Male Singer-Songwriters of the 2000s: Popular Song Ranking [2026]

LemonYonezu Kenshi91rank/position

Kenshi Yonezu – Lemon

A signature song by Kenshi Yonezu whose sentimental lyrics and wistful melody resonate deeply.

The words, which honor deep love for someone lost and the beautiful memories they left behind, truly strike a chord.

Released in 2018 and written as the theme for TBS’s Friday drama “Unnatural,” the track became a cultural phenomenon, with its music video surpassing one million views about 13 hours after release.

It’s a moving piece that offers comfort to those grieving the loss of someone dear.

Eine KleineYonezu Kenshi92rank/position

Kenshi Yonezu – Eine Kleine

A Heisei-era classic whose transparent acoustic guitar tone and sentimental melody strike straight to the heart.

It’s a signature early hit by Kenshi Yonezu, a singer-songwriter who leads the J-pop scene.

Included as the fourth track on the album YANKEE, released in April 2014, it also gained wide attention as a Tokyo Metro commercial song.

It delicately portrays complex emotions—a mix of the joy of meeting someone precious and the anxiety of a parting that may come someday—leaving your heart trembling with every listen.

Though it was never released as a single, it has remained beloved for years, with the music video garnering hundreds of millions of views.

It’s perfect for a solo acoustic performance as well; why not try singing it while laying bare your vulnerabilities yet striving to look ahead with earnest resolve?

Go Go Ghost ShipYonezu Kenshi93rank/position

Kenshi Yonezu MV 'Go-Go Ghost Ship'

It’s a song by Kenshi Yonezu, the hitmaker behind numerous popular tracks, that you’ll want to play during the Halloween season! It’s an early work from when he shifted from releasing music under the name “Hachi” to using his real name in earnest, and its pop yet slightly warped, experimental sound is incredibly addictive.

The lyrics liken the lonely feeling of not fitting into society to a “ghost,” creating a mysterious atmosphere.

The track is included on Diorama, a seminal album from his indie era released in May 2012.

For many listeners, this was the song that got them hitting repeat.

Its distinctive sense of speed and eerie mood are a perfect match for Halloween TikTok videos featuring costumes and makeup!

Gray and Blue (+Masaki Suda)Yonezu Kenshi94rank/position

Kenshi Yonezu – Gray and Blue (+Masaki Suda)

This work is striking for its lyrical melody and overlapping vocals.

The collaboration between Kenshi Yonezu and Masaki Suda drew a lot of attention.

Released in October 2017 as an advance track from the album “BOOTLEG,” it captured the hearts of many listeners.

Since both vocal parts sit in a low key with little melodic fluctuation, it’s easy to sing at karaoke.

Splitting the parts with a friend makes it even more fun.

The lyrics, which depict memories of school days and youth, carry a universal message that anyone can relate to.

It’s a heartwarming number that conveys feelings of treasuring friendship, growth, and something unchanging.

Eternal, unchanging loveOda Tetsurō95rank/position

Unchanging Love Forever (21st Century Ver.)

Many people probably still vividly remember it from the refreshing visuals of the Pocari Sweat commercial, don’t they? Sung by Tetsuro Oda himself—the legendary hitmaker who underpinned the Being boom—it became his first song to top the Oricon charts.

The glittering sound that follows the wistful saxophone captures the bittersweetness and exhilaration of summer to perfection.

While the lyrics may sound like a breezy love song, there’s an anecdote that they actually carry his feelings for his late brother.

Knowing that background makes the phrase “unchanging love” resonate even more deeply, turning it from a simple love song into something profoundly moving.