Classic and popular ballad songs recommended for high school students

Summer MeteorAMPTAKxCOLORS

[MV] Summer Meteor / AMPTAKxCOLORS [Amptak]

AMPTAKxCOLORS is a six-member unit formed by gaming streamers and broadcasters, also active with live streams and concerts.

Their song “Natsu no Ryūsei,” whose music video was released on YouTube on August 28, 2023, leaves a lingering impression with its delicate ensemble featuring acoustic guitar and piano.

The lyrics, depicting the sadness of summer’s end and the bonds of friendship, evoke a nostalgic, youthful atmosphere.

It’s an emotional ballad with a relaxed shuffle beat and a pleasantly buoyant rhythm.

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Hoshino Takashi

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ElfAdo

[Ado] Elf

An epic ballad portraying the loneliness and inner conflict carried by elves, beings of legend.

Written as the theme song for the drama “Peacock’s Dance, Who Saw It?”, the piece beautifully expresses the emotions of the protagonist played by Suzu Hirose.

Released digitally in January 2025, the song embodies a strong resolve to stay true to oneself, harmonizing a fantastical worldview with a powerful message.

It’s a track that deeply resonates with those who have lost sight of their path or experienced parting from someone dear.

On nights when you feel alone, or when you’re about to take a new step forward, it will surely give you a gentle push.

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.

Girl Like MeCream

CREAM – Girl Like Me (Music Video)

This is a 2017 track by CREAM, the multi-unit comprised of rapper-producer Staxx T and Hong Kong–born singer Minami.

A lot of people might know it since it was used on the hugely popular app TikTok.

It’s a laid-back yet groove-worthy ballad.

Forget-me-notGReeeeN

Forget-me-not by GReeeeN

GReeeeN’s “Wasurenagusa,” written as the ending theme for the anime AI no Idenshi, captures the feelings of coexistence between AI and humans in the story and the experience of going through many “nice to meet you” moments—sentiments that, of course, resonate among humans as well.

And doesn’t that moving, expansive chorus—so characteristic of GReeeeN’s music—bring tears to your eyes? We encounter countless first-time emotions in life, but if you feel you’ve forgotten that sense lately, this is a song you should definitely listen to.

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utatane

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CorrectRADWIMPS

RADWIMPS – The Answer [Official Music Video]

A perfect song by RADWIMPS for graduation season.

Released digitally in January 2024, this track carries a message that resonates with students.

Ever since it was performed at the live event “18 Fes,” it has been a hot topic among young people.

It features a distinctive arrangement incorporating a student choir, with a structure that ranges widely from piano accompaniment to full band sound.

It’s recommended not only for students about to graduate, but for anyone ready to take a new step in life.

Be sure to give it a listen this spring.

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.