Songs you'll want to listen to in autumn. A selection of recommended hits from 80s Western music!
The Western music scene of the 1980s, boosted by the birth of MTV and the evolution of synth sounds, was a period that produced countless massive hits still loved today.
Here, we’ve put together a selection of songs that are especially perfect for listening in autumn.
Of course, we’ve included tracks that directly take autumn as their theme, but we’ve also selected smooth adult contemporary tunes and sentimental ballads that suit the season’s atmosphere.
We’ve even highlighted some hidden gems, so be sure to find the autumn songs from the ’80s that best match your taste.
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Songs you’ll want to listen to in autumn: selected recommendations from 1980s Western hit songs (21–30)
I Love a Rainy NightEddie Rabbitt
It didn’t really hit in Japan, but it was a smash on the Billboard Top 100: Eddie Rabbitt’s country song “I Love a Rainy Night.” Released in the fall, it stayed high on the charts through the following spring.
In Japan, rain and storms tend to evoke the autumn typhoon season or the rainy season, but this song has more of a laid-back vibe—like a cheerful guy relaxing at home while the rain pounds down outside.
Time After TimeCyndi Lauper
Cyndi Lauper is an artist who was hugely successful in the 1980s and 1990s.
She’s extremely well-known in Japan, so even younger people are likely familiar with her.
When it comes to her signature songs, many people probably think of “Time After Time.” Released in 1983, the track quickly became a hit and has remained beloved for many years.
Its simple structure and a melody that conveys a sense of poignancy and fragility make it a perfect fit for the autumn atmosphere, don’t you think?
Goodbye Yellow Brick RoadElton John
Elton John, a British musician who has gained popularity for his edgy musical style and distinctive character.
Lately, his comments have been particularly sharp, and he’s been criticizing younger artists like Ed Sheeran with biting words (haha).
One of his masterpieces is “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road.” It was a massive hit worldwide, so I think everyone has heard it at least once.
Despite its cheerful melody, it also carries a laid-back vibe, making it a great recommendation for autumn driving music.
Home Sweet HomeMötley Crüe
This is a ballad-style song included on Mötley Crüe’s 1985 album Theatre of Pain, when they were hugely popular as a flagship LA metal band.
The music video perfectly captures the vibe of the 1980s rock scene, and it ranked high on MTV’s request chart for an extended period.
Incidentally, the person playing the piano is the drummer, Tommy Lee.
Leaves That Are GreenSimon&Garfunkel
When autumn begins, there are times you find yourself missing the lush, verdant scenery of summer, aren’t there? The song I’d like to recommend for moments like these is “Leaves That Are Green.” It’s a classic by the world-renowned folk duo Simon & Garfunkel, crafted into a delicate folk tune that evokes the end of summer.
Its relaxed yet cheerful atmosphere makes it perfect for reminiscing about summer.
Be sure to give it a listen.
I Just Called To Say I Love YouStevie Wonder
Stevie Wonder is one of the artists who helped build the New Soul boom of the 1970s.
Despite being blind, he is a well-known genius with exceptionally high-level piano skills and a uniquely powerful vocal presence.
Among his works, the one that’s especially perfect for autumn is “I Just Called to Say I Love You.” It’s a classic wrapped in a gentle melody that suits the season perfectly.
For All We KnowCarpenters
Among the legendary sibling musicians The Carpenters, this is a piece whose especially mellow oboe timbre evokes autumn—calling to mind clear blue fall skies as well as days scented with gentle rain.
Even today, many will recognize it as a familiar BGM frequently used in televised autumn landscape broadcasts.
Originally featured in the 1970 film “Lovers and Other Strangers,” it also won the Academy Award for Best Original Song.
In terms of vocals and production alike, although it’s a cover, it carries the presence of an original masterpiece seemingly created just for The Carpenters.