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.
1990s Male Singer-Songwriters: Popular Songs Ranking [2026] (41–50)
energy flow (Ura BTTB)Sakamoto Ryuichi50rank/position
As soon as the commercial for Regain EB tablets aired on TV, it won overwhelming support from all quarters, and this extraordinary song—originally just a 30-second jingle—was even released as a CD.
It was also featured on the album “image,” and remains a quintessential work that helped launch the ongoing trends of Mellow Music and healing music.
If you’re feeling tired and haven’t heard it yet, please give it a listen at least once.
1990s Male Singer-Songwriters: Popular Song Ranking [2026] (51–60)
Summer ResolutionŌe Senri51rank/position
This song is packed with the heat of summer and the passion of youth.
Released in August 1994 as the 29th single, it was used on Fuji TV’s children’s program Ponkikkies.
Its light, catchy melody and relatable lyrics are part of its charm.
It captures the shortness of summer vacation and the many things you want to do within it, painting moments spent with someone special.
A perfect track for making summer memories.
Especially for those who were in elementary school at the time, it may evoke a deeply nostalgic, lingering feeling.
And then I’m at a lossŌsawa Yoshiyuki52rank/position
Singer-songwriter Yoshiyuki Ohsawa, who gained popularity with his distinctive husky voice.
You still see him occasionally on special music programs.
His “And Then I’m At a Loss” is one of his signature works.
It’s a ballad influenced by American pop rock of the time, with a track that evokes the city at night.
Many might think you need a husky voice to sing this song coolly, but that’s not necessarily the case.
If the climactic part of the chorus is where your volume peaks, your voice will acquire just the right rasp to capture the stylish vibe of Yoshiyuki Ohsawa.
Give it a try.
You are in full color.Ohtaki Eiichi53rank/position
Known as a masterpiece by Eiichi Ohtaki, this work shines brilliantly in the history of Japanese pop music.
Released as a single in March 1981, it was also included on the album “A LONG VACATION.” Takashi Matsumoto’s carefully crafted lyrics blend beautifully with Ohtaki’s sophisticated melodies, delicately portraying lingering attachments to a lost love and the beauty of its memories.
It’s also fascinating that, although the chorus was originally planned to be raised by a whole step, the creators ended up lowering only the chorus’s key due to the awkward feel when paired with the lyrics—an unusual production choice.
With its urbane, stylish atmosphere, this song is recommended for those who want to savor the bittersweetness and nostalgia of romance.
wandererOkuda Tamio54rank/position
A folk-rock style song that sings of a lonely journey.
Tamio Okuda’s distinctive vocals and the simple guitar riff really stand out.
Released in February 1998 as his eighth single, it’s also included on the album “Matatabi.” It was used as the theme song for the drama “Days,” and in recent years has also been used as the theme for “Can I Recharge My Batteries? with Tetsurou Degawa.” There’s even an anecdote that the demo recorded at home was used as-is.
It might be the perfect track for those feeling lost in life or ready to take a new step forward.
SHADOW CITYTerao Akira55rank/position
Atsushi Terao continues to captivate us with performances brimming with intensity.
Whether in films, TV dramas, or even in brief supporting roles, he leaves an overwhelming presence that elevates every work.
Speaking of Terao’s music career, we remember countless Showa-era legends still talked about today, such as his record-setting consecutive No.
1s on The Best Ten with “Ruby no Yubiwa,” and having three songs simultaneously ranked in the top ten.
“SHADOW CITY,” Terao’s third single, is exceptional for a hit song in that the entire first verse has no lyrics and is sung in scat.
Its cool, composed melody evokes the sophistication of Showa-era adults—and it’s incredibly stylish.
It’s a Showa masterpiece that today’s young people should absolutely hear!
Serenade of the Ginkgo AvenueOzawa Kenji56rank/position
It’s a poignant love song set against an autumn ginkgo-lined avenue.
It’s included on Kenji Ozawa’s album “LIFE,” released in August 1994.
The song conveys the protagonist’s feelings after a breakup through sentimental lyrics and melody.
Its unique atmosphere—blending nostalgia for days gone by with thoughts of the future—is captivating.
With its relaxed tempo, it’s perfect for a long autumn night.
A song that gently stays by the side of anyone who’s experienced heartbreak.