On The Record: LE SSERAFIM & j-hope, Demi Lovato, Jisoo & Zayn and All the Best October Music Releases

Everything we added to our October playlist, from Demi Lovato’s “Kiss” to Jisoo & Zayn’s delightful duet, “Eyes Closed.”

At the end of each month, we go On the Record to share the newest songs on our playlist. Bringing the international music scene straight to your device, each list contains a combination of established and up-and-coming artists from around the world.

During what is indisputably one of the most exciting months of the year, international musicians made compelling releases, ranging from Afrobeats club hits to sentimental Latin pop. Below, explore October’s most replayable hits from around the world.

Young Miko – “Meiomi”

Puerto Rican rapper Young Miko describes her attraction to a stripper, detailing her innermost cravings in the Afrobeats-inspired “Meomi.” Released at the start of the month, the song is a sensual expression of lust with a side of lavish spending.

Adekunle Gold & Davido – “Only God Can Save Me”

Adekunle Gold and Davido join forces on “Only God Can Save Me,” a classic Afrobeats track off Adekunle Gold’s Fuji that evokes imagery of warm weather. The Nigerian collaborators glide smoothly over the song’s beat, trading lines about the realities of romance.

MOLIY & Tyla – “Body Go”

MOLIY and Tyla are making a case for a girls’ night out, providing the perfectly danceable “Body Go.” The Ghanaian American singer brings her unique vocal color and contemporary Afrobeats signature to this feminine, pulsing track, making it hard not to join her and Tyla as they groove to the beat.

Honey Dijon & Chlöe – “The Nightlife”

In an exciting collaboration, Chicago-born producer Honey Dijon tapped R&B singer-songwriter Chlöe for “The Nightlife.” This club-ready hit places Chlöe’s sultry vocals over a catchy combination of synths, snare drums and bass beats.

Say Now – “Supermarket”

British trio Say Now are embracing the girl group revival in full. Their newest release, “Supermarket,” proves that the time for women in music is now. This R&B and pop fusion contains a hypnotic blend of harmonies, ad-libs and feminine rage. And yes, the music video includes sharp choreography to get you moving, too.

Martin Garrix, Saksham & Scott Quinn – “Ain’t Letting You Down”

Dutch DJ and producer Martin Garrix took listeners on a nostalgic journey on “Ain’t Letting You Down.” The progressive house instrumental contains all the variables of a Martin Garrix hit, with elements that take you back to the mid-2010s. Indian DJ Saksham and English singer Scott Quinn lend their artistic touches to this track, bringing electronic prowess and emotion-packed vocals, respectively.

Alesso & SACHA – “Destiny”

Swedish DJ Alesso invites SACHA to showcase her powerful vocals on “Destiny.” Alesso’s traditional house progression gives the London-based singer room to soar, gradually climbing to an energetic chorus clearly made to bring festivals and live concerts to life.

Demi Lovato – “Kiss”

Ahead of her formal return to pop music with It’s Not That Deep, Demi Lovato released what is perhaps her raunchiest song to date: “Kiss.” In some ways, the song feels like the older sister to “Cool For The Summer,” laced with seduction and unabashed fun.

ATLXS & DJ FKU – “MONTAGEM REBOLA”

Italian and Finnish DJs ATLXS and DJ FKU, joined forces on “MONTAGEM REBOLA.” This short electronic track clocks in at under two minutes, but manages to encapsulate the cathartic pulse of Brazilian phonk.

GIMS & LA Rvfleuze – “GARANTIE”

“GARANTIE,” by French-Congolese singer GIMS, is a captivating addition to this year’s hip-hop catalog. LA Rvfleuze joins GIMS on the track, matching his energy as the two exchange bars about the grind they have undergone to create not only a financial “guarantee,” but prosperity.

Maluma & Maisak – “Un Polvito +”

“Un Polvito +” is a deceivingly upbeat release by Colombian stars Maluma and Maisak. The South American singers collaborate on this retrospective on a relationship best described as “right place, wrong time.” Electronic elements throughout the verses give the reggaeton instrumental a futuristic touch, reinforcing Maluma and Maisak’s position at the forefront of modern Latin pop.

NATHY PELUSO & Rawayana – “MALPORTADA”

“MALPORTADA” is Nathy Peluso’s musical dedication to everyone not afraid to go against the grain. With provocative melodies, Nathy Peluso explores the sensuality of salsa, dancing freely in the simple music video. To accompany her on the track, the Argentina-born singer recruited genre-experimental Venezuelan band Rawayana.

