Autumn Classics: Carefully Selected Exquisite Ballads to Listen to in September
September marks the shift from the dazzling heat of summer to the calm of autumn.
Although the lingering summer heat can still be intense, don’t you find yourself wanting to listen to more relaxed music as the days gradually cool down? Some of you might also be feeling a bit lonely now that the fun of summer has come to an end.
In this article, we’ll introduce plenty of ballad songs that perfectly capture the mood of autumn.
Many of them feature lyrics that evoke the season, making this a list that will let you fully savor the autumn vibe.
These are all wonderful songs that will stay close to your heart, so be sure to give them a listen!
[Autumn Classics] A curated selection of exquisite ballads perfect for September (1–10)
Gray and Blue (+Masaki Suda)Yonezu Kenshi
This is a song by Kenshi Yonezu that drew huge attention through a collaboration with Masaki Suda, who also radiates overwhelming presence as an actor.
The track is included on Yonezu’s fourth album, “BOOTLEG,” released in November 2017.
Looking back on the bygone days of youth, this slightly sentimental piece is perfect for long autumn nights when the clamor of summer has subsided.
It depicts a yearning for those radiant “blue” days and the struggle of living in a “gray” reality, with the poignant feeling of missing an old friend you can no longer see conveyed through their two voices.
It’s a heart-tugging song that, when you listen to it as you recall happier times and feel a bit lonely, seems to awaken emotions tucked away deep in your heart.
Maplesupittsu
From the intro, the beautiful, gentle piano performance seeps into the heart—this is one of the perfect ballads for autumn.
Spitz are truly incredible at these tender, soft songs.
While that soothing tone is part of the charm, the lyrics are actually themed around parting, as the memorable chorus suggests.
As we reach this time at the end of summer, when it’s easy to feel wistful and lonely, please give this masterpiece a listen—it will stay close to your heart.
crescent moonayaka
Set in autumn, the season of moon viewing, this song portrays the strong bond between a couple who can’t be together.
The lyrics are striking in how they depict two people living apart—due to reasons like advancing to a new school or a job transfer—each working hard while thinking of the other from their respective places.
Ayaka’s rich, beautiful voice further highlights the message of the lyrics.
As for the title, “Mikazuki” (Crescent Moon), in this song it’s portrayed as the presence that connects the two, making it a perfectly fitting, romantic ballad for the season.
OrangeSMAP
It’s one of those classic ballads you want to hear in autumn, with a poignant yet warm piano melody that brings twilight scenery vividly to mind and gently soaks into the heart.
SMAP has many great songs, but this is one that many people might single out as especially special.
It depicts a breakup scene with a lover, yet its appeal lies in the fact that it’s not merely sad.
Concluding the farewell by deliberately replacing parting words with words of gratitude conveys a deep affection for the days they spent together and makes your heart swell.
There’s also a well-known story that the lyrics were changed at Takuya Kimura’s suggestion during the August 2000 recording.
Although it was a B-side to the single “Lion Heart,” its popularity earned it a place on their best-of album—a true gem of a ballad.
GarnetOku Hanako
A soothing song by Hanako Oku, whose simple yet atmospheric lyrical sense and deeply expressive vocals have earned high praise and continued popularity.
With a voice that exudes refined gentleness and lifts your spirits, it’s been elevated into a moody track you’ll want to hear in September.
I long to see you now.MISIA
MISIA’s song “Aitakute Ima” is a ballad I especially recommend listening to in autumn.
Released in 2009 and used as the theme song for TBS’s Sunday drama “JIN,” it reached No.
9 on the Oricon Singles Chart.
It’s a classic ballad where you can really hear MISIA’s solid technique and soaring vocals.
In the music video, MISIA singing amid a floor covered entirely with autumn leaves is particularly striking.
It’s brimming with the charm of the season, so please give it a listen!
evening primroseNovelbright
Tsukimisou is the perfect song for the somewhat lonely feeling that comes with autumn.
It was released in 2020 by Novelbright, a rock band known for delivering songs themed around youth and romance.
The track features a warm sound that matches the calm scenery of fall.
Many listeners may relate to the lyrics about being unable to forget a former lover.
Take comfort in Yudai Takenaka’s vocals, which gently accompany the anxiety and loneliness of heartbreak.
Be sure to listen to this grand ballad that paints a scene of an autumn evening.
