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

That paper airplane splits the cloudy sky1922rank/position

That paper airplane splits the cloudy sky

A song that captures a vivid moment of youth was brought to life by 19.

Entrusting dreams scribbled on the back of a test to a paper airplane and letting it fly into the sky beautifully expresses the pure longing and anxiety of young people.

With delicate sensibility and a warm sound, it gently envelops the wavering emotions unique to adolescence.

Released in March 1999, the track was used as a TBS campaign song and reached No.

6 on the Oricon charts.

It was also performed at that year’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

Included on the albums “Ongaku” and “19 BEST●Ao,” it has been loved for many years.

It’s a song that will quietly stay by the side of anyone taking a new step forward with the arrival of spring.

HOT LIMITT.M.Revolution23rank/position

T.M.Revolution – HOT LIMIT | Official Music Video

Takanori Nishikawa’s solo project T.M.Revolution’s signature summer song “HOT LIMIT.” Released in 1998, the track drew attention for its distinctive outfit that looked like layers of tape wrapped around the body.

While the melody and visuals leave a strong impression, the lyrics are actually incredibly unique too! The song likens a captivating woman met in summer to a mermaid, expressing a desire to dive into an ultra-passionate romance.

In the latter half of the song, producer Daisuke Asakura’s name even makes an appearance.

For summer karaoke, this song—with its fiery melody and lyrics—is the perfect pick!

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SAKI

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With one liter of loveVaundy24rank/position

With one liter of love

Vaundy, who handles everything from songwriting and composition to video production, delivers genre-defying music.

The track in question, included on the acclaimed album “replica” released in November 2023, quietly stays by your side on days when you feel emotionally empty.

Its light flow and simple band sound seem to affirm the sense of lack and loneliness in everyday life.

It encourages you to accept those unfulfilled feelings as your honest emotions, giving you the push to take the next step.

The album “replica,” which features this song, reached No.

2 overall on the Billboard Japan Hot Albums chart.

It’s a stylish, gentle pep song that can fill you up on mornings when you’re just not feeling it.

normal temperatureVaundy25rank/position

normal temperature

Crafted in Vaundy’s signature love-song style, this track was also chosen as a commercial song for Zexy.

With cool, understated vocals and a restrained arrangement, it gives off a stylish impression.

Meanwhile, the lyrics—playing on the title “Jōnetsu” (Ever-warm/Constant Heat)—sing of a straightforward love brimming with passion.

Alongside the message “I love you straightforwardly, always running hot,” it also conveys how the singer is deeply drawn to the other person, as in “When I’m with you, my heart starts pounding.” The contrast between the sound and the lyrics feels fresh, doesn’t it?

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Hane Keisuke

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spring thunderfuki no tō26rank/position

Shunrai / Fuki no Tō (1979) [Lyrics] 2024 [No. 6]

This song depicts thunder that announces the arrival of spring and cherry blossom petals dancing in the air.

Its expression of the preciousness and transience of life is striking.

1979年5月にリリースされ、アルバム「人生・春・横断」にも収録されています。

This was Fuki no Tō’s 13th single, said to have been created by Yasuyo Yamaki in hopes of his mother’s recovery from illness.

Conveying feelings for someone important through music—doesn’t this track embody that sentiment? Just like the sudden thunder on a spring night, life brings unexpected events.

It might be a good song to listen to at such times.

Overflows ~Unable to Put It into Words~Naoto Intiraymi27rank/position

Naoto Inti Raymi “Overflows ~I Can’t Put It Into Words~” MV [Fuji TV’s ‘Thrilling TV: Sukatto Japan – Heart-Throbbing Sukatto’ Theme Song]

A work that intertwines stirring lyrics with a warm melody, “Overflows ~Can’t Put It Into Words~” reaches deep into the listener’s heart and brings tears to the eyes.

It evokes different kinds of emotion depending on each listener’s experiences and feelings, allowing everyone to immerse themselves in a story that’s uniquely their own.

Naoto Inti Raymi’s gentle voice further highlights the song’s message.

Beyond the sweetness and bitterness of love, it deftly captures universal human psychology, making it a track that compels you to listen closely to the lyrics.

for YOU。haji→28rank/position

Haj→ – for YOU.

This is Hajime’s second single, released in 2013.

With lyrics from a male perspective, it’s a cool and manly track! The straightforward declarations of love are sure to make girls’ hearts skip a beat.

Whether it’s “Maybe I should tell my girlfriend how I really feel” or “I wish he’d say something like this to me,” it’s a mutual-love song that resonates with both men and women.

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Tani Satoko

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