Female Singer-Songwriters of the ’60s: Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

Departing AutumnMatsutōya Yumi31rank/position

Departing Autumn

Above all, it’s astonishing to think this song was written when she was just around twenty.

It’s an early work by Yumi Matsutoya, back when she performed as Yumi Arai, and it’s included on the classic album “MISSLIM,” released in October 1974.

The scene of autumn slipping through the trees and disappearing into the night seems to delicately depict farewells to cherished people and places, as well as the start of a new chapter.

You can picture the protagonist setting off with quiet resolve, even while steeped in sentimentality.

Set against the sophisticated sound crafted by Caramel Mama and others, this hidden gem evokes a gentle, lingering emotion through Yuming’s poetic world and expressive power.

It’s a perfect song for an autumn night when you find yourself at a crossroads in life, lost in thought.

The last spring breakMatsutōya Yumi32rank/position

Saigo No Haruyasumi

This song, included on the 1979 album OLIVE, delicately portrays the bittersweet feelings of a girl on the verge of a season of farewells.

The sorrow of knowing that it will no longer be easy to meet after graduation unfolds at a gentle tempo, carried by Matsutoya’s characteristically tender melody.

A timeless spring classic from the Showa era, it resonates with listeners of every generation.

Why not listen to it slowly, drawing it close to your heart as you bask in the spring sunlight?

Message of RougeMatsutoya Yumi33rank/position

Rouge's Message – Yumi Arai (Yumi Matsutoya) (Full)

This is a song distinguished by its lively rhythm and refreshing melody.

The story of a woman who discovers her boyfriend’s infidelity, leaves a message written in lipstick on the bathroom mirror, and boards a train to visit his mother is bold and humorous, making it especially appealing.

While it carries a cautionary message about cheating, it also presents a positive, strong female figure—one of Yumi Matsutoya’s masterpieces.

Released in February 1975 and included on the album COBALT HOUR, the track features chorus contributions from Tatsuro Yamashita and others, resulting in a vibrant sound.

In 1989, it was chosen as the opening theme for the film Kiki’s Delivery Service, and it has continued to be loved across generations.

With its bright and cheerful tone expressing powerful feelings toward a lover, this song gently encourages women struggling with romance and is highly recommended to many listeners.

Across this wide fieldMoriyama Ryoko34rank/position

This Wide, Open Field – Ryoko Moriyama

This piece opens with a calm resonance that evokes the vastness of grasslands.

Ryoko Moriyama’s warm vocals gently accompany the listener’s heart.

Released in January 1967 as Moriyama’s debut single, it is also included on the folk album “Kono Hiroi Nohara Ippai / Ryoko Moriyama Folk Album No.

1.” The lyrics, filled with praise for nature and pure affection, are suffused with the gentle warmth of a picture book.

Broadcast on NHK’s “Minna no Uta” and included in elementary school music textbooks, the song has been loved across generations.

It’s recommended for times when your heart feels tired or when you want to dwell on thoughts of someone dear.

Fly-day ChinatownYasuha35rank/position

Fly-day Chinatown / Yasuha Official Lyric Video

“Furaidi Chinatown” has been going viral on TikTok too, hasn’t it? It’s a track by singer-songwriter Yasuha, included on her 1981 album Yokohama Gensō (Yokohama Fantasy), which features songs themed around Yokohama.

The exotic, foreign-flavored lyrics and the alluring, sultry sound have earned widespread support.

I hope you’ll savor its mysterious atmosphere.

By the way, the “Furaidi” in the title isn’t “Friday,” but a coined word derived from “to fly.”

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

yamamoto

Report a problem