Top Male Singer-Songwriter Hits of the 1980s: Ranking [2026]
In the 1980s, a decade that saw musical diversity in genres like folk songs and pop, singer-songwriters emerged across various styles and left behind numerous classic hits.
Here, we present a ranking of popular songs by male singer-songwriters from the 1980s.
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1980s Male Singer-Songwriters: Popular Song Rankings [2026] (71–80)
JunkoNagabuchi Tsuyoshi78rank/position
Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi’s fifth single, “Junko.” It’s a track that was cut as a single from his 1979 album “Gyaku-ryu,” though the single itself was released in 1980.
It held the No.
1 spot on the weekly Oricon chart for eight consecutive weeks.
Although it wasn’t performed for a long time after his early live shows, it began appearing in his setlists again from 2004 onward.
For Nagabuchi’s fans, it’s a deeply nostalgic song.
Packed with his unique style—what you might call the quintessential “Nagabuchi-bushi”—it’s a track that even non-fans can enjoy.
Come to the snowy mountainsŌe Senri79rank/position
It’s a cheerful winter song about spending a fun time in the snowy mountains.
It’s included on the album “redmonkey yellowfish,” released in 1989.
The lyrics, which evoke warm foods and scenic views, along with the lively melody, make it perfect as Christmas background music! But in fact, it’s a love song about inviting someone you like.
If it’s with someone who can play such a joyful melody, even a bittersweet winter could be spent warmly, don’t you think?
White Winterfuki no tō80rank/position
This is a lyrical piece that poignantly sings of the transition from autumn to winter.
Carried by the gentle tones of an acoustic guitar, it overlays the sorrow of a bygone love and shifting emotions onto the changing of the seasons.
The transparent harmonies of Fukinotou weave a delicate world that resonates deeply in the heart.
Released as a debut single in September 1974, the song gradually gained popularity after being featured on Takuro Yoshida’s All Night Nippon, eventually reaching No.
14 on the Oricon charts.
As the duo’s signature song, it has since been covered by numerous artists.
It is a track that gently accompanies the resolve to quietly accept the end of a romance—one to listen to when you wish to heal the wounds of heartbreak or to put your feelings in order.
1980s Male Singer-Songwriters: Popular Songs Ranking [2026] (81–90)
I knew it—I love you.yashiki takajin81rank/position
Sung in the Kansai dialect, this song has a charm that resonates with listeners.
The lyrics, which vividly portray the complex emotions of a woman unable to move on from a broken heart, are striking, and Takajin Yashiki’s emotionally rich vocals enhance its appeal.
Released in September 1986, the track was also included on the album “For You ~Yappa Sukiyanen~,” and it became one of Yashiki Takajin’s signature songs.
Since May 2014, it has been used as the departure melody at Osaka Station on the Osaka Loop Line, making it a well-loved, community-rooted tune.
With its catchy phrases and melody, using it in an Instagram Story can create a heartwarming atmosphere tinged with nostalgia.
A hill where summer begins to showDaisuke82rank/position
This is a refreshing, fast-paced song by singer-songwriter Daisuke that feels wonderfully pleasant to listen to.
It combines the excitement of the start of summer with a fleeting sense of poignancy that appears in quiet moments.
The lyrics paint scenes of sloping streets, sunsets, and fireworks that spring vividly to mind, almost like your own memories.
Released in July 2013 as his seventh single, the track served as the opening theme for the anime Pokémon: Best Wishes! Season 2: Decolora Adventure and the movie Genesect and the Legend Awakened.
Even now, its heart-thumping melody line is unforgettable.
It’s a song you’ll want to play on a summer drive or on a night when you want to sink into a slightly sentimental mood.
Shot by a TIME showerKubota Toshinobu83rank/position
Toshinobu Kubota’s “Time Shower ni Utarete” is a track released in 1986 that, for its time, boldly incorporated many elements of soul and funk.
Its appeal lies in how its sound anticipated the R&B boom that would later spread, led by artists like Hikaru Utada.
The slightly laid-back vocal delivery also differed from conventional kayōkyoku, evoking the polished feel of Western R&B.
It’s remarkable that such a forward-thinking genre was emerging in the mainstream during that era!
Into the DreamInoue Yosui84rank/position
A classic Showa-era song is being given new life on Instagram.
This track by Yosui Inoue is known for its captivating lyrics that invite listeners to escape everyday life and enter a dreamlike world.
Released in March 1973, it ranked within the top 20 on the Oricon charts and sold around 200,000 copies.
It was also the theme song for the Toho film “After School,” capturing the hearts of many.
This song is recommended for those who can relate to the desire for escapism.
It will resonate with working adults facing stressful days and anyone seeking comfort.
Using it in Instagram Reels can create a nostalgic atmosphere.