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 Songs Ranking [2026] (31–40)
ANGELHimuro Kyosuke36rank/position
This is Kyosuke Himuro’s solo debut song, released in July 1988.
While rooted in rock, it’s characterized by its distinctive melodic lines and emotionally rich lyrics.
Set against the backdrop of a city nightscape, it portrays a romantic yet melancholic scene, with themes of lost love and longing for the past.
Also included on the album “FLOWERS for ALGERNON,” the song has become a staple in many of Himuro’s live performances.
It symbolizes the wavering emotions between dreams and reality, resonating with many listeners.
It’s especially recommended for night drives or after experiencing a farewell with someone important.
No End SummerKadamatsu Toshiki37rank/position
No End Summer, sung by Toshiki Kadomatsu, is captivating with its chord progression that feels quintessentially Showa-era kayokyoku.
Compared to conventional kayokyoku, this track is arranged with a dance-music sensibility, elevating it to a more urban atmosphere.
In particular, after a major break in the C section, an aching melody with English lyrics comes in, instantly tugging at your heartstrings.
The use of brass instruments like the saxophone is also highly effective, resulting in a beautiful arrangement that would fit right into contemporary music.
Morning of the PegasusIgarashi Hiroaki38rank/position
Hiroaki Igarashi, who skillfully commands high tones and falsetto to move listeners’ hearts.
This work is his third single, released by CBS/Sony in November 1980.
It was also featured as the commercial song for Meiji Seika’s “Meiji Chocolate,” reaching No.
3 on the Oricon charts the following year.
Celebrated as a New Music classic, it continues to be loved by many.
The lyrics delicately portray the brilliance and bittersweetness of youth, praising the beauty of platonic relationships and friendship, and evoking the profound depth of human connections beyond romance.
This song, which sings of the joy of welcoming a new morning, is the perfect number for moments when you want to look ahead and move forward, or when you want to feel the bond with someone dear.
Strawberry Statement Once Againbanban39rank/position
Banban’s songs, which reflect the feelings of young people and the spirit of the times, have continued to be loved by many.
This single, released in 1975, became a massive hit, even reaching No.
1 on the Oricon charts.
Characterized by a simple yet heartwarming arrangement centered on acoustic guitar, it has a gentle tone that deeply resonates with listeners.
Written and composed by Yumi Matsutoya, the lyrics depict the love and youth of young people against the backdrop of the student movements, striking a chord across generations.
It’s an unfading Showa-era classic, perfect for a relaxed, intimate guitar-and-vocal performance.
Sad Colors, huh? ~ OSAKA BAY BLUESUeda Masaki40rank/position
A classic ballad that lets you fully savor the charm of old-school songcraft, “Kanashii Iro Yane.” It’s a 1982 single by soul singer Masaki Ueda—who also delivered many beloved tunes with the band emblematic of the Kansai blues scene, Ueda Masaki & South To South.
The lyrics were written by the legendary Chinfa Kan, who colored countless masterpieces from the Showa to Heisei eras.
The composition is by Tetsuji Hayashi, a melody maker known for crafting breezy songs now often grouped under city pop.
Masaki Ueda’s husky, overwhelmingly emotive vocals are incredibly cool, and the lyrical expressions resonate with a deep, heartrending poignancy.
It truly brings tears to your eyes…
A masterpiece whose quietly evocative expressions heighten the sense of melancholy, gently nestling close to a broken heart, while setting many memories in motion and even conveying a certain strength.
80s Male Singer-Songwriters: Popular Songs Ranking [2026] (41–50)
Riverside HotelInoue Yosui41rank/position
This song, released as a single in 1982, only reached 54 on the charts and fell short of being a hit.
Later, it was chosen as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “New York Love Story” and was re-released in 1988, becoming a major success.
Its bewitching, jazzy sound and lyrics that create a strange, almost wordplay-like world give it an addictive charm.
An adult, luxurious love song.
Monroe WalkMinami Yoshitaka42rank/position
This single was released in 1979, but a cover version by Hiromi Go in 1980—retitled “Sexy You”—became an even bigger hit.
It carries a subtly seductive mood with a touch of the original song’s Latin flavor.
With lyrics by Etsuko Kisugi, it’s a mature love song about a summer romance, portraying the allure and confusion of being drawn to someone suggestive yet just out of reach.
It might resonate with the feelings of falling for an older woman.
Yoshitaka Minami’s sexy vocals are really cool.