1990s Male Singer-Songwriters: Popular Song Rankings [2026]
Isn’t it in the 1990s that singer-songwriters began covering a wider range of musical genres and self-composed songs seemed to become the mainstream?
From among the many timeless masterpieces born in the ’90s, we’re highlighting popular tracks—focusing especially on those by male singer-songwriters—and presenting them in a ranking.
- Ranking of Popular Songs by Japanese Male Singers from the 1990s [2026]
- [J-Pop] Debut songs by male solo artists from the 1990s
- Top Male Singer-Songwriter Hits of the 1980s: Ranking [2026]
- Male Singer-Songwriters of the 2000s: Popular Song Ranking [2026]
- Iconic ballads of 90s J-pop: nostalgic mega-hits and fan favorites
- Classic and hit J-pop songs from the nostalgic ’90s
- Singer-Songwriter/Artist Rankings of the 1980s [2026]
- Classic and hit songs by nostalgic Japanese bands from the 1990s
- Ranking of Popular Songs by Female Singer-Songwriters of the 1990s [2026]
- Best Songs and Popular Tracks by Male Singer-Songwriters: 2026 Rankings
- Popular Nostalgic Songs: J-Pop Ranking [1990s Japanese Music Ranking]
- A roundup of hit love songs from the ’90s
- Tear-jerking J-pop from the ’90s. Hit songs and real tearjerkers.
Male Singer-Songwriters of the 1990s: Popular Song Rankings [2026] (61–70)
SPARKLEYamashita Tatsuro64rank/position
Singer-songwriter Tatsuro Yamashita has enjoyed enduring popularity thanks to his distinctive voice and refined musical sensibility.
He is known worldwide and is famous as a leading figure of city pop.
His song “SPARKLE” is a work that lets you fully savor his brand of city pop.
While it’s unmistakably city pop, the vocals strongly reflect elements of Black music, which makes it fairly challenging to sing.
However, if you can deliver it well, I believe you can achieve the kind of glamour associated with overseas artists.
Goodbye, Summer DaysYamashita Tatsuro65rank/position
Tatsuro Yamashita’s 21st single, released in May 1991, is a classic inspired by his own high school experience of being caught in a sudden shower at an amusement park pool and seeing a rainbow after the rain.
It beautifully captures the bittersweet feeling at summer’s end and the tender emotions of first love before adulthood.
The song was also used in a commercial for Dai-ichi Life and released as an advance single from the album “ARTISAN.” It reached No.
12 on the Oricon Weekly Chart and was certified Gold.
It’s a quintessential summer ballad recommended for those who want to relive their youthful memories or nostalgically revisit the delicate romances of those days.
Christmas EveYamashita Tatsuro66rank/position
The Christmas song by Tatsuro Yamashita that needs no introduction.
His high, sultry voice adds color to the holiday season.
For many, it’s a song that brings back memories of Christmases from their youth.
A wonderful piece that has been sung and cherished for many years.
celeryYamazaki Masayoshi67rank/position
It might give off the vibe of being either a song by Masayoshi Yamazaki or a SMAP song.
Tracing its history, it’s a track that enjoyed two waves of success: first released by Masayoshi Yamazaki in 1996, then covered by SMAP in 1997.
It’s a warm song about differences in likes and dislikes between lovers, and how they draw closer to bridge those gaps together.
Chinese cuisineYamazaki Masayoshi68rank/position
Your eyes are first drawn to the title, but since it’s merely a phrase from the lyrics without any deep meaning, this curious title might itself be part of his strategy.
It’s a warm song depicting a couple leaning into each other, where you can strongly feel something like his musical sensibility.
Bathed in moonlightYamazaki Masayoshi69rank/position
The debut single by singer-songwriter Masayoshi Yamazaki, who captivates fans with an unforgettable, striking voice and the versatility to play virtually every instrument.
Released on September 25, 1995, it was used—remarkably for a debut track—as the opening theme for the information program “Sunday Jungle” and as a commercial song for Saison Card International.
Its arrangement, which evokes black music, and its accessible, distinctly J-pop melody already hint at his talent from the very start.
It’s a fresh yet confident number that reaffirms Yamazaki’s exceptional musical sensibilities.
Get Along Together -Because I Want to Give You My Love-Yamane Yasuhiro70rank/position
This song, which was written in just one week for a friend’s wedding, is Yasuhiko Yamane’s major-label debut single released in 1993.
Its lyrics, expressing deep gratitude to a loved one and the importance of walking through life together, resonate with many listeners.
Although sales were sluggish at first, the song gradually gained popularity through cable radio and ultimately became a million-seller.
It has since been included on best-of albums and continues to be cherished as one of Yamane’s signature songs.
With its heartwarming melody and lyrics, it’s perfect for special moments spent with someone important, such as weddings and anniversaries.
If you want to convey your feelings to someone you love, why not give this song a listen?