Recommended ballads for men: classic songs about love, encouragement, and youth.
When you’ve had your heart broken, reached a turning point in life, or are struggling with something…
In times like these, many people want to listen to a touching ballad that stays close to the heart, or belt one out at karaoke, don’t they?
But even when we say “ballad,” there are all kinds: songs with lyrics about love, ones that feel like an anthem cheering on your life, and others that evoke youthful days.
The musical styles vary too—pieces featuring the beautiful tones of piano and strings, rock ballads with a full band sound, and acoustic numbers with just a guitar and voice.
In this article, we’ll introduce a selection of ballads—picked from among the many out there—that we especially recommend for men!
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Recommended ballads for men: Classic songs about love, encouragement, and youth (71–80)
Is there still anything that love can do?RADWIMPS
This song became the theme for the smash-hit animated film Weathering With You, so it’s a very well-known track across generations.
It’s a gentle ballad with beautiful piano melodies, yet it carries an incredibly strong core.
I think it resonates deeply with listeners of any age or background.
It’s the kind of song you’d want to keep as a charm for tough times—one that makes you feel you can live strongly with the teachings of that special someone in your heart.
Together forever…GLAY
When you think of ballads, many of them have bittersweet themes, don’t they? Still, there are times when you want to listen to a song that warms your heart.
That’s why I’d like to introduce “Zutto Futari de.” It was GLAY’s first ballad released as a single.
There’s also a moving backstory: the song was written by the vocalist TERU for his older sister’s wedding.
As a result, it’s a piece that celebrates the beauty of love.
Why not give it a listen on a special day, like an anniversary or a wedding?
day by dayYoshida Yamada
It’s a song by the male duo Yoshida Yamada.
It was released in 2013 as their ninth single.
The lyrics express the feelings of a couple who have been together for many years.
Both the melody and the vocals are warm and deeply moving.
It’s an emotional ballad written specifically for NHK’s music program “Minna no Uta.”
Recommended ballads for men: classic songs about love, encouragement, and youth (81–90)
Just… I want to see youEXILE
A song I’d like to recommend that speaks for the delicate feelings of a heartbroken man is EXILE’s “Tada Aitakute” (“I Just Want to See You”).
When it was released, many people were surprised by the gap from the upbeat track they had put out just before, which had left a strong impression.
Also, this song is highly recommended for appreciating the vocal prowess of ATSUSHI, the group’s lead singer.
So I think it’s best to listen to it twice: first focusing on the bittersweet lyrics, and the second time on the vocal performance.
Plus, the music video, worked on by director Hiroshi Doi, is a must-see!
Far, far awayMakihara Noriyuki
It’s a ballad by Noriyuki Makihara included on his 1992 album “Kimi wa Boku no Takaramono” (You Are My Treasure).
Although it was an album track, it became widely known after being used in a 2006 NTT East Japan commercial.
Makihara reportedly wrote the song with a friend in mind.
silentSEKAI NO OWARI
This song, which portrays a man’s bittersweet feelings toward Christmas, is performed by SEKAI NO OWARI.
Among their works, this one is exceptionally heartrending and really hits you in the heart.
The lyrics highlight how the presence of Christmas makes feelings of longing and sadness even more intense, and the contrast with the sparkling, wintry accompaniment is beautiful, making it all the more moving.
If you’re a man nursing a crush as Christmas approaches, why not belt this one out? Fukase’s vocal key is a bit high for the average male voice, so when you sing it at karaoke, it might be best to lower the key a little.
Song of a FriendBUMP OF CHICKEN
The song I want to listen to while reflecting on a friend I’m parting ways with is BUMP OF CHICKEN’s “Tomodachi no Uta” (“Song of Friends”).
The lyrics, written by Motoo Fujiwara as he thought of characters from works he loved since childhood, convey a clumsy yet warm sense of friendship, and the grand sound incorporating trumpet is sure to resonate deeply with men as well.
Released in February 2011 as their 19th single, this track moved many as the theme song for the film “Doraemon: Nobita and the New Steel Troops—Angel Wings.” It’s a song that wraps up the anxieties of a new departure and gently nudges you forward.
Even if you end up walking separate paths, it makes you believe the time you shared won’t disappear—a masterpiece filled with kindness.