Lonely Song Rankings [2026]

Burning Friday NightLucky Kilimanjaro29rank/position

Burning Friday Night

A song that paints a nighttime scene of sharing whisky and loneliness has been released by Lucky Kilimanjaro.

It features an upbeat rhythm inspired by 80s city pop and disco, with glossy, synth-driven textures that leave a strong impression.

The lyrics carefully depict the Friday-night mix of exhilaration and solitude, along with the longing for human connection.

Included on their first mini-album, FULLCOLOR, released in July 2015, the track resurfaced on social media in 2023, garnering renewed attention and surpassing 10 million streams as a revival hit.

It’s perfect as background music for settings with a mature vibe, like nighttime drives or bars.

For those carrying loneliness yet striving to look ahead, it’s sure to be a song that stays close to the heart.

AlgernonYorushika30rank/position

Yorushika – Algernon (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

Yorushika is a two-piece rock band that captivates fans with a story-driven world and gentle vocals.

Algernon, a digital-only single released in advance from their music art book Gentou, was chosen as the theme song for the TV drama Hold My Hand at Dusk.

Its lyrics, which portray the preciousness of continuing to move forward even as we ourselves and those around us change, may soothe the pain of those struggling in real time.

It’s a sentimental number whose lyrical melody stirs the heart.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Our TomorrowElefanto Kashimashi31rank/position

Elephant Kashimashi – “Our Tomorrow”

When you’re alone, your thoughts tend to drift in a negative direction, don’t they? This song by the rock band Elephant Kashimashi—also known for their hit “Koyoi no Tsuki no Yō ni”—was released in 2007 as their 34th single.

It was featured in a TV commercial, so it might be a tune you’re already familiar with.

The lyrics that give you strength to face tomorrow, paired with that masculine vocals—so cool, right? It’s a pep song I want to dedicate to you, one that blows lonely feelings far away.

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Araki Jakkan

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ElfAdo32rank/position

[Ado] Elf

A sweeping tale that evokes the legendary elves known for their solitude is vividly brought to life by Ado’s overwhelming vocal power.

Amid an endless journey, the story of a soul that faces itself and overcomes conflict and anguish is deeply moving.

Set to air from January 2025 as the theme song for TBS’s Friday drama “Who Saw the Peacock Dance?”, it resonates perfectly with the emotions of the protagonist played by Suzu Hirose.

Embracing the loneliness and sorrow felt along the path of struggle, this work becomes a song that speaks to the hearts of all who find the courage to move forward.

Sleeping Townkujira33rank/position

Sleeping Town feat. yama (Official Video)

This song weaves together Kujira’s production and yama’s translucent vocals in perfect harmony, creating a melancholic soundscape.

Delicately portraying the solitude of a world fallen asleep, it was included on the album “Nerenai Yoru ni Curtain wo Akete,” released in October 2020.

Wrapped in sadness and poignancy yet suffused with a gentle warmth, its tones offer quiet comfort.

In April 2024, a live performance video celebrating the 5th anniversary of yama’s activities was released, captivating fans.

For nights spent alone, moments when the heart feels heavy, or when thinking of someone—this is a song that stays close during those quiet times, becoming a source of support for many listeners.

Christmas EveYamashita Tatsuro34rank/position

Nana Eikura stars in Tatsuro Yamashita’s “Christmas Eve” special movie-version PV

Tatsuro Yamashita’s classic “Christmas Eve” is a song you can always hear around town during the holiday season.

In the famous JR commercial that helped make it a massive hit, the story goes, “He waited, and then he met his girlfriend.” But in the actual lyrics, it’s never made clear whether the other person ever shows up at the meeting place.

It’s a song that gently accompanies feelings of loneliness—one you’ll want to listen to not just in winter.

If I can laughUrufuruzu35rank/position

Ulfuls – If I Can Laugh

A hugely popular band formed in 1988.

This song is memorable for vocalist Tortoise Matsumoto’s powerful singing and its encouraging lyrics, and it’s a track that, strangely enough, makes you feel energized as you listen.