Back Number's Tearjerker Songs, Cry-Your-Eyes-Out Tracks, and Popular Song Rankings [2026]

Christmas songback number15rank/position

back number – Christmas Song (full)

With lyrics and vocals that fill you with happiness, Iyori Shimizu’s gentle singing voice is incredibly soothing, yet tinged with a certain wistfulness that makes you want to replay the song over and over.

The music video, featuring an earnest performance in the snow, is also a must-see, offering a captivating, uniquely original world.

Incidentally, this track was chosen as the theme song for the Monday 9 p.m.

drama “5→9: From Five to Nine,” which helped it gain widespread recognition.

Winter and Springback number16rank/position

back number – Winter and Spring

Back number’s stirring melodies and delicate vocals beautifully capture the emotions of moving on from heartbreak amid the transition from winter to spring.

Produced in January 2024, the piece was helmed by Masanori Shimada, who also produced “Suiheisen,” and the music video marks Iyori Shimizu’s first attempt at directing.

The use of snow-covered asphalt on the jacket symbolically expresses both the change of seasons and the transformation of the heart.

It’s a song that resonates with the pain of heartbreak—an experience shared by all—and the journey of recovery that follows, making it a track you’ll want to listen to alone on a quiet night.

Blue amberback number17rank/position

back number – Blue Amber [Theme song for the Kansai TV/Fuji TV Monday 10 p.m. drama 'From the Day I Took You']

This back number song gives you such an indescribable feeling, doesn’t it? I think Iyori Shimizu is a genius at creating a sense of heartbreak.

The harmonies in this track are mostly in the chorus.

It’s basically an upper harmony, but the way the ends of phrases drop an octave and other clever choices in the harmonizing really amplify the bittersweet vibe.

In the final chorus, there’s a key change and the pitch goes up, so I think it’s good to sing a bit louder in falsetto so you don’t get overshadowed by the lead vocal.

A lot of people sing back number, so be sure to add these harmonies to your repertoire!

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Kubota Mami

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my nameback number18rank/position

back number – “My Name” Music Video

Among the many love songs by back number, the one that feels just right for a warm spring day is Boku no Namae wo.

Released in 2016, it was chosen as the theme song for the film Wolf Girl and Black Prince.

Having met “you,” the narrator discovers what it truly means to care deeply for someone, and he expresses renewed gratitude and a vow of everlasting love in this heartwarming love song.

Its grand, dramatic arrangement might also make it a great choice as a proposal song.

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Kado(guchi) Shichigatsu

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yellowback number19rank/position

back number – Yellow

Speaking of songs imbued with a bittersweet yet beautiful wish for a loved one’s happiness, “Yellow” comes to mind.

Created in 2021 by the rock band back number, known for crafting love songs from every perspective, it vividly portrays the kind of longing that keeps you thinking about someone you love—even when you know your feelings won’t reach them, even when you know it won’t come true.

You’ll also find solace in vocalist Iyori Shimizu’s tender yet powerful voice.

It’s a grand rock ballad resonating with the sound of beautiful strings.

Why not receive its message that stands beside the anxieties and heartache of unrequited love?

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mutō

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I like you, but it seems you don’t really like me.back number20rank/position

Bokuwa Kiminokotoga Sukidakedo Kimiwa Bokuo Betsuni Sukijyanaimitai

This is one of back number’s signature songs, written straight from the heart about the ache of unrequited love.

Even the long title conveys the protagonist’s painful feelings as their love goes unanswered.

In the chorus, the powerlessness of facing the reality that the other person doesn’t have feelings for them is expressed in plain, direct words.

This track was included on the album Chandelier, released in December 2015.

It’s recommended for those who’ve experienced heartbreak or are currently in one-sided love.

If you listen when you want to revisit painful memories of love, you’ll likely find many parts to empathize with.

cotton candyback number21rank/position

back number – Watagashi (full)

This is a song by the three-piece rock band back number that feels like it paints memories of a summer festival.

Its gentle, unhurried sound invites a quiet look back at the past, and the addition of piano tones seems to emphasize the underlying poignancy.

The lyrics portray someone gauging the chance to confess their feelings to a special person they invited to the festival, and the sweet-and-sour atmosphere comes through throughout.

The detailed depictions—how feelings grow as time passes, and how that growth brings anxiety—are particularly striking.

Its clear, relatable storyline makes it easy to empathize with, resulting in a song that truly stirs the heart.

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kappamaki

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