Classic and popular ballad songs recommended for high school students

ContrastTOMOO

TOMOO – Contrast [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

Woven together with a simple piano tone, this moving song showcases TOMOO’s delicate emotional expression.

It carefully depicts the uniquely adolescent swings of feeling, vividly portraying the interplay of conflicting emotions.

With an intimacy akin to reading a diary, it gently traces the subtleties of a heart in love.

Released in January 2024 and chosen as the ending theme for cour 2 of the TV anime Ao no Hako, the track aligns beautifully with the anime’s world, adding depth to the story.

It’s a recommended listen for those who want to empathize with the feeling of being in love or sink into memories of their youth.

more than anyoneBE:FIRST

BE:FIRST / Stronger Than Anyone -Lyric Video- (Theme song for the film “Hold Me Tighter Than Anyone”)

A poignant longing wrapped in kindness strikes the heart in this ballad by BE:FIRST.

While yearning for closeness with a loved one, the vivid lyrics portray a man’s struggle to keep his distance because of mental illness, along with the feelings that remain unchanged.

The richly expressive vocals of all the members and the melody beautifully color the story’s world.

Included on the single “Spacecraft / Sailing,” released on February 5, 2025, the song was also selected as the theme for the film “Hold Me Tighter Than Anyone,” which premiered that February.

This piece invites deep reflection on the meaning of continuing to care for someone important and on human connection.

It is recommended for those wrestling with feelings for someone they love, or for anyone seeking a touching ballad that resonates with the heart.

Unrequited loveSUPER BEAVER

SUPER BEAVER “Unrequited Love” MV

SUPER BEAVER’s in-show song for NHK’s late-night drama “Vanilla na Mainichi” delivers a powerful rendition of aching, unrequited love that truly stirs the heart.

It’s a gem of a ballad where a melody that gently cradles a faint yearning blends beautifully with subtly warm lyrics.

First released digitally on March 7, 2025, and included on the single “Kataomoi / Namida no Shoutai,” out March 12, the track enriches the drama’s world alongside its main theme, “Namida no Shoutai.” With tender, emotional soundscapes and the band’s signature straightforward message, this heartwarming song keeps you company in those quiet moments when you secretly think of someone you love.

OLDROSEAqua Timez

『BLEACH』× Aqua Timez『OLDROSE』 | JUMP MV

This is a gem of a number that sings about human connections and the meaning of life.

Created by Aqua Timez, the piece was written specifically for the anime BLEACH.

For the band—who have four previous tie-ins with the series, from “Sen no Yoru wo Koete” to “MASK”—this marks their fifth collaboration.

Their signature emotional vocals blend beautifully with melodic instrumentation.

While closely aligning with the anime’s world, the song delivers a universal message that anyone can relate to.

Highly recommended for anyone seeking music that resonates with the heart.

May it be filled with kindnessJUJU

JUJU 'So That It Overflows with Kindness'

Released in 2009 as the ninth single, it was used widely in the media, including as the CM song for “MTV meetalk with NEW NISSAN cube.” It also became well-known to many people after the popular group Flower covered it.

Highly regarded among musicians, it has been covered by many artists, including Hideaki Tokunaga.

planetariumOtsuka Ai

Planetarium – Ai Otsuka (Full)

When you think of ballads, you picture a bittersweet, aching love, right? This song fits that image perfectly.

Both the melody and the lyrics are beautiful, with a fresh, innocent feel.

It’s the quintessential ballad—great whether you’re just listening or singing along.

SakuraCrystal Kay

Sakura

As her first single of 2016, Crystal Kay released her very first “sakura song.” The track portrays the tender, bittersweet romance between a high school boy and girl on the brink of graduation.

Its wistful, gentle melody slowly resonates in the listener’s heart.