October has been an incredibly prolific month for acoustic music, especially when it comes to album releases. As you may have noticed from my Albums of the Month reviews, I decided to highlight several songs from those records individually, since reviewing every album track by track would have been practically impossible.
That leaves us with another selection of acoustic gems released as standalone singles or as part of EPs. From beautiful fingerpicked duets to banjo driven folk songs and some exciting independent discoveries, here are my favorite acoustic songs of October 2026!
Remember Us - Acoustic - philine, Melle
It's always a pleasure to support local artists, especially when their voices complement each other as beautifully as philine and melle's. Remember Us is a touching reflection on the traces we leave behind, from childhood memories and names carved into trees to the songs that might outlive us. I particularly love the idea that, even when we're gone, we continue to exist through nature, music, and the memories of those who loved us.
By Your Side - Marc Scibilia & Abigail Rose
I've been waiting for this collaboration ever since Marc and Abigail started sharing snippets on Instagram, and it certainly didn't disappoint. Marc Scibilia's fingerpicked songs are always a treat, aren't they? I've already published the guitar tutorial on my YouTube channel! The lyrics explore the idea of home not as a physical place, but as a person. No matter how far we travel or how much our lives change, sometimes all we really want is to be by someone's side.
Plainsman - Zach Bryan, Turnpike Troubadours
The crossover I wasn't expecting from Zach Bryan's latest EP, Young Manhood and Other Donatable Organs! A wonderful Americana song featuring acoustic guitar, fiddle, and harmonica. Lyrically, Plainsman celebrates the unbreakable connection between people and their roots. You can leave your hometown, but its landscapes, traditions, and memories will always remain part of who you are. A beautiful tribute to rural life and the places that shape our identities.
Born to Bloom - Roo Panes
Roo Panes is back! And I'll tell you something even better: there's an acoustic performance of this song on YouTube that I actually prefer to the studio version. Born to Bloom is an uplifting reminder that it's never too late to start again, rediscover your creativity, or pursue something meaningful. Through beautiful imagery of birds, trees, and changing seasons, Roo encourages us to embrace life, love freely, and help others find their own way to flourish.
Anything But Ordinary (Acoustic) - Fo Daniels
Fo Daniels once again proves himself to be one of the most interesting artists when it comes to acoustic indie rock. Anything But Ordinary combines his characteristic energy with lyrics about vulnerability, commitment, and the courage to embrace change. There's something particularly beautiful about the idea of having wasted enough time and finally being ready to give yourself completely to someone. Another excellent acoustic version!
Gone - Of Good Nature, Cam Brown
A little less cheerful than what we're used to hearing from Of Good Nature, but the acoustic guitar and fiddle performances are absolutely excellent! Gone reflects on the passing of time, missed opportunities, and the desire to return to someone before it's too late. The recurring references to yesterday being gone give the song a sense of urgency, reminding us that dwelling on the past can prevent us from making the most of the present.
At Least Friends (Acoustic) - Sven Ross
Sven Ross continues following his mother's excellent advice to release acoustic versions of his songs, and this time he's accompanied by a lovely cello. The lyrics capture that awkward but exciting stage of getting to know someone, when you're trying not to get too emotionally invested but secretly hoping for something more. I particularly like the contrast between the narrator's attempts to remain casual and his obvious desire to become an important part of the other person's life.
Say I'm Happy - Red & The Paper Flowers
I have to admit that this song was actually released in September, but I completely forgot to include it in last month's selection. Better late than never! In the meantime, the band has also released their EP Dead Little Thing. What I particularly love about this arrangement is how the cello and mandolin seem to respond to each other throughout the song. The lyrics contrast everyday reasons to feel content with the painful absence of someone you love. Having a roof over your head and everything you need doesn't necessarily mean you're happy when the person you want to share it with is missing.
Sometimes - Katie Gregson-MacLeod
The final single before the release of Katie Gregson-MacLeod's upcoming album, and what a beautiful one! The rubber bridge guitar arpeggio is simply gorgeous, and I don't think I'll ever get tired of her voice. Sometimes explores the uncertainty of a relationship that never quite became what it could have been. It's about those unexpected moments when memories resurface and make us question whether we made the right decisions, even when we know things probably wouldn't have worked out.
Little Birds - The Wildwoods
The Wildwoods return with another delicate folk song that showcases their ability to create beautiful atmospheres through acoustic instrumentation and vocal harmonies. Little Birds seems to revolve around longing, reassurance, and the hope that someone will eventually return. The recurring imagery of birds and open skies gives the song a sense of freedom, while the lyrics suggest that even distance doesn't necessarily mean the end of a connection.
Church Bells - Amble
Another excellent song from Amble featuring two of my favorite acoustic ingredients: banjo and strings. The arrangement perfectly complements the band's warm, unmistakable folk sound. Lyrically, Church Bells celebrates the comfort of familiar places and the people who make us feel at home. The recurring image of church bells ringing becomes a symbol of belonging, while the references to laughter and shared moments remind us that happiness often lies in the simplest things.
October may have been dominated by album releases, but these singles and EP tracks certainly deserved some attention of their own. From familiar names like Zach Bryan and Marc Scibilia to independent artists who continue surprising me, this month's selection once again demonstrates the variety of sounds and stories that can be built around acoustic instruments.
As always, you can find all these songs spread across the All of Acoustic 2026 playlist, see you next month!