[Touching the Heart] Timeless Ballad Masterpieces. A Collection of Unfading Classics and the Latest Songs [2026]
Ballads that are always close to our hearts and soothe our souls.
I’m sure you have a favorite song of your own.
But there are times when you think, “I want to discover ballads I’ve never heard before!”
In this article, we’ll introduce a wealth of moving, must-hear ballad classics just for you.
We’ve picked not only timeless masterpieces that have been sung for years, but also the latest tracks from today’s popular artists, so be sure to find a new favorite.
Listen to lots of beautiful ballads and let your heart be healed.
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[Heart-Touching] Classic Ballad Masterpieces: Timeless Hits and the Latest Tracks [2026] (301–310)
Can I call it magic?Hirai Ken
This is a beloved ballad with a gentle aura by the popular artist Ken Hirai, who has been active as a singer-songwriter since 1995.
Released in 2016, it’s a beautiful song where Hirai’s poignant, husky high tones resonate over a simple accompaniment.
The real charm of this track lies in its lyrics.
Written to a cherished partner, the section describing “ways to make you smile” conjures the image of a loving couple and warms the heart.
In the latter half, it carries a message of continuing life together from here on, making it a perfect recommendation as wedding BGM.
BuddyHirai Dai
A digital-only single by Dai Hirai, released on May 31, 2021.
It came out as the fourth installment in a series that released new songs every three weeks.
It’s a stylishly arranged love song, and with Hirai’s soft, expressive vocals laid over the sound, it becomes a superb pop ballad.
The lyrics express love in a straightforward way without any gimmicks, which I think boosts the song’s likability and listeners’ sense of connection.
It’s an exquisite pop ballad!
Stand by me, Stand by you.Hirai Dai
“Stand by me, Stand by you.” — popular on platforms like TikTok — is singer Dai Hirai’s 10th digital single, released in 2020.
In 2021, it was featured in a new web commercial for the wedding information site Mynavi Wedding.
The song has surpassed 100 million streams, and its lyric video on YouTube has garnered over 40 million views.
With lyrics that celebrate the miracle of meeting you, it’s a very happy ballad—perfect for weddings!
Something I’ve always wantedHirai Dai
It’s a warm, gentle song overflowing with charm, sung with heartfelt emotion by Dai Hirai.
It reminds us of what truly matters beyond material desires.
The lyrics capture the small miracles in everyday life and the beauty of the bonds with the person beside us.
The very simple melody and arrangement make the message stand out even more.
Dai Hirai’s voice has a mysterious power to bring peace to the listener’s heart.
It’s a recommended track when you want to heal a tired heart or remember your gratitude for someone important.
It might be nice to listen to it with family or a loved one.
SparkleIkuta Rira
“Sparkle” is a solo number by Lila Ikuta, who also shines as the vocalist of YOASOBI, portraying a bittersweet love that ended unfulfilled.
Released digitally in 2022, the song was chosen as the theme for the ABEMA romance reality series “Kyou, Suki ni Narimashita: Mikan Arc, Graduation Arc 2022.” Its striking melody evokes the twinkling of stars, perfectly reflecting the title “Sparkle.” Like a star that flashes and falls, the love that grew so big still came to an end without being realized.
Why not let this poignant love ballad resonate with the heartache you carry in your own love?
lensIkuta Rira
Rira Ikuta is the solo stage name used by ikura, the vocalist of YOASOBI, and this song was released in 2022.
It’s a track where her signature, crystal-clear voice resonates strikingly.
It was also the theme song for the drama “Is Sustainable Love Possible? ~A Father and Daughter’s Marriage March~,” so many people may have heard it on TV.
As the title “Lens” suggests, cameras and photography appear prominently in the lyrics, depicting the overflowing feelings of love held by a woman in unrequited love.
Savoring youthIkuta Rira feat. ano
This song, a collaboration between Rira Ikuta and ano, was released on March 20, 2024.
It drew attention for being selected as the theme song for the latter chapter of the film Dead Dead Demon’s Dededede Destruction.
Rira Ikuta’s clear vocals and ano’s unique style blend beautifully, vividly portraying the conflicts and instability of youth.
Even while feeling frustration and disappointment, their stance of supporting each other and facing forward is striking.
Why not give it a listen when you want to find small glimmers in everyday life or feel like overcoming difficulties together with someone?