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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.

Male Singer-Songwriters of the 2000s: Popular Songs Ranking [2026] (71–80)

LOVE LETTERMakihara Noriyuki76rank/position

Do you know the hidden gem by Noriyuki Makihara that portrays a faint, letter-bound first love? Centered around an undelivered love letter, it delicately captures the emotions of a protagonist seeing off someone dear who is leaving for a distant job.

The imagery—twilight at the station and scenes along the tracks—feels so vivid it tightens the listener’s chest with a poignant ache.

The song was included on the album UNDERWEAR, released in October 1996, and was later used as the theme for NTT East’s corporate commercial “Mother,” featuring Yui Aragaki.

This piece rekindles the unspoken kindness we couldn’t put into words and the bittersweet memories of youth.

It’s a song to savor, especially for those who’ve experienced a springtime parting or who carry unspoken feelings in their hearts.

I won’t fall in love anymore.Makihara Noriyuki77rank/position

[Official] Noriyuki Makihara “I Won’t Fall in Love Again” (Music Video) [5th Single] (1992) Noriyuki Makihara / Mou Koi Nante Shinai
I won't fall in love anymore.Makihara Noriyuki

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 Noriyuki78rank/position

[Official] Noriyuki Makihara “Winter Begins” (Music Video) [4th Single] (1991) / Fuyu ga Hajimaru yo
Winter is starting.Makihara Noriyuki

“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.

Unrequited loveHamada Shogo79rank/position

Unrequited Love (ON THE ROAD “FILMS”)
Unrequited loveHamada Shogo

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.

Gang★Fukuyama Masaharu80rank/position

Masaharu Fukuyama – Gang★ (Full ver.)
Gang★Fukuyama Masaharu

This is the 17th single released in advance from the 8th album, “f.” Alongside “Peach!!” and “HEAVEN,” this song is said to form a trilogy centered on addiction.

It’s a track with a mood-rich melody and an atmosphere that feels as if the lyrics coil around you.