Autumn songs that were hits in the 2000s. Classic fall tunes and recommended popular tracks.
From the 1990s, when CDs sold like hotcakes, into the 2000s, when the shift to digital gradually took hold.
As more people began enjoying music on digital music players, cell phones, and YouTube, the music industry truly entered a turning point.
In this article, we’ll introduce hit autumn songs from the 2000s, a time when the way we listened to music began to change.
We’ve gathered a variety of tracks—from songs that evoke the slightly wistful mood of fall to tunes many people downloaded to their phones.
You might just reunite with the songs that colored your youth.
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Autumn songs that were hits in the 2000s. Classic autumn tunes and recommended popular tracks (21–30)
Under the autumnAqua Timez
A song by the rock band Aqua Timez, who colored the music scene of the 2000s.
Included on their second album, “Dareka no Chijoue,” released in November 2007, it was later selected for their best-of compilation and remains a medium-tempo rock track that is deeply beloved by fans.
Its cool sound—distinct from their earlier image—and its somewhat melancholy melody line leave a strong impression.
From everyday, familiar scenes, the lyrics carefully portray the quiet of an autumn day and the feelings hidden within the heart, making it a richly evocative number that resonates deeply with listeners.
Falling AutumnACIDMAN
A song by the three-piece rock band ACIDMAN whose dramatic development—where silence and passion intersect—shakes the heart.
Included on the album “equal,” released in September 2004, it has continued to captivate fans with its unique world, even without relying on tie-ins.
It begins with a guitar arpeggio that evokes the quiet of an autumn night, and the performance surges with emotion toward the end—truly breathtaking.
The cry that strives to carry feelings for things that are fading away becomes a “resonance,” spreading through the air.
A rock tune that gently stays by your side on long autumn nights when you want to drift into thought—why not give it a listen?
your handEvery Little Thing
This is a perfect autumn number released by Every Little Thing in October 2005.
It’s a medium-tempo ballad featuring the warm tones of acoustic guitar and Kaori Mochida’s gently enveloping vocals that resonate with the heart.
The lyrics, which express gratitude for the warmth of a loved one’s hand and for someone who is always watching over you, struck a chord with many listeners.
Its melody, which aligns with the sentimental feelings that arise when one longs for human warmth, mirrors the melancholic scenes of autumn—making it a quintessential song for the season.
SPECIAL THANKSGLAY
A signature ballad by GLAY, a band that represents Japan’s rock scene.
As the title suggests, it’s a grand piece that sings of “special thanks” to a loved one, featuring a melody that blends into the slightly melancholic air of autumn.
Released in August 2000, the single became a million-seller and was used as the theme song for the film “Mirai Nikki.” It was also included—by fan vote—on the acclaimed compilation “DRIVE-GLAY complete BEST,” making it a quintessential GLAY number.
Autumn breezeKiroro
Kiroro’s songs, with their pure vocals and piano, resonate deeply in the heart.
Like the autumn wind heralding the arrival of winter, they portray a poignant feeling as memories of a past love resurface.
The lyrics, which recount the bravado shown at the moment of parting and the loneliness of no return, feel so vivid you can picture the scene.
This track was included on the album “Four Leaves Clover,” released in December 2002.
Listening to it on the way home while lost in thought might draw you into its nostalgic world.
ON & OFFRIP SLYME
A track by RIP SLYME, known as key figures who helped bring Japanese hip-hop into the mainstream.
Featured on the classic album “Masterpiece,” released in November 2004, its funky beat—sampling a Keith Mansfield tune—carries a mellow, laid-back autumn vibe.
The lyrics, themed around switching between work and private life—on and off in everyday routines—seem to resonate with the slightly sentimental mood that follows the end of summer.
It’s a playful hip-hop tune perfect for an autumn night when, amid busy days, you want to reclaim a bit of time just for yourself.
The Way Back to the FutureKobukuro
Released by Kobukuro in September 2006 and included on their classic album ALL SINGLES BEST—which became a massive hit with total sales exceeding 3.5 million copies—this song was also used as the image song for NTT West’s telegram service.
The lyrics, which open with a melancholic autumn scene, poignantly portray the regret of not being able to be honest and the earnest wish to face each other once more, tightening the chest.
With its warm, acoustic sound and the duo’s powerful vocals gently nestling close to the heart, it is a gem of a ballad perfect for listening to deeply on long autumn nights.