Masterpieces that sing of regret. Recommended popular songs.
There’s a saying that life has its ups and downs, and as long as we’re living, we’re bound to have regrets.
When that happens, what do you do to bounce back?
Many people relieve stress by exercising or traveling, but listening to music to sort out your feelings is also highly recommended.
In this article, I’d like to introduce lots of songs themed around regret!
If there’s something you just can’t help regretting, try listening to music and take the next step forward.
- Recommended songs to listen to when you feel regret: classic and popular Japanese tracks.
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- Songs to listen to when you've been betrayed. Classic hits about betrayal.
- Classic songs that sing about the past. Recommended popular tracks.
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- Masterpieces that sing about various lives. Recommended popular songs.
Masterpieces about regret: Top 10 recommended popular songs (1–10)
For me to be myselfOzaki Yutaka
It’s a song included on Yutaka Ozaki’s first album, “Seventeen’s Map,” released in 1983.
Frequently performed live, it was used as the theme song for the 1997 TV drama “Boku ga Boku de Aru Tame ni” and the 2011 TV drama “Suzuki Sensei.” Even today, it continues to be covered by many artists.
Night of Osmanthuskinoko teikoku
When night falls, you find yourself thinking about an old lover and feeling a pang of sadness… Many people have probably experienced that.
This song by the rock band Kinoko Teikoku is included on their 2018 album Time Lapse.
The drums mark a simple rhythm, and the guitars shimmer with arpeggios.
Even the sound alone conjures images of the night.
Layered on top is Chiaki Sato’s soft, translucent voice.
The way the song comes together is remarkable.
Because the music slips so easily into your head, you can’t help but start reflecting on your own past loves.
Regretsumika
This is a heartbreak song by sumika, a rock band from Kanagawa.
Released in 2014 as their indie debut single, it was later included on the album “I co Y.” The lyrics portray someone remembering an ex-lover and desperately wishing to hear their voice—even just their voice—making for a bittersweet theme.
While it’s an upbeat, guitar-driven rock number, the imagery evoked by the lyrics squeezes your heart.
It might bring back memories of when you were younger—say, a romance from your school days.
Classic songs about regret. Recommended popular tracks (11–20)
After a broken heartCHIHIRO
When you go through a heartbreak, you can’t help wondering what was wrong with you, can you? This is a song by CHIHIRO, a singer-songwriter from Fukuoka Prefecture, included on her 2019 album “Watashi no Koi wa Namida de Dekiteiru” (“My Love Is Made of Tears”).
The feelings of a heartbroken woman are expressed in down-to-earth words that pierce the heart.
Her voice is straightforward, yet even that sounds tinged with sadness.
Recommended for those who want to have a good cry and reset their feelings.
A Tiny Bit of CourageFUNKY MONKEY BABYS
It was released in 2007 as FUNKY MONKEY BABYS’ fifth single.
The song was used as the May opening theme for Nippon TV’s “Music Fighter” and as an insert song in the film “The 700 Days’ War with Our Local Police Officer.” It’s a song that teaches us the importance of having just a little bit of courage.
regretShibata Satoko
Its stylish sound and bouncy vocals will stick in your head.
It’s a song by Satoko Shibata, a singer-songwriter from Hokkaido, included on her 2017 album “Holiday of Love.” It may come across as a breezy, carefree breakup song, but reading the lyrics, you can imagine a protagonist forcing themselves to act cheerful.
That said, it isn’t exactly a sad song either; with each repeat listen, you notice something new and it keeps surprising you.
Even though, true to its title, it sings about “regret,” you might find yourself smiling and skipping as you listen on a walk.
If I can laughUrufuruzu
It was released in 2002 as Ulfuls’ 23rd single.
The song was used as the ending theme for the Yomiuri TV drama “Ginza no Koi,” in which Tortoise Matsumoto appeared, and from 2007 it was also featured in commercials for Takeda Pharmaceutical’s Alinamin series.
It’s a bright, upbeat song that lets you laugh off your regrets with an “Ahaha” and blow them away.