1970s Female Singer-Songwriters: Popular Songs Ranking [2026]
We’ll be ranking popular songs and hidden gems by female singer-songwriters from the ’70s.
Breakthrough hits by legendary SSWs who are still going strong today will also make an appearance.
It’s a playlist that even younger listeners will find thoroughly satisfying.
- A collection of nostalgic hit songs and classics from the 70s
- A roundup of debut songs by Japanese female artists from the 1970s
- Female Singer-Songwriters of the ’60s: Popular Songs Ranking [2026]
- Top 1980s Female Singer-Songwriters: Popular Songs Ranking [2026]
- [Showa Kayō] A roundup of Japanese love songs that hit in the 1970s
- [70s Western Music] Timeless Masterpieces and Popular Songs by Female Singers
- Classic and hit songs by nostalgic Japanese idols from the 1970s
- Recommended love songs for women in their 70s: A collection of nostalgic love songs
- Heart-touching, tear-jerking masterpieces from the Showa era
- Popular Oldies and Classic Songs Ranking: 1970s Japanese Music
- [Japanese Music] A Collection of Heart-Touching Hit Folk Songs from the 1970s
- Classic and hit Japanese pop songs from the nostalgic 80s
- Commercial songs from the 70s. Nostalgic TV commercial jingles.
Top Female Singer-Songwriters of the 1970s: Popular Songs Ranking [2026] (41–50)
Love, my deepest apologies for troubling you when you are so busy.Harayuko41rank/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.
The night of my birthdayHarayuko42rank/position
A single by Yuko Hara, released in March 1982 as her third solo work.
Also known as the keyboardist for Southern All Stars, she delivers a delicate vocal performance that leaves a strong impression.
Centered on the theme of a special night with a loved one, the song paints a scene of yearning while waiting for that person.
The image of the two sharing past memories conveys a warm affection.
Written and composed by Hara herself, the track fully showcases her musical sensibilities.
A nostalgic masterpiece recommended for anyone who wants to cherish time with someone special.
Women Who Fall in Love in SummerOhnuki Taeko43rank/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.
city; urban areaOhnuki Taeko44rank/position
This work captivates with its delicate vocals and sophisticated sound.
It portrays the loneliness and clamor of urban life, resonating deeply with listeners.
Released in July 1977 on the classic album SUNSHOWER, it is known as one of Taeko Onuki’s signature songs.
The track shines with Ryuichi Sakamoto’s meticulous arrangement, characterized by forward-thinking musicality that incorporates elements of jazz and fusion.
Recommended for those who want to express a metropolitan atmosphere and complex emotions.
Using this song in an Instagram Reel creates a nostalgic, stylish post, making it a popular choice.
MeditationOzaki Ami45rank/position
This is Ami Ozaki’s debut single, released with the expectation that she would be “the second Yuming.” Arranged by Masataka Matsutoya, the track boasts an urban, sophisticated sound that hardly seems like a debut work from 1976.
The serene piano tones and Ami Ozaki’s translucent vocals are a perfect match.
I can understand that feeling of seeking connection with others, yet at times choosing solitude.
Surrendering yourself to this dreamlike sonic world makes it easy to forget the everyday bustle and slip into your own private ‘meditation.’
Happy Birthday…to meYamashita Kumiko46rank/position
This work was born as a birthday song to oneself.
It’s a track packed with Kumiko Yamashita’s charm, marked by a pop, glamorous vibe that really stands out.
The lyrics, which portray the loneliness and wistfulness of a birthday party, will likely resonate with many.
Tomoyasu Hotei’s refined arrangement is another highlight.
It’s a song that makes you want to cherish yourself on a special day.
A high-energy rock number that we’d love for anyone celebrating a birthday to hear.
curseYamazaki Hako47rank/position
This work by Hako Yamasaki sings of a figure hammering nails into a straw doll.
Included on her 1979 album “Ningen Magai” (Human-like), its dark lyrics sparked significant discussion.
Yamasaki’s distinctive voice and the sound of the folk guitar further enhance the song’s world.
If you listen to it alone on Halloween night, you might immerse yourself even more deeply in its atmosphere.
Why not lend an ear to the unyielding grudge and the voice of sorrow lurking in the heart?
Orie’s SongYamazaki Hako48rank/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 Junko49rank/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.
Don’t give up on your dreamsOkamura Takako50rank/position
Known for its heartwarming lyrics and melody, Takako Okamura’s signature song gives a gentle push to those embarking on a new chapter, such as entering school.
Though originally written as a breakup song, its universal message resonates in many situations.
Released in 1987, the track was used as the ending theme for Fuji TV’s information program “Time 3” and as a commercial song for Musashi Prep School, earning broad support across generations.
Singing of passion for dreams and the courage to overcome hardships, this piece is perfect for anyone starting a new life.
As you step onto a new stage in life, why not listen to this song and draw strength from it?