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] (21–30)
Forbidden Rouge MagicImagawa Kiyoshiro + Sakamoto Ryuichi29rank/position
A collaboration song by Kiyoshiro Imawano and Ryuichi Sakamoto, released in 1982.
Although it was produced as Shiseido’s spring campaign song, it went beyond a simple commercial track to become a captivating work in its own right.
The lyrics, which stress the importance of living freely without worrying about others’ eyes, resonated deeply with the youth of the time.
In the promotional video, the striking image of the two racing through the city at night and scattering bundles of cash stands out.
During a TV performance, the scene where Imawano kisses Sakamoto became a major talking point and brought a fresh breeze to the music scene.
And then I’m at a lossŌsawa Yoshiyuki30rank/position
A signature work by Yoshiyuki Ohsawa, known as one of the iconic songs of the Showa era.
Its lyrics, which depict a heartrending farewell, and its deeply moving melody have resonated with many people and kept the song beloved for years.
Released in September 1984, it reached No.
6 on the Oricon charts and became a major hit with sales of 282,000 copies.
It is included on the album “CONFUSION,” and there is also a version with an arrangement slightly different from the single.
If you’re feeling the loneliness of parting or anxiety about the future, listening to this song may soothe your heart.
It’s also highly recommended for anyone who has experienced a goodbye with someone dear.
1980s Male Singer-Songwriters: Popular Songs Ranking [2026] (31–40)
Goodbye OceanSugiyama Kiyotaka31rank/position
This is one of Kiyotaka Sugiyama’s signature songs, depicting a bittersweet love at summer’s end.
A summer romance that ebbs away with the receding tide—and the sorrow of parting—is expressed through a beautiful melody and his clear, transparent vocals.
The refined sound, reflecting Sugiyama’s musical roots in The Beatles and American rock, remains vibrant and continues to captivate many listeners.
Play it on a late-summer drive, and it’s sure to resonate in your heart.
It’s also a perfect song for those who want to turn a sad love into a memory and take a step forward.
In the Name of LoveHamada Shogo32rank/position
There was a drama with the same title on the Nippon TV network, and this song was used as its theme.
Shogo Hamada has a long history, but this track seems to be from his relatively early period.
No matter when I listen to it, I’m moved by how good it is.
There are many great ballads, but this song could be called one of the definitive works among them.
Boy in the back alleyHamada Shogo33rank/position
This is singer-songwriter Shogo Hamada’s debut single, released in April 1976.
A key point is that, as one of Hamada’s signature songs, it exists in a variety of versions.
The song was created based on Hamada’s own experiences, directly expressing the life he led in Yokohama from ages 16 to 22 and what he felt while spending time with his friends there.
It intricately depicts the shifts in mindset that come with growing older, conveying the strength of a young person who, while feeling his own powerlessness, still strives to move forward.
dragonflyNagabuchi Tsuyoshi34rank/position
Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi’s song is currently popular on Instagram and YouTube Shorts.
Released in October 1988, it’s a folk-rock number distinguished by its acoustic guitar.
The lyrics, which portray the setbacks and struggles of people who moved to Tokyo, resonate deeply and have garnered widespread empathy.
It was also used as the theme song for a TBS TV drama and spent five consecutive weeks at No.
1 on the Oricon charts.
It’s frequently performed live and continues to be cherished as one of Nagabuchi’s signature songs.
This work is a song that gives courage, encouraging those striving to make it in the city or taking on new environments.
In the Middle of a DreamKisugi Takao35rank/position
A masterpiece that portrays a bittersweet love story of a man and a woman living in the city, themed around parting and reunion.
Released by Takao Kisugi in 1981, the song delicately captures the emotions that intersect amid the hustle and bustle of urban life.
With poetic lyrics by his sister, Etsuko Kisugi, and a nostalgic, urbane melody, the piece achieves a beautiful harmony that resonates deeply with the heart.
The work was released as a single in November 1981 and included on the album “Yume no Tochū,” which came out in December of the same year.
Later, Hiroko Yakushimaru sang it as the theme song for the film “Sailor Suit and Machine Gun,” leading it to become a major hit.
The album “Yume no Tochū” ranked high on the Oricon charts and achieved the impressive result of 11th in annual sales for 1982.
It is a song that gently accompanies those who have experienced a breakup with a lover or who struggle with love amid the clamor of the city.