Ranking of Popular Band Songs Among People in Their 20s [2026]

HOWEVERGLAY71rank/position

GLAY / HOWEVER

This is the 12th single by GLAY—one of Japan’s most popular and representative bands—released on December 27, 1997.

It is known as GLAY’s first million-selling hit.

A premier Japanese love song delivered with overwhelming vocal prowess, it has GLAY singing of a love too deep for words.

reverse dreamKing Gnu72rank/position

King Gnu – Sakayume

This is a beautiful ballad that begins with delicate piano melodies and builds into a grand string arrangement.

Written as the ending theme for the anime film Jujutsu Kaisen 0, it explores the themes of love and curses between two people, portraying profound human emotions and inner conflict.

Iguchi’s warm falsetto delivers an evocative vocal performance that conveys both sorrow and hope.

Created by King Gnu and released in December 2021, the song beautifully adorns the film’s climax and ending.

It’s a track that resonates deeply not only with movie fans, but also with those who love bittersweet love songs or feel like reminiscing about cherished memories with someone special.

For karaoke, it’s recommended for singers with a gentle, nuanced expressive style.

Happinessback number73rank/position

Shiawase

Back number, known for lyrics and melodies that ache and tighten the chest, has won wide support.

This work is the B-side track included on their major-label debut single “Hanabira,” released in April 2011.

It was later included on the album “Superstar,” released in October of the same year, and has continued to be cherished by fans as a hidden gem.

Realizing that the person you love is thinking of someone other than you, yet being able to stay by their side only by wishing for their happiness—these painfully selfless feelings and inner conflicts are depicted in the lyrics, piercing listeners’ hearts.

The beautiful arrangement incorporating strings further stirs the emotions.

For those suffering from unrequited love or who have once prayed for a loved one’s happiness from afar, this is a song that will bring you to tears.

Shangri-LaChatto Monchī74rank/position

Chatmonchy “Shangri-La” Music Video

An emotionally moving song that delicately portrays complex feelings toward a lover and wavering self-esteem.

It uses a title meaning “utopia” as the lover’s name, carefully weaving the desire to keep loving while embracing the other’s vulnerabilities.

Its irregular 5/4 time signature creates a distinctive tension that expresses emotional fluctuation.

Released in November 2006 as Chatmonchy’s third single, the track is also included on the album Seimeiryoku.

It was chosen as the ending theme for the Fuji TV anime Hataraki Man and reached No.

6 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.

This is a song I’d recommend as a source of comfort for those who have experienced painful love or are searching for their true selves.

Just the two of usRADWIMPS75rank/position

RADWIMPS – Futari-goto [Official Music Video]

A touching love song that depicts a miraculous encounter and eternal love.

RADWIMPS’s distinctive word choices blend with the melody to portray the bond between lovers and their resolve to walk into the future together.

Released in May 2006, it ranked on the Oricon charts for 16 weeks.

It was also included on the album “RADWIMPS 4: Okazu no Gohan,” released in December of the same year.

It’s a perfect song to listen to during graduation and farewell seasons, and when you want to look back on memories with someone special.

Brimming with the charm of RADWIMPS, this work, with its moving lyrics and emotive performance, leaves listeners deeply moved.

Night of Osmanthuskinoko teikoku76rank/position

Kinoko Teikoku — Night of the Osmanthus

A song by Kinoko Teikoku with an arrangement featuring the piano that leaves a strong impression.

Using the scent of fragrant olive that evokes the arrival of autumn as its motif, the lyrics portray the pain of heartbreak and beautiful memories, resonating deeply with listeners.

Included on the album Time Lapse released in September 2018, this track holds special significance as part of the band’s 10th anniversary.

The lyrics delicately express how small, everyday moments can bring past loves back to mind—something anyone with experience in love can relate to.

It’s a bittersweet yet warm love song perfect for a long autumn night.

powder snowRemioromen77rank/position

Remioromen – Powder Snow

A delicate and ephemeral ballad by Remioromen that captures fragile emotions.

Set against a winter backdrop, this song portrays hearts passing by each other and feelings that fail to connect.

Released in November 2005, it drew widespread attention as an insert song for the drama “1 Litre of Tears.” Ryota Fujimaki’s transparent, pure vocals gently embrace the lyrics that seep into the heart.

The single debuted at No.

4 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart and has sold over 750,000 copies, becoming one of Remioromen’s signature songs.

It’s a track that comforts those troubled by love or uncertain about the distance with someone important.

Sing it at karaoke, and it’s sure to resonate with someone’s heart.