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

somedaySaucy Dog43rank/position

Saucy Dog "Someday" MUSIC VIDEO

A straightforward, honest love song that brings the ache and poignancy of heartbreak right to your chest.

Through real-life scenes—like the deserted park at Tawarayama and the sloping road where you can see the starry sky—the memories woven together vividly portray feelings for a precious person you can never meet again.

Released in May 2017 as a track on the album “Country Road,” this piece gently embraces an unforgettable love with warm lyrics that blend in the local Shimane dialect.

Its softly resonant melody offers quiet comfort to those who want to hold their one-sided love close, and to those who can’t quite put an end to a past romance.

Thank youikimonogakari44rank/position

Ikimonogakari 'Arigatou' Music Video

A signature ballad by Ikimonogakari, beloved as a classic song for expressing heartfelt thanks to those who’ve supported you.

It was written as the theme song for the NHK morning drama Gegege no Nyobo, starring Nao Matsushita as the heroine, and released as a single in May 2010.

Its warm message—portraying the love nurtured in everyday life and the resolve to walk hand in hand with someone precious into the future—resonates deeply with listeners.

Feelings that are clumsy and hard to put into words can be conveyed honestly when carried by the song’s gentle yet powerful melody.

So widely embraced that it’s even included in high school music textbooks, this masterpiece is perfect for expressing gratitude to teachers and friends at graduation ceremonies, or to family at thank-you gatherings.

Heroineback number45rank/position

back number – Heroine (full)

A hit song by back number that portrays a bittersweet unrequited love against a wintry backdrop.

Through the image of snow falling and gently piling up, the narrator’s feelings and affection for their loved one are expressed.

Used as the theme song for JR East’s “JR SKISKI” commercials and Kirin’s “Tanrei Green Label” commercials, the song sold approximately 29,000 copies in its first week, surpassing the previous release and setting a new personal best.

If you sing it at karaoke with someone you’re interested in, your feelings—likened to the beauty of snow—might come across.

Why not let the gentle melody softly carry your heart to them?

HANABIMr.Children46rank/position

Mr.Children 「HANABI」 MUSIC VIDEO

On the way home from a fun outing or trip, you often feel like listening to something emotional, don’t you? For those moments, I recommend HANABI.

Released in 2008 by the beloved rock band Mr.Children, it was used as the theme song for the drama series Code Blue: Doctor Heli Emergency Lifesaving.

It’s a dramatic number built on a beautiful melodic line.

Kazutoshi Sakurai’s vocals have a power that stirs human emotions.

Listening to this song will make you feel like you can keep trying without giving up on anything.

It’s also a great pick for solo drives when you want a change of pace.

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March 9Remioromen47rank/position

Remioromen – March 9

When graduation season arrives, the familiar melody flowing through the streets—Remioromen’s “March 9th”—is a classic engraved in many people’s hearts.

Released on March 9, 2004, this song conveys friendship and hope for new beginnings, and gained even wider support through its use in the drama “1 Litre of Tears.” As a song that colors the day of departure, it enriches irreplaceable memories.

How about listening again to Remioromen’s warm message that accompanies each person’s graduation? It will surely bring back memories of that day when you stood shoulder to shoulder and sang.

Let’s give it a tryWANIMA48rank/position

Yattemiyou

It’s finished as an upbeat track that’s very WANIMA-like.

It’s not just singing about a forced cheerfulness; it also carries the message that it’s okay to look back at the past, but let’s keep facing forward.

The rhythm is great, and it feels good to sing along.

cherry blossomKetsumeishi49rank/position

Ketsumeishi “Sakura”

When graduation season arrives, there are many songs that evoke deeply moving memories.

Among them, “Sakura” is a particularly special track for people in their twenties.

Released by Ketsumeishi, this song is considered a timeless classic that colors the scenes of graduation ceremonies.

Its gentle melody and lyrics that depict fluttering cherry blossoms resonate with the heart at the milestone of graduation.

The intro, in particular, seems to symbolize both the joy and the sadness of graduating, stirring the listener’s emotions.

Since the group began their musical activities in 1993, the song has continued to be loved for a long time as an anthem that gives young people a push forward.

Still ranking high in karaoke today, this track can be seen as a message of encouragement to everyone facing graduation.