Classic and popular ballad songs recommended for high school students

HEROMr.Children

Mr.Children「HERO」［(an imitation)blood orange］Tour2013 Live

I feel like I could cry just from the opening lines.

The title is “HERO,” but it’s not about a hero who saves many people—it’s a song about wanting to be a hero for someone special.

It’s a classic that conveys quiet, thoughtful kindness.

StoryAI

AI – Story

A song released in 2005 by singer-songwriter AI that was also chosen as the theme song for the film Big Hero 6.

More than ten years have passed since its release, but AI’s powerful vocals and gentle R&B sound make it a soulful track that never feels dated no matter when you listen to it.

We againSG

We Again (Wind Ensemble ver.) – SG (Official Behind-the-Scenes Music Video)

A ballad wrapped in warm kindness, with a melody and lyrics that portray life’s important milestones and resonate deeply.

It weaves the universal themes of “farewell” and “reunion” together with everyday memories, overflowing with a gentle empathy that stays close to the listener’s heart.

SG’s expansive, expressive vocals deliver these feelings with care.

Released in April 2021, the song was also featured from November 2024 as the Calorie Mate exam-season support commercial song.

A wind ensemble version in collaboration with the Hanazono Tokuei High School Wind Orchestra has also generated buzz.

It’s a perfect track for soothing a work-weary heart or when you want a boost to keep going tomorrow.

Night sky.miwa feat. haji→

miwa feat. Hajime→ Night Sky.

It’s a love ballad featuring Hajime→, a singer-songwriter from Sendai.

The drama segment stars Kentaro Sakaguchi, Riho Takada, and Murotsuyoshi.

It’s a bittersweet love song about wanting to meet but being unable to.

Listening to this track can bring you to the verge of tears.

The poignant harmonies between the male and female vocals tighten your chest.

MetronomeYonezu Kenshi

Kenshi Yonezu – Metronome

A gemlike ballad that gently captures the subtleties of meetings and partings.

It likens the relationship of two lovers to a metronome, meticulously portraying how hearts that once beat in unison gradually fall out of sync.

Kenshi Yonezu’s delicate vocals and memorable melodic lines convey the ache of love with nothing left unsaid.

Included on the album Bremen, released in October 2015, the song also garnered attention for its distinctive music video composed of hand-drawn illustrations.

It is a track that will surely resonate deeply with anyone suffering the pain of heartbreak or struggling with growing distance from someone dear.

A Bouquet for YouUtada Hikaru

Hikaru Utada – A Bouquet for You

This song became a hot topic as the theme song for NHK’s morning drama series “Toto Nee-chan.” It’s about sending a bouquet to a beloved person, and I think just listening to it warms the heart.

Hikaru Utada’s poignant vocals and the wistful melody make it a very comforting track.

precious loveEXILE ATSUSHI

EXILE ATSUSHI / Precious Love

This is a song by EXILE’s ATSUSHI.

I think anyone in love will find parts they can relate to.

ATSUSHI’s clear voice evokes a bittersweet yet gentle feeling.

It’s a song that makes you want to cherish the person you’re with.