Male Singer-Songwriters of the 2000s: Popular Song Ranking [2026]
Around this time of year, acoustic-style singer-songwriters start to draw attention again.
It may also have been around this period that the image of singer-songwriters as refreshing began to take hold.
Here’s a ranking of popular songs by male singer-songwriters from the 2000s.
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Male Singer-Songwriters of the 2000s: Popular Songs Ranking [2026] (71–80)
The End of SummerMoriyama Naotaro71rank/position
A track released as a single from the second album “Words Born After Crossing Many Rivers.” Pay attention to its content as well—Moriyama has confessed, “With time having passed, this song is now an anti-war song.” On the page, the lyrics recall a love that has ended: “Whenever I feel the wind that blows at summer’s end, I always remember you.” The arrangement by Taichi Nakamura—whom Moriyama trusts implicitly—brings out Moriyama’s vocals to the fullest and is superb.
A nostalgic song that’s perfect for the latter half of summer.
At all times.Makihara Noriyuki72rank/position
A highly recommended, easy-to-sing song by Noriyuki Makihara is “Donna Toki mo.” Its charm lies in a simple yet moving melody and, above all, uplifting lyrics that value staying true to yourself.
You might find the key a bit high, but by adjusting it, it becomes easy for anyone—regardless of gender—to sing.
That’s why, if you sing this at karaoke, others will surely start humming along!
I won’t fall in love anymore.Makihara Noriyuki73rank/position
A gem-like ballad that delicately portrays the pain of heartbreak and the hope of taking a new step forward.
Noriyuki Makihara’s gentle vocals tenderly envelop the protagonist’s complex feelings as they struggle to accept a breakup with their lover.
While carefully depicting the loneliness and confusion felt in everyday life, it also resonates with the positive resolve hidden behind the words “I won’t fall in love anymore.” Released in May 1992, the song was used as the theme for the drama “After the Children Are Asleep,” reaching No.
2 on the weekly Oricon chart and No.
7 for the year.
It’s a song that stands as emotional support, accompanying you through the healing process of a broken heart.
Winter is starting.Makihara Noriyuki74rank/position
“Fuyu ga Hajimaru yo” is a song that can liven up any scene.
It’s a classic beloved by a wide range of generations.
Released by Noriyuki Makihara in 1991, it was featured in Sapporo Beer’s “Fuyu Monogatari” commercial.
With its bright, poppy melody, it’s a great choice for karaoke without worrying too much about pitch.
Try singing out loud to the mid-tempo rhythm—people around you will find it easy to clap along, making it a real crowd-pleaser.
Far, far awayMakihara Noriyuki75rank/position
Noriyuki Makihara, celebrated as one of Japan’s genius melody-makers, continues to create numerous heartfelt masterpieces.
Among his works, the song featured on his 1992 album “Kimi wa Boku no Takaramono” is one that feels perfect for the season of departures and new beginnings.
Though not released as a single, many people may recognize it from appearances such as in NTT East Japan commercials—truly a hidden gem.
The lyrics, which reflect his own image of leaving home to chase his dreams, give courage to those just starting a new chapter in life and to everyone striving far from home.
With minimal leaps in pitch and a comfortable key, it’s easy to sing—making it a great choice for karaoke with friends you haven’t seen in a while, where you can share warm feelings along with nostalgic memories.
Unrequited loveHamada Shogo76rank/position
Unrequited Love is a very heartrending ballad that appears as the third track on Shogo Hamada’s album Illumination.
Those who once had unrequited feelings may have shed tears every time they listened to this song.
It’s a masterpiece that you can’t hear without tears.
King Gainer Over!Fukuyama Yoshiki77rank/position
Overman King Gainer is an anime series for which Yoshiyuki Tomino—known for the Gundam franchise—served as chief director.
With its bright tone and few character deaths, it’s a representative work of what’s known as “White Tomino.” The opening theme is sung by Yoshiki Fukuyama.