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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80s Male Singer-Songwriters: Popular Songs Ranking [2026] (41–50)
EscapeInagaki Junichi50rank/position
The fourth single, released in 1983.
It was featured in a Yokohama Rubber TV commercial.
The vocalist’s style of singing while playing the drums—rare among Japanese artists—became a hot topic.
It’s a hidden gem by a master of Japanese city pop and Japanese AOR.
With its mature worldview and fast, thrilling melody, it’s a cool summer track.
1980s Male Singer-Songwriters: Popular Songs Ranking [2026] (51–60)
Dance If You Want ItKubota Toshinobu51rank/position
Released in 1988, this song encapsulates the appeal of Toshinobu Kubota.
Combining an energetic rhythm with a profound message, it calls for the liberation of mind and body through dance.
Included on the album “Such A Funky Thang!,” it became a major hit, reaching No.
1 on the Oricon album chart.
It was also featured in a commercial for the soft drink Mets, and the unconventional promotion left a strong impression.
Its funky, groovy sound showcases Kubota’s musicality and continues to be loved by many to this day.
You were mineKubota Toshinobu52rank/position
This is a quintessential ’80s disco track featuring Toshinobu Kubota’s smooth, memorable vocals.
Though it’s a bittersweet love song, its funky rhythm and sophisticated arrangement strike a perfect balance.
Released in February 1988, the song drew major attention as the theme for Fuji TV’s Monday 9 p.m.
drama “Kimi no Hitomi wo Taiho Suru!” It was also included on the album “the BADDEST,” and became a big hit, reaching No.
3 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.
Incorporating elements of R&B, soul, and funk, the track’s beat makes you want to move—danceable and undeniably cool.
It’s recommended for those who want to relive nostalgic youth memories or discover the allure of ’80s music.
Saddle of a Shooting StarKubota Toshinobu53rank/position
Included on the 1986 album “SHAKE IT PARADISE.” It’s a song by Toshinobu Kubota, a singer-songwriter from Shizuoka Prefecture.
Above all, his overwhelmingly powerful, almost non-Japanese vocal ability is his greatest charm.
When I first heard this song, I thought an incredible artist had arrived.
His voice is truly captivating.
An outright serenadeInoue Yosui54rank/position
Yosui Inoue’s hit song “Isso Serenade.” Released in October 1984, the track was featured in a Suntory commercial and went on to sell over 350,000 copies.
That might sound like an impressive number, but compared to other hits from the same era, it didn’t quite spark a massive craze.
Even so, it’s now known as one of Inoue’s signature works.
One likely reason it became established as a flagship song after its release is the prominent covers by major artists such as Mariko Takahashi and Yasushi Nakanishi.
Harmony at the End of SummerInoue Yosui & Anzen Chitai55rank/position
A duet song by the rock band Anzenchitai, centered around Koji Tamaki, and singer-songwriter Yosui Inoue.
Despite having no commercial tie-ins and few TV performances, it’s likely a track everyone has heard at least once.
It has been widely covered by other artists in recordings and on music programs, and is a beloved number among fellow musicians.
With a poignant melody that conjures scenes of summer fading away, sung as a duet by two of Japan’s finest vocalists, it stands as a masterpiece in the history of Japanese music.
Rainbow Sea LineSato Hiroshi56rank/position
Celebrating a longing for the far reaches of the sea and sky, this work is one of Hiroshi Sato’s signature songs.
Its brisk rhythm and refreshing melody leave a strong impression, while the urban, stylish sound is truly appealing.
Released in May 1976, the track was included on the album “SUPER MARKET.” Sato’s gentle vocals blend beautifully with the sophisticated arrangement, making it a pioneering piece of city pop.
It’s the perfect song for moments when you want to feel liberated—like at a summer beach or on a city drive.
As a side note, pay attention to the lyrics, which were penned by none other than Minako Yoshida!