RAG Musicartist
Lovely artist

Songs by male artists known for their captivating deep voices. Classic Japanese hits and recommended popular tracks.

These days, male vocalists with high tones are especially popular, and it feels like we hear fewer songs sung with deep, rugged low voices.

Still, that resonant low register that echoes to the core is something many men aspire to, and I suspect plenty of women also find themselves saying, “I get chills from a smoky, masculine singing voice!”

When a male artist known for his striking low notes sings from a woman’s perspective, it can actually highlight feminine allure and sound even more captivating.

This time, we’ve gathered classic tracks by male artists whose irresistibly rich low vocals steal the show.

Go ahead and lose yourself in these stylish, moody low voices.

Songs by male artists with captivating deep voices. Classic Japanese hits and recommended popular tracks (71–80)

Lost ManBUMP OF CHICKEN

This was BUMP OF CHICKEN’s fifth single, released in March 2003.

In this article, I’m introducing Motoo Fujiwara, the band’s vocalist, as a “male singer whose charm lies in his low tones,” but it’s not that his natural speaking voice is particularly low—rather, he’s a singer with a very wide range from the low to the high register.

Although his timbre tends to have lots of higher overtones, he still delivers melodies with very low notes—especially in the A section of this song—beautifully.

Achieving such depth in the low register with this kind of tone quality is quite remarkable.

In a sense, it’s a track that gives you a strangely captivating listening experience.

saturationKobayashi Taro

"Saturation" PV | Taro Kobayashi - Official -
saturationKobayashi Taro

This is a song by singer-songwriter Taro Kobayashi, released in 2012.

Kobayashi’s vocals aren’t the so-called sweet, low-toned voice; instead, they’re a bit distorted—gritty and weighty—with a very powerful low end.

You could say it’s the kind of voice often heard in singers from alternative bands, but rather than just belting with brute force, he really sings with control at key moments in the track, which shows the depth and versatility of his vocal style.

Let’s dance at homeHoshino Gen

Gen Hoshino – Let’s Dance at Home (Potluck Mix)
Let's dance at homeHoshino Gen

This is a song that Gen Hoshino announced on his Instagram account in April 2020, which became a big topic of conversation.

The track is very short, and it’s a very simple piece in which nearly the same phrase is repeated, but Hoshino’s unadorned, rawly mixed low-register vocals are used to striking effect.

As mentioned, it’s a bit of an unusual work in that it isn’t an official release, but it might not be a bad idea to enjoy something like this once in a while.

GraduationKobukuro

Kobukuro "Graduation (Special Version) [with SANA]"
GraduationKobukuro

Kobukuro’s 31st single, released in March 2020.

Kuroda’s vocals here contain plenty of high-order overtones, so while they may not be the rugged “deep voice” you might imagine from that term, his low register in this song has remarkable depth and persuasiveness.

At the same time, he doesn’t seem to struggle with high notes; the contrast with the sections sung in a clear, soaring high range makes the track even more captivating.

It’s a song where you can savor a vocal performance that beautifully expresses both the bittersweet feeling of parting with classmates and one’s alma mater, and the hope for the future conveyed by the title ‘Sotsugyo’ (Graduation).

peanut butterAratani Shota

Shota Araya – Peanut Butter (Official Music Video)
peanut butterAratani Shota

Shota Araya is a singer-songwriter whose originality-rich musical style—mixing Black music with contemporary J-POP—has earned him widespread popularity.

While he drew attention as the former vocalist of a popular band, his activities have prioritized music over popularity, and he has produced several notable songs.

Among his tracks, the one I especially recommend for men with lower voices is Peanut Butter.

Although it has an R&B vibe, the vocal line is fairly steady and understated, and the song is arranged throughout in the low to low-mid range.

Lights Off (feat. Natori)TAKU INOUE

TAKU INOUE “Lights Off (feat. natori)” Music Video
Lights Off (feat. Natori)TAKU INOUE

Lights Off (feat.

natori) is a collaboration between music producer TAKU INOUE, known for his sophisticated compositions, and singer-songwriter natori, who enjoys overwhelming support from young listeners.

Speaking of natori, his distinctive low voice with a hint of youthfulness leaves a strong impression.

That vocal quality is fully utilized in this track as well, with most of the song built around the mid-to-low register.

There are occasional higher phrases that appear as accents, sharpening the contrast with the lower tones and further enhancing the appeal of a low male voice.

Star SongKobukuro

Kobukuro “Star Song”
Star SongKobukuro

A track included on Kobukuro’s 10th studio album, Star Made, released on August 4, 2021.

It was released digitally in advance on July 14, 2021.

True to its title, the vocals carry a “gentleness” and “depth” that seep into the quiet summer night sky—qualities that shine in this song as well.

Kuroda’s warm, deep voice intertwines beautifully with Kobuchi’s slightly higher-toned chorus parts.

Those with vocal training will understand how difficult it is to sing a gentle low register well.

In that context, Kuroda’s low-register lead vocals—and the expressive power he achieves using those lows—are truly noteworthy.