches the wistful mood of September perfectly.

Where in TimeAllison Young & Joshua Lee Turner

Allison Young & Joshua Lee Turner – Where in Time (Official)

Where in Time is a work by Joshua Lee Turner and Allison Young, who are active as a music producer and singer-songwriter based in Brooklyn.

The lyrics are abstract and may be hard to grasp, but it’s a breakup song, crafted with a delicate melody and a perfectly matched atmosphere.

Its chill, acoustic vibe feels just right for September, when the end of summer is in the air.

Be sure to check it out.

Keeps On FallinBabyface & Ella Mai

Babyface & Ella Mai – Keeps On Fallin (Official Audio)

If this song gives you a sense of nostalgia, you’re probably well-versed in early ’90s R&B or spent your youth in that era.

In June 2022, the world-renowned music producer and singer-songwriter Babyface released the track “Keeps On Fallin,” featuring Ella Mai, the hugely popular UK-born songstress in today’s R&B scene.

As mentioned at the outset, while it’s a contemporary track, it’s steeped in a nostalgic vibe that recalls classic R&B, drawing on the melody and track of Tevin Campbell’s 1993 hit “Can We Talk,” which Babyface produced and which became a massive success.

For Babyface, it can be seen as a kind of self-homage, resulting in a fresh song where nostalgia and modernity intersect.

This kind of refined R&B is sure to be a perfect fit for long autumn nights!

AutumnBelle Mariano x Ben&Ben

Belle Mariano x Ben&Ben – Autumn (Music Video)

This work is characterized by its translucent vocals and melodies that seep into the heart.

It’s a collaboration between Belle Mariano and the Filipino folk-pop band Ben&Ben, released in December 2023.

The song is also featured on the soundtrack of the ABS-CBN drama “Can’t Buy Me Love,” with lyrics that poignantly overlay the sorrow of long-distance love and the pain of parting with autumnal imagery.

Ben&Ben’s delicate acoustic arrangement and Belle Mariano’s gentle vocals blend beautifully, making it a track you’ll want to savor on long autumn nights.

It’s a moving song that resonates with those who have experienced a breakup or are in a long-distance relationship.

September Come Take This Heart AwayCarissa’s Wierd

Carissa’s Wierd – September Come Take This Heart Away

The music of Seattle-based Carissa’s Wierd is characterized by a melancholic, dreamlike sound.

This song appears on their 2002 album “Songs About Leaving” and is a sentimental piece themed around heartbreak and emotional pain.

Vivid, symbolic imagery stands out, such as the protagonist gazing at the view from a room filled with windows, and a fake rose placed on a car’s windshield.

Carissa’s Wierd’s delicate guitar work and understated vocals beautifully convey the desire to sever ties with the past as September arrives.

It’s a deeply moving track, perfect for listening alone on a quiet early autumn night.