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 Song Rankings [2026] (41–50)
WinterlandŌhashi Torio43rank/position
Ohashi Trio, who is active as a singer-songwriter and composer, brings a heartwarming winter song titled “Winterland.” It’s a track included on his 2009 album “I Got Rhythm?.” The song depicts a man thinking of the person he loves against a winter backdrop.
It overlays his feelings with the falling snow, singing of those feelings reaching someone far away.
With a light, jazz-like sound, it’s a tune that’s sure to lift your spirits.
Song of BeginningsOhashi Takuya44rank/position
Let us introduce a perfect springtime cheer-up song for starting a new chapter: a track released in February 2008 as the solo debut of Takuya Ohashi from Sukima Switch.
Its lyrics, brimming with hope for the future and encouraging you to move forward while valuing your true self, paired with warm acoustic sounds, strike a chord.
It’s truly a song that gently nudges you to take that new first step.
The track was used as the campaign song for major distance-learning company U-Can and reached No.
3 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.
The music video features actress Aoi Yoshikura, poignantly portraying a young person setting out on a new path.
It’s a must-listen for new employees and anyone facing changes such as entering a new school or switching careers.
Happy endingOhtaki Eiichi45rank/position
As the theme song for a Fuji TV Monday 9 p.m.
drama, this is a gem of a love song that Eiichi Ohtaki released for the first time in 12 years.
Its gentle, heartwarming melody and lyrics that carefully weave the feelings of a woman in love blend beautifully, leading to a massive hit of 970,000 copies sold since its release in November 1997.
Used in Love Generation, the song also marked Ohtaki’s first-ever Top 10 entry as a solo artist, showcasing his rich musicality to the fullest.
Portraying a sweet yet bittersweet love story, this track is highly recommended for those harboring feelings for someone special or wishing for a happy future with a loved one.
MarshmallowOkuda Tamio46rank/position
This is the 10th single by Tamio Okuda, the vocalist of Unicorn.
It was also used as a commercial song for Suntory’s Kakubin whisky.
It’s a track brimming with unwavering positivity in the face of anything.
The song is also unique in that it clearly states within the track that the title and the lyrics are unrelated.
Brave RaideenShimon Masato47rank/position
Set to a march-like midtempo that lifts the spirit, the song—paired with Masato Shimon’s expansive vocals—feels as if it portrays a radiant guardian of the skies soaring through the light.
Its friendly, accessible melody, beloved by children and adults alike, vividly depicts a righteous hero’s bravery, infused with a sense of duty to protect peace and a steadfast resolve to carry the hopes of the people.
Broadcast as the opening theme for a robot anime that began in April 1975, it earned high acclaim as a masterpiece that perfectly captured the show’s worldview.
In November 1980, a soundtrack album was released by Nippon Columbia, and it continues to captivate many fans.
It’s a track that, when played during your morning commute to work or school, makes you feel like the protagonist yourself and gives you the courage to face a brand-new day.
LovelyOzawa Kenji48rank/position
This is one of Kenji Ozawa’s signature songs from the album “LIFE,” released in August 1994, depicting the joy of love and the pleasures of everyday life.
Carried by a light, sprightly rhythm and a vibrant melody, it conveys the exhilaration of a protagonist falling in love.
Members of Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra also took part in the recording, with the brass adding a lively sense of motion.
After appearing on the album, it was released as a single in November of the same year and has been cherished by many listeners.
It’s a recommended track for anyone who wants to feel the spark of new love and the brilliance of life.
Tonight is Boogie BackOzawa Kenji feat. Suchadarapaa49rank/position
This work is known as a groundbreaking track that fuses hip-hop and J-pop.
It’s a classic born from the collaboration between Kenji Ozawa and Scha Dara Parr.
Released in March 1994 by Toshiba EMI, it was featured as the campaign CM song for Ikebukuro’s P’PARCO and used as the theme song for Fuji TV’s “Tamori no Super Vocabulary Heaven.” It’s a perfect pick when you want to light up the dance floor or have fun at a party with friends.
Immerse yourself in its funky, energetic world wrapped in dazzling lights and harmonies.