[Resonates with the Heart] Masterpiece Ballads with Beautiful, Poignant Lyrics
There are so many moving ballads out there, aren’t there?
Among them, we’re going to spotlight ballads with a focus on “great lyrics.”
Of course, there are many ways lyrics can be good—what kind do you like?
From songs with rich storytelling, to love songs that sing of profound affection, to gentle pieces that move you to tears, we’ll dig into the charms of ballad lyrics across many styles.
Ballads, where the power of music can be felt even more strongly, stay close to our hearts.
Be sure to find ballads with lyrics that match your own tastes!
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Moving the heart: Ballad masterpieces with great lyrics (11–20)
Snow, Moon, and Flowersyangusukinii
Have you ever had a fleeting scent suddenly awaken a long-sleeping feeling of love deep in your memory? Using an unforgettable lingering fragrance as the key, Young Skinny’s exquisite ballad vividly portrays unbreakable regrets and attachments.
By deliberately leaving out keyboards and building the arrangement around guitar and Kayu’s vocals, the stripped-back sound underscores the trembling of earnest emotions.
This track opens the EP “Bukiyō na Watashi Dakara,” released in March 2024.
In the music video, award-winning actress Suzuharu Kawashima stars, and its play-like structure drew considerable attention.
It’s a masterpiece that gently stays beside those spending sleepless nights, hearts clenched by memories of past love.
MelodyTamaki Kōji
It’s a classic released in 1996 by Koji Tamaki, one of Japan’s most iconic singers.
Although it didn’t perform strongly in single sales, it remains a highly popular ballad.
Many musicians admire Tamaki, and this “Melody” has been covered by artists like Masayuki Suzuki and Takaya Kawasaki.
The lyrics vividly evoke hometown scenery and cherished memories, reminding you of pure, straightforward feelings.
While Tamaki often uses very simple expressions, his songs convey an indescribable depth.
Give it a listen when you want to remember what truly matters.
PIECE OF MY WISHImai Miki
Released in 1991 and achieving million-seller status, this is one of Miki Imai’s signature songs.
Along with ballads like “PRIDE,” its appeal lies in the beauty of the ballad style, wrapping you in her warm vocals.
The lyrics are by Yuho Iwasato, who has worked on many of Imai’s songs.
There are times when things don’t go well or you can’t bring yourself to believe, and words don’t really sink in.
Even then, Miki Imai’s clear voice and gentle lyrics permeate your heart and give you the strength to rise up.
left-right confusionYorushika
Yorushika is a rock band that drew attention with literary songs themed around novels.
Among their tracks, “Sayumō,” released in 2022, portrays a bittersweet love story.
It features a band sound marked by lively guitar and strings.
The lyrics capture the feeling of gradually forgetting an ex-lover’s face and gestures.
It’s a ballad that stirs the heart with the poignant wish: “I hope the person I loved remembers me, even just a little.” Be sure to listen for vocalist suis’s languid, wistful tone as well.
1.15 Million Kilometers of FilmOfisharu Higedan Dism
A story of days spent with a loved one, portrayed through the relationship between a film director and a leading actress, “1,150,000-kilometer Film.” Known for their genre-defying appeal, the four-piece band Official HIGE DANDism included this track on their 2018 album Escaparade.
Its jazz-tinged band sound centered on piano pairs beautifully with vocalist Satoshi Fujihara’s supple voice.
From the moment a man and woman meet to becoming partners and building a family, the song paints a heartwarming story.
Its message—let’s experience every scene of life together—stirs the heart.
Why not listen to this tale that likens life to a movie?
Melting into the sunsetKamishiraishi Mone
Mone Kamishiraishi is a singer who’s also active as an actress in numerous films and TV dramas.
Included on her 2022 album “name” and selected as the ending theme for TBS’s “news23” is the song “Yūhi ni Tokedashite” (Melting into the Sunset).
Its warm melody line is striking, evoking a sense of hope for tomorrow.
The song beautifully reflects both the changing colors of the sky and the shifts in her own emotions, resulting in a track that gently gives you a push forward.
Let yourself be soothed by her tender vocals in this grand ballad.
[Heart-touching] Ballad masterpieces with great lyrics (21–30)
Ballad of a SingerSaitō Kazuyoshi
There are times when simple words are all the deeper.
This song by singer-songwriter Kazuyoshi Saito—who has created many classics such as “Yasashiku Naritai”—was released in 1997 as his 15th single.
It’s a popular track that has been covered by numerous well-known artists.
Saito’s unadorned vocals pair beautifully with the gentle sound arrangement—it’s truly wonderful.
And the lyrics, which pour unfiltered love toward someone precious… it’s a breathtaking ballad that draws you in.
