[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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[Resonates with the Heart] Ballad Masterpieces with Great Lyrics (41–50)
GlideMyuk
In the unchanging routine of everyday life, have you ever felt anxious about whether you’re really moving forward? Myuk’s song “Glide” is a number that stays close to those wavering feelings while urging you to keep taking one step at a time.
The arrangement, which starts with piano and gradually layers in a band sound, carries a rock edge yet wraps you in a gentle warmth.
Listen closely and let it fuel you for tomorrow.
It was the ending theme for the TV anime “Shūmatsu Touring” (Endo of the World Touring).
globeYonezu Kenshi
Kenshi Yonezu is a singer-songwriter whose immense presence has been indispensable to any discussion of J-POP since 2010.
Released in July 2023 as his 14th single, this song was written over the course of four years as the theme for Studio Ghibli’s film The Boy and the Heron (original title: How Do You Live?).
From the beginning of life to the profound sense of loss in parting from someone dear, its lyrics evoke an epic journey, reflecting a vision of hope that looks beyond sorrow toward the future.
It is a moving number that stays close to hearts sunk in the pain of despair and gives the strength to walk forward once again.
OrangeSMAP
It’s one of those classic ballads you want to hear in autumn, with a poignant yet warm piano melody that brings twilight scenery vividly to mind and gently soaks into the heart.
SMAP has many great songs, but this is one that many people might single out as especially special.
It depicts a breakup scene with a lover, yet its appeal lies in the fact that it’s not merely sad.
Concluding the farewell by deliberately replacing parting words with words of gratitude conveys a deep affection for the days they spent together and makes your heart swell.
There’s also a well-known story that the lyrics were changed at Takuya Kimura’s suggestion during the August 2000 recording.
Although it was a B-side to the single “Lion Heart,” its popularity earned it a place on their best-of album—a true gem of a ballad.
heart notesSuzuki Airi
A heartrending ballad that captures the irreplaceable beauty of everyday life that seems to last forever.
Performed by Airi Suzuki, who has flourished as a solo artist after her time in Hello! Project, the song was released digitally in December 2022.
It was selected as the ending theme for the special theatrical edition Kaguya-sama: Love Is War -The First Kiss That Never Ends-, released on CD in March 2023, and later included on the album 28/29.
The evolving feelings of two people who can’t quite be honest with each other are traced like entries in a notebook, expressed through meg rock’s poetic lyrics and Katsuhiko Sugiyama’s beautiful string arrangement.
A perfect listen for when you want to reevaluate your relationship with someone important.
A New StorySuzuki Emiko
A pure-love ballad by Emiko Suzuki that delicately portrays the special brilliance hidden in everyday life.
Listening to it makes you realize that the days of laughing and crying on repeat are, in fact, an irreplaceable story.
Released in advance in February 2022 as the lead track from the album “5 senses,” it drew attention for its tie-in with a bridal jewelry brand on TV Asahi’s “Promercial.” It’s a piece we hope you’ll listen to if you’re feeling the desire to cherish the time you spend with your partner anew.
Love is litrokudenashi
Rokudenashi is a music project formed by carrot-san, a new star vocalist who rose to fame on TikTok, and a talented Vocaloid producer.
Carrot-san is a mysterious singer who keeps their face hidden.
If you’ve been feeling emotionally worn out lately, I recommend the song “Ai ga Tomoru” (“Love Lights Up”).
Its lyrics, written like a monologue with the theme “Even if the hard days continue, I want to keep going, believing in the love I’ll meet tomorrow,” are outstanding—you’ll find them encouraging just to read.
The simple piano-only accompaniment makes it perfect for healing, too!
crepuscular raysChevon
Chevon is a rock band known for their literary lyrics.
This song of theirs is a hopeful ballad that gently brings light to the darkness of the heart.
It voices an earnest wish to notice someone’s pain and reach out a hand to them.
Paired with an emotionally unfolding sound, it’s the kind of piece that brings tears to your eyes.
Released in May 2023, this track became a key song leading into the following year’s album, Chevon.
If you’re suffering under a deep sense of stagnation, it’s sure to warm your heart.