What songs come to mind when you hear the word “cover”? Popular hits, timeless classics that are often sung, standout tracks by artists who focus on covers… Through changing times, countless masterpieces have been passed down in song.
In this article, we’ve carefully selected profoundly moving cover songs performed by male artists.
You might discover something fresh even in your usual favorites.
Each one is a wonderful cover—be sure to give them a listen.
- Easy to sing: Cool songs by female artists that sound great when sung by men
- Recommended! Love songs by male artists — popular romantic songs
- A male singer with exceptional vocal skills: a powerhouse performer who captivates with volume, technique, and expressiveness.
- Iconic and popular songs sung by female artists: great cover versions
- Masterpieces by male artists known for their captivating high notes. Recommended popular songs.
- [Touching the Heart] A Collection of Recommended Ballads for Men
- Showa-era kayōkyoku: hit songs by male singers, classic masterpieces of Japanese popular music.
- Male singers with great voices: a collection of cool, seductive vocals
- Recommended love songs sung by male artists for the yutori generation
- Tear-jerking masterpieces sung by male artists that I’d recommend to Gen Z
- A collection of cool songs that sound great when sung by women, originally male songs
- Iconic songs men will want to sing! Karaoke tracks recommended for Gen Z
- [Tears Guaranteed] Heartwarming songs I especially want men to hear
Top 10 iconic and popular songs masterfully covered by male artists (1–10)
sparklingMakihara Noriyuki
Released in 2002 and beloved as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Koi no Chikara,” this classic by Kazumasa Oda is covered by Noriyuki Makihara, known for his warm, gentle vocals.
The lyrics, which sing of emotional tremors and the sparkle of moments, quietly speak of hope and the power of love amid life’s uncertainties.
Makihara’s delicate, tender voice wraps the original song’s kindness in a fresh interpretation, evoking even deeper emotion.
It’s a song that gently nudges forward those embarking on a new beginning or finding themselves lost along the way.
MelodyKawasaki Takaya
This is a warm, gentle song that quietly gives you a push when you’re at a crossroads in life or feeling uncertain.
Taka ya Kawasaki’s delicate cover of Koji Tamaki’s classic was released in July 2022 and is also included on the cover EP album “Shiro” (White).
For Kawasaki, it’s a memorable piece—one of the first songs he was able to perform solo with just voice and guitar after moving to Tokyo—and that special feeling is woven into his singing.
It’s a work filled with kindness that stays close to you when you’re lost or want to reaffirm your feelings for someone important.
Midsummer FruitEXILE
This is EXILE’s cover, a modern arrangement of a classic by Southern All Stars.
The harmonies of ATSUSHI and TAKAHIRO revive the original’s late-summer wistfulness and yearning for love with a fresh allure.
While honoring the emotion of the original—also beloved as the theme song for the film Inamura Jane—this version reconstructs it with EXILE’s signature dynamism, giving voice to nostalgia for seasons past and the ache of a lost love.
It’s a song that resonates deeply when you want to linger in summer memories or when you’ve said goodbye to someone dear.
The decisive battle is on Friday.Miura Daichi
This is a celebrated cover by Daichi Miura, who elevates one of DREAMS COME TRUE’s signature numbers with his own unique interpretation.
It was included on the cover album “The best covers of DREAMS COME TRUE DORIUTA Vol.1.” Set on a Friday night, its down-to-earth message—let’s shake off the week’s fatigue and have fun—blends beautifully with the essence of contemporary dance music.
While preserving the original’s funky groove, the refined arrangement brings out new appeal.
During his 2017 national tour, audiences were captivated by performances that fused his exceptional dance skills and vocal prowess at a remarkably high level.
I LOVE YOUKobukuro
A classic by Yutaka Ozaki that sings of love in the most straightforward way is covered with Kobukuro’s signature warmth.
Kentaro Kobuchi’s delicate guitar work and Shunsuke Kuroda’s powerful vocals weave a harmony that carefully expresses feelings for a loved one—truly breathtaking.
Thanks to its universal theme, it’s often performed live and cherished as a song that creates a strong sense of unity with the audience.
It’s a superb cover I’d recommend to anyone with someone special—not just couples.
applauseMiyamoto Hiroji
This is a cover song that Hiroji Miyamoto reinvented with his own interpretation, originally a classic that Naomi Chiaki sang to great success in 1972.
It’s included on his November 2020 cover album “ROMANCE,” which conveys deep respect for beloved songs from the Showa and Heisei eras.
While the original captured the bittersweet emotions of a woman leaving the stage, Miyamoto’s powerful yet delicate vocals express that pathos with a contemporary sensibility.
It’s a track that will resonate with those at a turning point in life or facing a situation where they must give something up.
White LoversShimizu Shota
Shota Shimizu covers Keisuke Kuwata’s classic, a bittersweet love song set against a winter snow scene, with his own unique interpretation.
While honoring the emotion of the original, he blends his soulful vocals with R&B elements to create a more polished, contemporary sound.
MANABOON’s arrangement is also outstanding, vividly evoking the stillness of winter and the imagery of snow.
It’s a perfect song for anyone who wants to feel the preciousness of time spent with a loved one in the cold season, and the warmth of a love that stays connected even when you’re apart.