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)
In spring, I think of you.Ozawa Kenji61rank/position
“Spring, Thinking of You” is the single released at the end of the 1990s by Kenji Ozawa—known as Ozaken—who enjoyed great popularity during that decade.
Dubbed the prince of the Shibuya-kei scene, Ozawa stayed at the forefront of stylish sounds.
He eventually arrived at a new, more mature Ozaken sound, and “Spring, Thinking of You” feels like the culmination of that journey.
Set to a quiet, tango-like rhythm, this song speaks to the beauty of growing older, and it’s a wonderful piece that leaves you with a gentle, warm feeling.
Thrilling Uplifting StreetOzawa Kenji62rank/position
This is the 11th single released in 1995 by Kenji Ozawa, who was known at the time as the “Shibuya-kei Prince.” Set to a pop tune, it sings about a man’s pure feelings of love as he walks down the street, excited to buy a present for his girlfriend.
Autumn breezeOzaki Yutaka63rank/position
When the hot, carefree summer of running around and having fun ends and autumn arrives, do you ever feel a little lonely? This song captures that feeling—something surely everyone has experienced.
It’s a hidden gem by Yutaka Ozaki, one of the defining singer-songwriters of 1990s Japan.
While it conveys the poignancy of the contrast with the radiant summer, it also beautifully portrays the unique wistfulness of autumn.
RIDE ON TIMEYamashita Tatsuro64rank/position
When we think of the ’80s, it was the era when city pop really took off.
Many classic songs were produced, but one I especially recommend for karaoke is Tatsuro Yamashita’s “Ride On Time.” It’s one of the few tracks performed by a full band, and because of that, even as a city pop song, it has a distinctive sense of drive and speed.
The lyrics are also upbeat and refreshing, which is another highlight.
Try singing it when you want to lift your spirits or liven up the atmosphere.
SPARKLEYamashita Tatsuro65rank/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.
