Best Songs and Popular Tracks by Male Singer-Songwriters: 2026 Rankings

Gray and Blue (+Masaki Suda)Yonezu Kenshi96rank/position

Kenshi Yonezu – Gray and Blue (+Masaki Suda)

This is a song by Kenshi Yonezu that drew huge attention through a collaboration with Masaki Suda, who also radiates overwhelming presence as an actor.

The track is included on Yonezu’s fourth album, “BOOTLEG,” released in November 2017.

Looking back on the bygone days of youth, this slightly sentimental piece is perfect for long autumn nights when the clamor of summer has subsided.

It depicts a yearning for those radiant “blue” days and the struggle of living in a “gray” reality, with the poignant feeling of missing an old friend you can no longer see conveyed through their two voices.

It’s a heart-tugging song that, when you listen to it as you recall happier times and feel a bit lonely, seems to awaken emotions tucked away deep in your heart.

Horse and deerYonezu Kenshi97rank/position

Kenshi Yonezu – Horse and Deer

A song by Kenshi Yonezu characterized by powerful melodies and lyrics that resonate with the heart.

Written as the theme song for the drama “No Side Game,” it was released digitally in August 2019.

Alongside its grand sound, the lyrics—depicting people who confront adversity and keep moving forward—leave a strong impression.

By listening to one’s inner voice and singing of the importance of love and bonds, this piece encourages those who wish to keep challenging themselves without giving up in the face of hardship.

Give it a listen when you’re striving toward a new environment or goal.

AlbaSuda Keina98rank/position

Keina Suda “Alba” MV

People say he evolves from Balloon to Keina Suda with each new release.

By now, many listeners feel that the songs he sings himself are compelling precisely because they’re woven together by his own voice.

The song he released in June 2020 features lyrics that seem to question the depths of our hearts—part of its appeal.

It came out just as the stay-at-home period due to COVID-19 had begun to ease, and although that wasn’t the original intention, its lyrics that gently support our weakened hearts became a talking point.

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Hane Keisuke

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Tomorrow will surely be a good day.Takahashi Yuu99rank/position

Yū Takahashi’s directorial debut MV “Tomorrow Will Surely Be a Good Day” — Omokuri Director Edit Version (Short Size)

I can’t sleep because I’m anxious about tomorrow…

That’s exactly when you should listen to “Tomorrow Will Surely Be a Good Day.” Its relatable, down-to-earth lyrics are really appealing, and it’ll give you the boost you need for your daily work or studies! Give it a listen and welcome tomorrow with a positive mindset, believing that tomorrow will surely be a good day.

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zunx2P

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Wonderful EverydayTakahashi Yuu100rank/position

Yu Takahashi “Wonderful Everyday”

Takahashi Yu’s first single, “Subarashiki Nichijou” (“Wonderful Everyday”).

The song’s driving energy and razor-sharp lyrics, which seem to cut into the spirit of the times, leave a strong impression.

Yet the lyrics aren’t merely an outlet for pent-up frustration; they also sing of the great love people seek in one another, conveying the strength to face a big theme head-on.

As the title suggests, it seems to urge us—amid the ordinariness of everyday life—to think of others and to cherish ourselves.