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

That paper airplane splits the cloudy sky1922rank/position

That paper airplane splits the cloudy sky

This song has a fairly wide vocal range and includes high notes, so it’s not the kind of song you can necessarily sing just by lowering the key.

However, it’s extremely well-known, making it easy to choose no matter who you go to karaoke with.

Plus, its straightforward melody line should be easy to sing even for those who struggle with keeping rhythm.

The tempo is relaxed, so you can sing it calmly and with control.

If the pitch suits your voice, it’s a highly recommended track.

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Hane Keisuke

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someone important; a precious/cherished person1923rank/position

ONE PIECE MAD [Precious Person]

This song is packed with passionate friendship.

Its approachable lyrics and rhythm are part of its charm.

I think it would make a delightful gift as a token of friendship.

Endless road1924rank/position

19 (Juke) "Endless Road"

A classic song by the folk duo 19 that’s essential for the season of departures.

Released in April 2000 as their fourth single, it became widely known as the theme for Lotte’s “Fratte” commercial.

The song rides on a brisk, driving melody to express both the anxiety of stepping into an unknown world and the strong resolve to keep moving forward.

It’s the kind of track that naturally gives you courage when you listen to it while leaving your hometown for the big city.

WindAkeboshi25rank/position

Akeboshi – “Wind” (Studio Session)

They made their indie debut in 2002 with the mini-album “STONED TOWN.” A track from that release became the ending theme for the TV anime “NARUTO,” which drew significant attention.

They made their major-label debut in 2005.

The artist has created many songs that comfort and heal troubled hearts, and has worked on the music and theme songs for films such as “All Around Us” (released in 2009) and “Three Stories of Love” (released in 2015).

Highly recommended.

See you againSEAMO26rank/position

SEAMO 'Mata Aimashou'

Even if two people once loved each other, a relationship that’s been strained will never be the same again…

That tangled mix of feelings and missed connections between a man and a woman is what this song, “Mata Aimashou,” portrays.

It’s also the memorable track with which SEAMO, who had been smoldering in a slump at the time, rose again like a phoenix.

It’s not a song for couples to sing, but I think it’s perfect to sing with a close friend while reminiscing about the past.

HEART OF SWORD ~Before Dawn~T.M.Revolution27rank/position

T.M.Revolution – HEART OF SWORD ~Before Dawn~ | Official Music Video

This is a gem of a song, known as the ending theme of the anime Rurouni Kenshin, that powerfully sings of loneliness and hope.

Set in the stillness before dawn, its strong will to believe in one’s own path and move forward is expressed through a forceful melody.

Its striking, tempestuous sound and emotionally rich vocals resonate together, piercing deeply into the listener’s heart.

Released as T.M.Revolution’s third single in November 1996, it was used twice as an ending theme during the anime’s broadcast run.

It has been included on numerous acclaimed records, such as the albums “restoration LEVEL→3” and “B★E★S★T.” When you feel lost in life or are facing an important decision, listening to this song is sure to give you the courage to take a new step forward.

INVOKET.M.Revolution28rank/position

T.M.Revolution – INVOKE -Invoke- | Official Music Video (TV Anime “Mobile Suit Gundam SEED” Opening Theme Song)

Mobile Suit Gundam SEED is the first work in the Gundam series set outside the Universal Century to feature “Mobile Suit” in its title.

The opening theme of the first cour, “INVOKE,” ranked second on the Oricon chart.