Ranking of popular blues songs
Blues reached its peak from the 1960s to the 1970s and continues to be loved today.
It has a close relationship with music rooted in Black music, and its techniques are still being adopted today in various forms.
We looked into classic and popular songs by legendary artists.
In this article, we’ve selected popular tracks based on reliable feedback from blues fans submitted to our site so far.
Among them, we’ll present the most highly regarded songs in a ranking format.
Please enjoy.
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Blues Popular Song Rankings (71–80)
Since coming out to OsakaUeda Masaki71rank/position
Masaki Ueda is one of Japan’s leading soul singers.
I think everyone has heard his signature song, “Kanashii Iro Yane,” at least once.
Though he’s known as a soul singer, he also actively works on blues numbers, which share many similarities with soul.
Among them, one track I especially recommend is “Osaka e Dete Kite Kara.” It features a melody reminiscent of the late Ray Charles, blending jazz, blues, and soul.
Since it’s a quiet song, it’s also recommended for those who aren’t confident in their vocal power.
My Dear MarieKubota Makoto to Yūyake Gakudan72rank/position
A song by Makoto Kubota and Sunset Gang that breathed new life into Japan’s blues scene.
While inheriting the spirit of American blues, it weaves in elements of reggae and Okinawan folk for a distinctive sound.
The lyrics, which capture a bittersweet longing for love, and the nostalgic atmosphere resonate deeply.
Featured on the album “Sunset Gang,” released in October 1973, this track became a key work in defining the band’s musical identity.
It was also performed at the 1977 “Rolling Coconut Revue Japan,” where it reportedly drew a major response.
It’s a perfect song for soothing your heart alone in the quiet of night.
Recommended not only for blues fans but also for anyone interested in the roots of Japanese music.
Big City Woman BluesŌki Tōru Burūsu Bando73rank/position
A signature work by Toru Oki that sings of loneliness and the pains of love against the backdrop of the city’s hustle and bustle.
Its deep vocals and bluesy melancholy resonate with the heart.
Included on the 1979 album “MANHATTAN MIDNIGHT,” it drew a strong response at live shows in New York.
This track fully showcases the abilities of a Japanese artist highly acclaimed in the homeland of the blues, America.
It’s a warm song that offers comfort to those struggling with urban relationships or the complexities of love.
Highly recommended for nighttime drives or quiet moments.
The Loser’s SongKawatani Takuzō74rank/position
This is a single released by Takuzo Kawatani in 1976, and the word in the title, “唄,” is read as “Blues.” For fans of the Hissatsu series, it’s a familiar song as the theme for both Hissatsu Karakurinin and Hissatsu Karakurinin: Kippū-hen.
Gray CityMatsuda Yūsaku75rank/position
When it comes to classic Japanese blues, many people probably think of “The Gray City.” It’s a track created by Yusaku Matsuda, a legendary Japanese actor and singer, and it appears on the album HARDEST DAY.
The album features songs in various styles, but in terms of ruggedness and masculinity, this one really stands out.
The piece delivers a weighty portrayal of a man who has lost hope, and once you listen, you’ll be drawn into its dapper, noirish world.
Crying in the rainYanagi Jōji & Rainīuddo76rank/position
This is a signature song by George Yanagi & Rainy Wood, a blues band with an R&B base.
It was released in 1978.
Now this is bluesy! George Yanagi’s sultry, husky vocals intertwine with the flowing, wet sound in an incredibly cool way—absolutely irresistible.
The guitar tone is gorgeous too, and listening during the damp rainy season or in the heat can leave you feeling refreshed.
The lyrics, which seem to stand by a lone-wolf kind of man, also feel fitting for the colder months.
It’s a track overflowing with mature charm.
the guy next doorKuwana Masahiro77rank/position
Masahiro Kuwana was a rock singer who was hugely active from the 1970s through the 1980s.
An artist who stood shoulder to shoulder with the legendary rock band Carol, he created numerous classic songs during his lifetime.
Though rooted in rock, he released many tracks grounded in blues and jazz.
One song I especially recommend is Tonari no Ossan (“The Guy Next Door”).
It pairs a melody that can hold its own against authentic overseas blues with striking Japanese lyrics.
It’s also very easy to sing for those with lower voices, so give it a try.