Jasiel Nuñez & Peso Pluma – “La Lleca”

Mexican artists Jasiel Nuñez and Peso Pluma take a walk down memory lane—or, rather, a walk down la lleca—in their newest collaboration. “La Lleca” is a sentimental homage to both Jasiel Nuñez and Peso Pluma’s upbringings, performed to the tune of a traditional Latin instrumental, stripping the duo to their core as musicians.

Alemeda & Doechii – “Beat A B!tch Up”

Sudanese-Ethiopian singer Alemeda partnered with US rapper Doechii for an angsty pop-rock moment in “Beat A B!tch Up.” This song is tangibly fun, with arresting percussion and tasteful vocal distortions. Alemeda gives an impressive belt to usher in the song’s final chorus, epitomizing all the reasons that make this her time to shine.

Coi Leray & Shoreline Mafia – “Act Like You Know”

Coi Leray tapped Shoreline Mafia for “Act Like You Know,” a self-assured track that sees its performers flex their success repeatedly. Coi Leray easily trades verses with the featured duo, who capitalize on timely rhymes, including OhGeesy’s choice of pairing “Labubu” with “delulu.”

LE SSERAFIM & j-hope – “SPAGHETTI”

LE SSERAFIM thrives when they push the boundaries of convention. “SPAGHETTI,” despite its somewhat nonchalant title, is a major step forward for the group. Extending the electronic cadence of “CRAZY,” “SPAGHETTI” is a sassy earworm that bites back at the group’s haters. And with a j-hope feature turning up the buzz factor, “SPAGHETTI” is undeniably one of the year’s most exciting hits.

Kyra Machida – “Blonde”

Kyra Machida channeled her inner Y2K socialite in her latest single, “Blonde.” The Japanese singer transitions in and out of her falsetto with ease as she brings this paradoxical pop track to life. With a groovy electronic instrumental that diverts your attention from the tense lyrics, Kyra balances defiant artistic license and transparent reflection on insecurity and beauty standards.

Valentina Ploy – “So Valentina”

Valentina Ploy makes herself the main character in “So Valentina,” a song that captures her essence as a musician and lover. Contrasting “Valentina” with “Valentine,” the Thai Italian singer offers a proposition of romance to a love interest. Ploy invites them into her “Valentina world” as she flawlessly shifts languages to the tune of an acoustic guitar and instrumental construction.

CHANMINA – “i love you”

Japanese singer CHANMINA gets vulnerable as she professes her love in “i love you.” The track departs from her more upbeat releases, tapping into the soft and heartfelt side of the musical spectrum. Seamlessly adapting her voice to its bittersweet tone, CHANMINA sings “I can’t die yet/I love you” in a touching display of affection for the song’s subject.

ysabelle – “5 Minutes”

ysabelle bares herself in “5 Minutes,” a melancholy soft pop song narrating a one-sided attempt to hold on to a relationship that is already over. In the drama-inspired music video, the Filipino American singer relives her relationship’s highlights, with several cuts that reveal her post-breakup heartache.

Alessia Cara – “My House”

Alessia Cara joined a range of established musicians for the season two soundtrack of the Netflix original series Nobody Wants This. In “My House,” the Canadian singer-songwriter waxes poetic about the stage where a partner becomes a roommate—or, in some ways, a version of home.

Towa Bird – “Your Girl”

British Filipino artist Towa Bird also contributed to the new Nobody Wants This soundtrack with “Your Girl.” Bird sings nonchalantly about the relationship between her, her love interest and their partner. This alt-pop track has a straightforward instrumental, allowing the lyrical plot to take center stage.

Jisoo & Zayn – “Eyes Closed”

In an unexpected, but groundbreaking, collaboration, South Korean darling Jisoo enlisted British heartthrob Zayn’s romantic vocals for “EYES CLOSED.” The song, performed entirely in English, is a quintessential pop song that casts Jisoo and Zayn in the roles of star-crossed lovers. To no one’s surprise, this duo brings unparalleled vocal synergy in an enchanting performance.

IV OF SPADES – “Suliranin”

IV OF SPADES released “Suliranin” as a surprise to fans this month, just a short while after the end of their hiatus in July. The Manila-based group allows the instruments to carry the song, interjecting with introspective lyrics throughout the four-minute track; in charming falsettos, the band reflects on happiness and human struggles.

G.E.M. – “Sacrifice”

Keeping up with annual traditions, game developer Riot Games tapped Hong Kongese singer G.E.M. for their World Championship 2025 anthem. “Sacrifice” tells the moving story of the e-sports that have shaped League of Legends for the IP’s first 15 years. With a combination of belting and lilted phrases, G.E.M. captures the anguish and strain that accompany the quest for first place.