Female Singer-Songwriters of the ’60s: Popular Songs Ranking [2026]
We present a ranking of popular tracks and hidden gems by female singer-songwriters who were active and produced hits mainly in the 1960s.
These songs reflect the values and views on romance held by women at the time, so it might be interesting to listen with that in mind.
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1960s Female Singer-Songwriters: Popular Song Rankings [2026] (21–30)
night after nightKurahashi Yoeko21rank/position
Yoeko Kurahashi is known for a style that blends jazz with Japanese popular ballads.
Her song Yonayona Yona portrays her tossing and turning at night, lost in troubling thoughts.
The psychological state is depicted quite realistically, so anyone who’s had similar experiences will likely feel it’s speaking directly to them.
Her uniquely distinctive vocal delivery is also a highlight.
It’s unlike any other singing style, so please give it a listen yourself.
Although the song expresses despair and may initially feel unsettling, it gradually becomes addictive.
Love, my deepest apologies for troubling you when you are so busy.Harayuko22rank/position
Many songs themed around autumn were created in the Showa era, but among them, this track featuring Haru Yoko Hara of Southern All Stars has enjoyed immense popularity ever since its 1983 release.
Its lyrics—beloved across generations—and a sound that evokes Southern All Stars while sounding refreshingly clear thanks to Hara’s vocals are distinctive, conjuring an image of fun-filled days that continue even after summer ends.
Spend a long autumn night with this song, and you’ll savor an autumn with a unique twist.
Among the countless masterpieces of the Showa era, this song’s charm makes it truly special.
Women Who Fall in Love in SummerOhnuki Taeko23rank/position
Taeko Onuki’s “Women in Love in Summer” evokes the image of a summer night in the city.
Released in 1983 as her 10th single, it was used as the theme song for the TBS drama of the same name.
It’s also a signature track from her acclaimed album SIGNIFIE.
Arranged by Ryuichi Sakamoto, the song features a romantic sound crafted with extensive use of synthesizers.
The lyrics, which conjure images of romance between adult men and women living in the city, are also quite striking.
Equator Girl: Dokki!Yamashita Kumiko24rank/position
Kumiko Yamashita is known for songs that incorporate New Music and City Pop.
Her hit “Equator Girl Doki!” was released in 1982, with lyrics by Takashi Matsumoto and music by Haruomi Hosono.
It’s memorable for her delivering cute phrases over soft, airy synth tones.
The song portrays a youthful love that makes your heart flutter just by being near someone you like.
It conjures images of lovers swept up in a passionate romance under the blazing sun.
curseYamazaki Hako25rank/position
Since ancient times, people in Japan have feared “curses.” Some might even find the word itself unsettling.
A work themed around such curses is, fittingly, titled “Noroi” (“Curse”).
It’s a song released by Hako Yamasaki in 1976.
In the lyrics, a woman is depicted driving nails into a straw doll.
Pretty terrifying, right? But there’s also a theory that the person she’s trying to curse is actually herself.
Give it a careful listen and see what you think.
Orie’s SongYamazaki Hako26rank/position
Another song I recommend for savoring a profound drama is Orie no Uta.
It’s a piece Hiroyuki Itsuki wrote specifically, inspired by the film The Gate of Youth.
It’s sung by Hako Yamazaki.
The story is set in 1970s Fukuoka, and the lyrics are written in the local dialect.
Another notable feature is the frequent appearance of personal and place names.
Simply knowing the place names will surely deepen your understanding of the lyrics.
And if you’re interested, check out the original film—the characters with the same names as in the song appear in it.
The morning I had forgottenYamamoto Junko27rank/position
The July 1971 single by the folk group Akai Tori is like a mental landscape that gently reflects the youth of those days.
Skillfully blending the essences of folk and pop, Junko Yamamoto’s clear, translucent vocals and the beautiful harmonies soothe the listener’s heart.
Rofu Yamagami’s poetic lyrics quietly evoke memories of days gone by, while Kunihiko Murai’s melody tenderly accompanies them.
Included on the album Akai Tori II, this piece features a calm arrangement that conveys the freshness of a morning breeze.
It’s a recommended song for moments when you want to pause amid a busy life to reflect on yourself, or when you feel like immersing yourself in cherished memories.
I want to go back to that dayMatsutōya Yumi28rank/position
This song is one of the signature pieces by Yumi Arai—better known as Yuming—who was a trailblazer among singer-songwriters.
When people think of Showa-era autumn songs, many may recall this very melody.
It portrays a woman’s heartrending longing as she cannot forget a bygone love and wishes to return to her youthful days.
The scenes of piecing together torn photographs and leaving a tear-blurred address tucked in the door convey emotions bordering on obsession.
Released in October 1975, the song was chosen as the theme for the TBS drama “Family Secrets” and reached No.
1 on the Oricon weekly chart.
It’s a number you’ll want to listen to quietly on a melancholic autumn evening, reminiscing about the past.
Surf Paradise, Ski ParadiseMatsutōya Yumi29rank/position
Known by the nickname “Yuming,” singer-songwriter Yumi Matsutoya has released numerous hit songs, from her own original works to tracks she’s written for others.
Her song “Surf Tengoku, Ski Tengoku,” included on her 10th album SURF & SNOW, was used as the theme song for the film Take Me Out to the Snowland.
Its lyrics, which heighten the anticipation of winter’s snowy landscapes, set hearts dancing alongside an urban ensemble.
Despite never being released as a single, it has become a staple winter song and stands as a representative number of the 1980s.
My lover is Santa ClausMatsutōya Yumi30rank/position
When it comes to Christmas songs, this is the one! Many people probably think of it first.
Included on Yumi Matsutoya’s 10th original album released in 1980, this track has now become a winter classic.
It has been passed down through performances by popular artists such as Seiko Matsuda and Hitomi Shimatani, and new covers have continued to be released even into the 2020s.
As Christmas approaches, you’re sure to hear Yumi Matsutoya’s voice all around town.
Even as various artists release new Christmas songs every year, its popularity never fades—truly a legendary piece.
