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back number Heartbreak Songs and Popular Tracks Ranking [2026]

Back number, whose realistic, tear-jerking lyrics and catchy melodies have earned them the nickname “The King of Heartbreak Songs,” are widely loved.

Their poignant songs tug at the heartstrings and resonate with listeners of all ages.

Here’s a ranking of back number’s signature breakup songs.

back number Heartbreak Songs – Popular Songs Ranking [2026] (11–20)

cotton candyback number15rank/position

back number – Watagashi (full)
cotton candyback number

Released by back number in 2012, this song became explosively popular, especially among junior high and high school students.

It features the band’s hallmark and charm: realistic, concrete scene descriptions and the feelings of a somewhat shy male protagonist.

Listening to this track makes you want to go to a summer festival! And am I the only one who finds myself rooting for the guy in the song with those emotions? After listening, why not invite the person you’re interested in to a summer festival?

Old-fashionedback number16rank/position

back number - “Old Fashion” Music Video (Theme song for the TBS Friday drama “A Great Love: You, Who Will Forget Me”)
Old-fashionedback number

A song by back number that became a hot topic as the theme song for the drama “The Biggest Love: With You Who Will Forget Me.” It’s not a breakup song, but it’s a love song I really want you to listen to when you’ve just gone through a breakup.

Right after a breakup, you probably still have feelings for that person.

Just because you were dumped doesn’t mean you can suddenly stop liking them, right…? This is a song I recommend for you in that situation.

Sing of springback number17rank/position

A gem-like ballad that depicts a heartrending farewell against a springtime backdrop.

Its delicate imagery intertwines beautifully with the protagonist’s emotions, unable to fully accept the parting.

Featured on back number’s February 2009 mini-album “Nogashita Sakana,” the song’s simple, acoustic guitar–driven arrangement and poignant melody sink deep into the heart.

It’s a track meant to be heard as a gentle anthem of encouragement for those who, while carrying the pain and loneliness of heartbreak, still try to look forward.

Endingback number18rank/position

back number – Ending (full)
Endingback number

A wistful ballad that gently bids farewell, like the ending of a film.

Featured on the album “blues,” this song uses a simple arrangement centered on acoustic guitar, yet it presses on the heart with the regret of not noticing the true feelings hidden behind a familiar lover’s smile.

Included on the November 2012 release “blues” and later on the best-of album “Encore” released in December 2016, the track has become a live staple and a fan favorite.

In karaoke, it enjoys enduring popularity as a song you can sing with quiet feeling, making it recommended for those who want to deliver a ballad with deep emotion.

HAPPY BIRTHDAYback number19rank/position

back number – HAPPY BIRTHDAY (full)
HAPPY BIRTHDAYback number

From the title you might think “A birthday song?”, but this track is back number’s “HAPPY BIRTHDAY.” Released in 2019 as back number’s 20th single, it also served as the theme song for the drama “A Story to Read When You First Fall in Love.” It’s a quintessential back number piece: a bittersweet, heart-wrenching love song that captures the sorrow of a painful romance—one that’s likely to bring you to tears when you listen.

If you’re looking for a tear-jerking breakup song from a male perspective, this might be the one.

If I become a superstarback number20rank/position

He went through a heartbreak but doesn’t want it to end like this… This song captures a man’s resolve to start a band and vow to grow, hoping to win back the person he loved.

It carefully portrays the protagonist’s feelings as he moves from self-deprecation to a determined, forward-looking mindset, making it highly relatable.

Included on the album “Superstar,” released in October 2011, the track spans a wide vocal range, but its highly empathetic lyrics make it easy to sing with feeling—perfect for karaoke.

It’s a compelling song that gives a push to anyone who wants to revive a dream they’d almost given up on.

Why not give it a try?

Back Number’s Breakup Songs: Popular Tracks Ranking [2026] (21–30)

Blue amberback number21rank/position

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

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!