A collection of back number’s heartfelt masterpieces: popular love songs
Speaking of back number’s greatest appeal, it has to be their love songs, which blend edgy band sounds with classic pop while painting a unique worldview.
The songwriting of their frontman, Iyori Shimizu, resonates with many people.
There are surely countless listeners who have been saved by their music.
Since their formation, back number has been around for quite a while and has entered the realm of veterans, yet they’ve been gaining even more support in the Reiwa era.
In this article, we’re showcasing plenty of their hits and beloved tracks.
They have an abundance of wonderful songs, so whether you’ve only recently become a fan or have followed them for years, take this opportunity to revisit their music at your own pace!
[Heartwarming] A collection of back number’s masterpieces: Popular love songs (1–10)
Happy Endingback number
This is a track included on the 2016 album “Encore.” The strings and piano melodies accentuate the sorrow and wistfulness embedded in the song.
It beautifully captures the conflict of wanting to pour your heart out but being unable to do so.
Don’t you ever find it hard to be honest with yourself? When that happens, try remembering this song.
Ms. Hanako on a high pedestalback number
back number’s quintessential summer love anthem! He’s fallen for a girl who seems totally out of his league—a true beauty on a high pedestal.
With a straight, exhilarating, burning crush, he wonders if summer’s magic could somehow make the impossible happen.
It’s a cute, fun, high-energy song that spins with the daydreams of a boy nursing a one-sided love.
Blue amberback number
Set to a bittersweet and beautiful melody, this song depicts deep sorrow, loneliness, and the lingering memory of a love that won’t fade.
It was released digitally in April 2025.
Written as the theme song for the Kansai TV/Fuji TV drama “From the Day You Were Taken,” starring Keiko Kitagawa, the track was produced by Koichi Tsutaya.
The sense of loss from losing someone precious and the unplaceable emotions come through so sharply that it makes your chest tighten.
The words spun by vocalist Iyori Shimizu mirror the weighty inner conflicts of the drama’s protagonist, resonating deep within the listener’s heart.
Try listening to it carefully on a solitary night, when you’re carrying feelings you can’t tell anyone.
It will surely stay close to your tears and gently affirm them.
bouquetback number
A classic song that portrays a bittersweet love.
Released in June 2011 as the second single, it was also used as the ending theme for TBS’s “COUNT DOWN TV.” Shimizu Iyori’s warm vocals and lyrics that resonate deeply are especially compelling.
The piece depicts a protagonist who once lacked confidence growing through love.
Phrases like “no matter how many times” leave a strong impression, conveying the courage to start over and the power of love.
Additionally, a short film directed by Yasuyuki Yamaguchi was produced, featuring Aoi.
This is a highly recommended track for anyone experiencing the joys and anxieties of romance.
Christmas songback number
A winter song known as one of back number’s signature tracks, released in 2015.
It was also used as the theme song for Fuji TV’s Monday 9 p.m.
drama “5→9: From Five to Nine.” A love song that portrays a timid man’s heart, its delicate depictions resonate with listeners regardless of gender.
The arrangement by Takeshi Kobayashi evokes the poignancy, fragility, and beauty of snowy scenes, drawing you in deeply.
The song is included on the acclaimed album “Chandelier.” It’s a track that stays by your side as you feel the chill of winter and think of someone important.
To new loversback number
A song that stays close to hearts carrying loneliness and bittersweet feelings as the seasons shift from autumn to winter.
Released digitally in July 2024 as the theme song for Fuji TV’s Monday 9 p.m.
drama “Umi no Hajimari” (Where the Sea Begins), with a CD following in September.
It features the distinctly back number style of earnest emotional expression and a melody that’s bittersweet yet warm.
The lyrics carefully weave the protagonist’s inner world, conflicts, and hope for new relationships, resonating deeply.
It’s a heartwarming piece that supports those standing at the crossroads of love, family, and life.
phantom thiefback number
A love song marked by heartrending, soulful lyrics and a dramatic progression.
Released in May 2021, the track drew attention as the theme song for the Nippon TV drama “Koi wa Deep ni” (Deep Love).
It beautifully fuses Iyori Shimizu’s delicate lyrical world with back number’s signature melodies.
The lyrics express a powerful desire to rescue a loved one from a painful reality and lead them into a radiant world, moving the hearts of many listeners.
Elements that evoke the magic and adventure of romance are woven throughout, expanding a fantastical worldview.
Listening to this song might make you feel as if you’re flying through the night sky with someone special.
If I became your loverback number
A coupling track released in November 2016.
It’s included on the single “Happy End.” It perfectly matches the atmosphere that evokes the deepening of autumn and the arrival of winter.
The lyrics, imbued with the bittersweetness characteristic of back number, paint an imagined scenario of what it would be like to become lovers, making your heart flutter.
It’s striking how the song focuses on small everyday moments and conveys the importance of expressing affection.
Listening to this track seems to warm the hearts of those in love.
It’s a song you’ll want to play on a quiet night spent with someone special.
Heroineback number
When it comes to winter unrequited-love songs, this is the one.
No matter when, I always want it to be “with her.” While I let that wish drift through snowy scenery, I kind of want to know how she feels—yet kind of don’t.
That very frustration is exactly what makes this a quintessential back number classic.
By the way, I’ve heard the song was originally titled “Microwave.” To create such a masterpiece from “microwave”—Iyori Shimizu, the vocalist… how wonderful.
Velvet Poemback number
An ambitious new piece by back number, known for their bittersweet love songs, written as the theme song for the film Akira and Akira.
Released digitally in August 2022, this work beautifully marries Iyori Shimizu’s delicate lyrics with Seiji Kameda’s masterful arrangement.
It’s striking in the way it sings of the courage to face life’s hardships and the strength to stay true to oneself.
The melody, which resonates deeply, ties in with the film’s worldview.
Even while carrying setbacks and pain, it gently gives a push to those who keep looking forward.
It’s a song we especially want people who feel worn out by daily life or who are searching for their own path to hear.