The Refrain Is ScreamingMatsutōya Yumi1rank/position

Yumi Matsutoya – The Refrain Is Shouting

This song portrays the regrets that overflow after heartbreak and the accumulated misunderstandings that lead to a sad ending.

From the seemingly mechanical tones at the beginning, you can imagine a sense of aching sorrow, emotional instability, and a person confronting their own heart.

The contrast between the increasingly intense sound and Yumi Matsutoya’s restrained vocal delivery feels like an expression of a heart in turmoil, unable to accept the sadness of a breakup.

It conveys the anguish of being tormented by memories that resurface in ordinary, everyday moments, to the point of wishing you had never met in the first place if it would spare you these feelings.

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kappamaki

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Hello, my friendMatsutōya Yumi2rank/position

Yumi Matsutoya – Hello, my friend

This is a summer heartbreak song by Yumi Matsutoya, released in 1994, with an irresistible, uniquely nostalgic feel.

It was chosen as the theme song for the Monday 9 p.m.

drama “The Summer I Spent with You,” topped the Oricon charts, and became a million seller.

Yumi Matsutoya’s overwhelming vocal prowess shines over the laid-back track.

The lyrics, which reflect on memories of a past summer romance, are relatively few—partly because of the relaxed tempo—so each line leaves a strong impression, inviting you to savor the words slowly as you listen.

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Kanako

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Youthful RegretMatsutōya Yumi3rank/position

Yumi Matsutoya – Regret of Youth (Into the Dancing Sun)

Many of you may already know this, but “regret” is what the word “regret” means.

Regrets from our youth—did even a great artist like Yuming experience feelings that tugged at the heartstrings? Many of the songs she creates have a stylish, up-tempo vibe, yet for some reason they put you in a sentimental mood.

It’s mysterious—pay attention to the lyrics, too.

They’re said to pierce straight into the hearts of women.

This song is a one-of-a-kind expression that only she could create.

Alone in the twilightMatsutōya Yumi4rank/position

Yumi Matsutoya - Alone in the Twilight (Recording for Speaker Evaluation)

Yumi Matsutoya is a leading Japanese singer-songwriter who has been active for many years.

For women in their 50s, she might be the perfect artist.

She has many classic songs, but the one I especially recommend is “Hitori in the Twilight.” It features a vocal line that showcases her signature Yuming style, yet the melody doesn’t jump drastically up and down, so it’s relatively easy to keep pitch.

The chorus raises the voltage all at once, but the overall range isn’t that wide, so if you choose the right key, even those with lower voices should be able to sing it without difficulty.

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Ryo

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The last spring breakMatsutōya Yumi5rank/position

Saigo No Haruyasumi

A timeless masterpiece by Yumi Matsutoya that poignantly portrays a springtime parting.

Included on the album “OLIVE,” this song was released in July 1979.

With a gentle melody and a relaxed tempo, it expresses the feelings of a girl on the verge of graduation.

The work was adapted into a TBS drama, “Rouge no Dengon,” in 1991, and has since become a beloved spring classic for many.

It’s recommended for those who have experienced a farewell in spring or who wish to reflect on memories with someone dear.

Why not bask in the spring sunlight as you listen to Matsutoya’s delicate vocals?

Kanna Route 8Matsutōya Yumi6rank/position

Canna Lilies On The Loop Road No. 8 / Canna Hachigosen (2022 Ｍix)

It’s a classic powerhouse song, also included on their best-of album.

Even as it’s struck by the sadness of a broken heart, it makes you feel a reckless surge of energy—like you want to take off running, like you just want to get away somewhere.

Graduation PhotoMatsutōya Yumi7rank/position

Graduation Photo – Yumi Arai (Yumi Matsutoya) (Full)

It’s a classic graduation song! The lyrics describe spotting that special someone from your school days in town, looking just like they did in your graduation photo.

But you’ve been changed by the world and lose your nerve, unable to call out to them… the song really conveys a bittersweet feeling.