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!
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[Autumn Classics] Carefully Selected Gem-Like Ballads to Hear in September (41–50)
Moonlight FlowerJanne Da Arc
It’s one of rock band Janne Da Arc’s signature songs, and since it was also the theme for the anime Black Jack, many people who don’t usually listen to their music might still know it.
Songs by visual kei bands can sometimes feel hard to approach for those who aren’t familiar with the genre, but that’s not the case here at all—this is a beautifully crafted ballad in every respect, from its melody line and overall tone to the vivid imagery in its lyrics.
The poignant words invoking the moon and flowers—symbols of autumn—perfectly resonate with the sentimental feelings of the season.
rememberUru
It’s included on the self-titled album released in 2018.
It was used as the theme song for the animated film Natsume’s Book of Friends the Movie: Tied to the Temporal World.
The gentle vocals are delicate and very captivating.
I think it also fits the film’s worldview very well.
It’s a song I’d like you to listen to when you want to calm your mind.
Look Up at the Night Stars ~Our Song~yuzu
This is a single by Yuzu, an arrangement of Kyu Sakamoto’s classic.
With its rhythmic sound and the duo’s soaring vocals, it preserves the charm of the original while achieving a distinctly Yuzu feel.
Why not listen closely under the autumn night sky, imagining a beautiful scene where the stars spread out above you?
Madder-colored skyRemioromen
This is “Akanezora” by Remioromen, the band that suddenly and sadly went on hiatus in 2012.
It’s included on their 2008 album Kaze no Chromatography.
The lyrics, with their unique worldview, are beautiful—emotional and memorable.
Ryota Fujimaki’s vocals are also outstanding! It’s a song that wonderfully captures that blend of excitement and restlessness that comes with early spring.
Headlights / TaillightsNakajima Miyuki
It was released as a double A-side single together with Miyuki Nakajima’s ballad “Chijō no Hoshi” (“Earthly Stars”).
It’s a grand ballad that makes you think deeply about life, much like one of her signature songs, “Jidai.” It’s a recommended track for times when you want to be alone and calm down, or when you want to reflect on the future.
Goodbye ElegySuda Masaki
This is Masaki Suda’s third single, “Sayonara Elegy.” He’s an actor who’s incredibly busy with films, dramas, and his singing career, and he’s widely supported across generations for his unique worldview.
This song was specially written for him by his beloved singer-songwriter Hyui Ishizaki.
It beautifully captures Ishizaki’s signature rugged charm.
It’s so cool—you’ll want to keep listening forever!
Adolescence (with an autumnal/reflective nuance)Iwasaki Hiromi
A masterpiece by Hiromi Iwasaki that beautifully captures the changing seasons and the fleeting nature of youth.
Told from the perspective of an 18-year-old, this coming-of-age story gently embraces the delicate emotions of youth and the anxieties of growing up.
With her clear, pure voice and refined vocal technique, she conveys both the bittersweetness of autumn and the stirrings of love with remarkable poise.
Released in September 1977, it reached No.
6 on the Oricon charts and ranked No.
38 on the year-end list.
It also won the Vocal Performance Award at the 19th Japan Record Awards, winning the hearts of many.
Loved across generations, the song continues to be covered by numerous artists, including Akina Nakamori and Naotaro Moriyama.
It’s a track best enjoyed in a calm state of mind, as you savor your cherished memories.