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] (51–60)
Christmas Time in Blue — Whistling on the Holy NightSano Motoharu57rank/position
A Christmas song by Motoharu Sano released in 1985.
It peaked at No.
7 on the sales charts at the time and sold about 130,000 copies.
It has a laid-back vibe with a vaguely foreign feel.
Rather than the common theme of lovers at Christmas, it’s a song filled with universality.
As the lyrics suggest, it’s heartwarming and embraces everyone, carrying Sano’s wish for happiness across the world.
When it plays in the city, it feels like it could gently put your mind at ease.
Young BloodsSano Motoharu58rank/position
“Young Bloods” is a pop song by singer-songwriter Motoharu Sano with an addictive rhythm.
Created as the theme song for the International Youth Year established by the United Nations, it’s remembered for the episode in which its royalties were donated as charity funds to aid refugees in Africa.
The song’s charm lies in Sano’s vocals and the backing performance, which give you the energy to dash toward a shining future.
Both are top-notch, resulting in a remarkably avant-garde sound even within the realm of kayōkyoku (Japanese popular songs).
Be my bride.Kayama Yūzō59rank/position
As one of the classic songs that colored the Showa era, it has been beloved by many.
Yuzo Kayama’s gentle, warm voice beautifully portrays a romantic declaration of love set against the sea.
Released in June 1966, the song was also used as the theme for a film of the same name, attracting significant attention.
The symbolic lyric about giving a coral ring expresses a wish for a happy future, and the song is often performed at weddings and anniversary celebrations.
This piece is recommended not only for those who love the sea and adventure, but also for anyone who wants to feel a deep bond with someone special.
X’mas PartyHarada Shinji60rank/position
This is an original Christmas song by Shinji Harada, a singer-songwriter who achieved idol-like popularity in the 80s and sings in a piano-and-vocal style.
It depicts the hustle and bustle of the city at Christmas.
The urgent-sounding piano fits the song perfectly.
Male Singer-Songwriters of the ’80s: Popular Songs Ranking [2026] (61–70)
Eyes of the heartSakamoto Kyu61rank/position
When we think of Kyu Sakamoto, songs like “Ue o Muite Arukō” (“Sukiyaki”) and “Miagete Goran Yoru no Hoshi o” come to mind, but this song, “Kokoro no Hitomi,” is also a wonderful piece.
Sakamoto’s works feel less like mere “tunes” and more like true “songs,” don’t they? Lyrics along the lines of “Even if time passes and everything changes, love alone remains the same” can be taken as both a love song and a song about bonds.
The words that gently teach us, “We can face partings without sorrow because there is a bond there,” also evoke a faint image of graduation scenes.
The lyrics and music come from the golden Shōwa-era duo, Toyohisa Araki and Takashi Miki.
It’s a good old Shōwa song we want to keep singing forever.
Look up at the stars in the nightSakamoto Kyu62rank/position
It’s a ballad whose beautiful yet bittersweet melody sinks into the heart, sung as if offering a modest prayer to the twinkling stars in the night sky.
The lyrics, which believe that any hardship can be overcome as long as the two are together, resonate with the image of a bride and groom who will now join hands and walk through life.
Originally written as a song for a musical premiered in 1960, it was released as a single in May 1963 sung by Kyu Sakamoto.
It won the Composer’s Award at the 5th Japan Record Awards and has been covered and carried on by many artists, including Ken Hirai and Yuzu.
It’s perfect as background music to enhance the magical ambiance of a candle service or to accompany a moving scene expressing gratitude to parents.
Why not let yourself be wrapped in the warm atmosphere exuded by this timeless masterpiece?
To each their own.Ōe Senri63rank/position
Released in 1984, it’s a pop song that hasn’t faded even after more than 30 years.
It was used in a commercial for UHA Mikakuto’s candy “DATE KISS,” and the commercial version’s arrangement was handled by Tetsuya Komuro, who had just debuted with TM NETWORK at the time.