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.
- [No Going Back] A Love Song About Regret
- [Melancholy] For when you want to sink all the way. Masterpieces that depict various kinds of gloom.
- Masterpieces that sing of despair. Recommended popular songs.
- [Once More…] A lingering-attachment song: a song about a love you can’t forget
- A famous song about setbacks. A song that stays by your side when times are tough or you feel like giving up.
- Songs to listen to when you've been betrayed. Classic hits about betrayal.
- Classic songs that sing about the past. Recommended popular tracks.
- [Unrequited Love] Heart-wrenching Love Songs | A Roundup of Tear-Inducing Crush and Breakup Tracks
- A masterpiece that sings of loneliness. Recommended popular songs.
- Songs that hit home when you're feeling blue: masterpieces of Japanese music
- [Songs About Loving Yet Parting] Love songs for those who want to overcome heartbreak
- Masterpieces that sing about various lives. Recommended popular songs.
Masterpieces about regret: Recommended popular songs (21–30)
Lovers AgainEXILE
Released in 2007 as EXILE’s 22nd single.
The song was used in the KDDI “au × EXILE Chapter 2 Campaign” commercial and reached a total of 7 million downloads through digital distribution.
It’s a heartrending love song filled with memories of an unforgettable former lover and the regret that followed their breakup.
tobacco / cigarette(s)Koresawa
A singer-songwriter beloved for relatable, down-to-earth lyrics, Koresawa delivers a piercing song of regret.
The protagonist is portrayed desperately trying to recover the warmth of lost days from the small personal items their partner left behind.
The depictions of miscommunication—“If only I’d paid more attention to them,” “If only they had cared more about me”—will resonate painfully with anyone who has parted ways with a long-time partner.
Released in March 2017, this work is marked by its acoustic sound.
For those who feel their own shortcomings led to the breakup, this song may quietly sit with you and allow you to shed your tears.
Masterpieces that sing of regret. Recommended popular songs (31–40)
To all19
It was released in 1999 as 19’s third single.
The song was used as the TBS autumn 1999 “1999 Autumn” campaign song and reached No.
1 on the Oricon chart.
It’s an upbeat track that inspires you to take action yourself rather than live with regrets.
Silver saltKami wa saikoro o furanai
This song is characterized by its delicate portrayal of emotions.
It sings of time gone by and lost love, striking deep in the listener’s heart.
The sound stands out with prominent post-rock elements, and the dynamic shifts in the arrangement seem to mirror the ebb and flow of feelings.
Released by Kami wa Saikoro wo Furanai in October 2024, it was also chosen as the ending theme for season 6 of the anime Golden Kamuy.
It’s a perfect track for when you can’t sort out your feelings or want to linger in memories of the past.
If you surrender yourself to the dramatically unfolding melody line, it might just stay close to your heart.
Blue BenchSasuke
It was released in 2004 as Sasuke’s first single.
As their debut single, it became a talking point for its lyrics, which are very heartrending and convey deep emotions.
The song expresses the regret of not being able to say “I love you” until one’s voice is hoarse.
In 2011, it was covered by Tegomass.
sentimentalculenasm
culenasm’s latest work beautifully portrays memories and regrets from the past.
Focusing on relationships with friends and lovers, it looks back on how a single casual remark can change everything.
Its distinctive sound—memories expressed through guitar tones and regrets through roaring noise—leaves a strong impression.
Released in February 2025, the song has garnered a huge response at live shows.
The music video, shot by the members themselves on an iPhone, is also available, allowing listeners to immerse themselves even more deeply in the song’s world.
It’s a highly recommended track for the graduation season, especially for those reflecting on past relationships or seeking music that truly resonates.
It’s okay.Mayo Okamoto
It was released in 1998 as Mayo Okamoto’s seventh single.
It reached No.
10 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.
Although they’ve broken up, the feelings of wanting to hear the person’s voice again, wanting to call them, and having countless regrets resonate in the heart along with the poignant sound of the song.