A masterpiece coupling track. Recommended popular songs.
There are countless hidden gems among single coupling tracks and the B-sides of EP records.
Some of them even became more popular than the title track and were later released as singles, and many are still loved to this day.
Here, we’ve gathered a generous selection of popular and underrated coupling songs to introduce them in depth.
You might be surprised how many big hits actually started out as coupling songs.
Be sure to listen to these masterpieces—some hidden, some not so hidden.
And don’t forget to share them with the people around you!
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Masterpieces of coupling tracks. Recommended popular songs (11–20)
A Poem to Giveyuzu
It was released in 1998 as the coupling track to Yuzu’s major-label debut single, “Natsuiro.” The lyrics and music were written by Yujin Kitagawa, and it is said to be a song he wrote for fans who celebrated his birthday during their street-performing days.
Among their coupling tracks, it is the only one included on their best-of album.
signpostFukuyama Masaharu
It was released in 2009 as the coupling track to Masaharu Fukuyama’s 24th single, “Keshin.” The song was used as the ending theme for NTV’s “NEWS ZERO” and was created around the theme of “life.” It is said that the “that hand” and “you” that appear in the lyrics were written with Fukuyama’s grandmother in mind.
He performed this song at the 61st NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
SWEET MEMORIESMatsuda Seiko
It was released in 1983 as the coupling track to Seiko Matsuda’s 14th single, “Glass Apple.” After being featured in a Suntory canned beer commercial, it drew a huge response and was reissued as a double A-side single with new cover art.
Sixteen years after its release, the song was performed at the 50th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen in 1999.
It’s a song that has been widely covered by many artists, regardless of gender.
birthdayback number
When it comes to back number’s birthday songs, most people think of “HAPPY BIRTHDAY,” but this track, “Birthday,” is a different song.
It’s the B-side of their eighth single, “Takane no Hanako-san,” released in 2013.
Among fans, it’s a highly popular number considered a masterpiece.
Like “HAPPY BIRTHDAY,” it initially seems like a birthday song, but it actually isn’t; its lyrics feel like they celebrate discovering a new self, striking a deep chord in the heart.
modelMr.Children
It’s a song by Mr.Children that features a relaxed, laid-back rhythm with touches of R&B and soul.
It was included as the B-side to “Everything (It’s you).” The lyrics depict the glamorous profession of a model admired by those around her, along with the pain required to sustain that image.
It portrays the struggle with the disconnect from society that comes with living as a model, as well as the determination to aim to be the best in the world, even when left completely alone.
The Future Projection IIDREAMS COME TRUE
This is the B-side to “Egao no Yukue,” which was also the theme song for Yuji Oda’s drama ‘Sotsugyo,’ but the song “Mirai Yosouzu” is actually the more famous of the two, isn’t it? The well-known phrase “a sign of ‘I love you’” is something everyone has heard at least once.
It’s a heartwarming love song that makes you feel gentle and warm, and it’s also very popular as a karaoke and wedding song.
Classic coupling songs. Recommended popular tracks (21–30)
Time Will TellUtada Hikaru
It’s a track that was released as a double A-side with “Automatic,” Hikaru Utada’s debut and one of her signature songs.
The piano’s timbre is woven into an R&B rhythm that resonates through the body, and the sound conveys a somewhat bright, open atmosphere.
The title “Time Will Tell” carries the meaning that time will resolve things, embedding a message to proceed slowly without rushing.
From its relaxed sound and vocals comes a positive vibe, offering an encouraging reminder that it’s important to take it easy and live at your own pace.