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

Happinessback number1rank/position

Shiawase

A back number ballad that tightens your chest with overwhelming poignancy.

It delicately depicts the pain of unrequited love, where the closeness of being right next to someone only makes them feel farther away.

Knowing there’s someone else in their heart, you still force a smile—some listeners may find themselves in tears at that image.

Included on the single “Hanabira,” released in April 2011, and later featured on the October album “Superstar,” this song offers gentle, beautiful tones to those burdened with feelings they can’t express or hearts troubled by unattainable love.

Why not listen to it on a night when you just want to cry your heart out?

fishback number2rank/position

back number – fish (full)

This is a heartbreak song that portrays the poignant feelings for a love that will never return, hidden deep within the heart.

Amid an urban sound, the vocals brim with power, as if emotions are overflowing, and that contrast heightens the sentiment.

Released in February 2014, this track is the band’s ninth single and is also included on their fourth album, “Love Story.” Listening to this piece, which depicts the cruel reality faced by the female protagonist, will bring tears to women suffering from heartbreak as their emotions spill over.

It’s a recommended song for anyone who has someone they just can’t forget.

Happy Endingback number3rank/position

back number – Happy End (full)

A ballad that portrays the heartrending feeling of trying to force a smile while hiding the sorrow of parting.

It vividly depicts the protagonist’s struggle, unable to fully accept the breakup and cut off lingering feelings for their former partner.

Their attempt to act tough and pretend there’s a happy ending is so poignant it brings tears to your eyes.

Released in November 2016 as their 16th single, this song was written as the theme for the film “My Tomorrow, Your Yesterday,” which premiered in December of the same year.

It’s one of back number’s signature tracks, also included on the album “Encore.” Why not listen to it on a night when you want to let your emotions flow and cry your heart out to feel refreshed?

Until the day I can no longer rememberback number4rank/position

back number – Until the Day It Becomes Unrememberable (full)

A masterpiece that beautifully portrays the inner landscape where the grief of losing a loved one intersects with the desire to hold on to their memories.

The gentle, humming-like melody, the understated guitar riff, and Iyori Shimizu’s wistful vocals all deepen the emotions of parting.

Released in October 2011, this song is included on the album “Superstar” and was also used as the ending theme for TV Tokyo’s music program “JAPAN COUNTDOWN.” Although the vocal range is fairly wide, the calm melodic line makes it a song you can sing while savoring the lyrics.

horizonback number5rank/position

back number – Horizon

This piece, released in August 2020 by a three-piece band from Gunma Prefecture, is well known for the story behind its creation: it was made for high school students who lost their stage when the 2020 Inter-High was canceled.

It gently stays close to the frustration of efforts that don’t pay off and the unreasonable sorrow that follows, delivering a message that knowing pain makes us kinder to others—one that deeply moves listeners.

While holding the sense of loss from shattered dreams and goals, it carries a warmth that suggests those very experiences will become the nourishment that shapes your future self.

Even as graduates face a reality that doesn’t go as planned, this song will softly support them as they take their first steps down a new path.

For a cherished new beginning, why not offer the deep love woven by back number?

HAPPY BIRTHDAYback number6rank/position

back number – HAPPY BIRTHDAY (full)

Back number is a rock band that has released many classic songs about bittersweet love.

Their song “HAPPY BIRTHDAY” tells the story of a man with unrequited feelings who spends his birthday alone.

Rather than a song to give to someone, it’s a birthday song you want to listen to quietly by yourself.

Like in this song, there are probably many men with unrequited love who think, “If only she were right beside me…” as their birthday approaches.

It’s a bittersweet song, but listening to it might just give you the push to confess on your birthday… and that could be a good idea!

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Heroineback number7rank/position

back number “Heroine” Music Video

It’s a love song that portrays the ache of unrequited feelings.

A track by back number, it delicately captures winter scenery and the poignancy of a one-sided crush.

Released in January 2015, it was featured as the campaign song for JR East’s “JR SKISKI.” Together with a commercial starring Suzu Hirose, it drew wide attention and resonated with many people.

The lyrics convey a warmth of the heart amid winter’s cold, paired with a gently soothing melody.

This piece will likely evoke empathy as a song that stands by the hearts of high school students struggling with love.

It’s a heartwarming track you’ll want to listen to in the winter season.