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 (81–90)
YC&K
It’s a song that’s popular as a real tearjerker and one of C&K’s signature tracks.
What especially grabs your ear is CLIEVY’s so-called super high-tone voice.
Until you see them performing, some people might even think there’s a female vocalist in the group! Even just the gentle accompaniment and the duo’s beautiful harmonies are enough to move you, but the lyrics are what really deserve attention.
They depict an unbearably sad story in which the man’s beloved woman passes away.
The pain and helplessness are beyond what one can even imagine, yet as you listen, you can feel the depth of his feelings for her, and it’s truly heart-rending.
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.
C.h.a.o.s.m.y.t.h.ONE OK ROCK
This is a stirring rock number by ONE OK ROCK that portrays the fiery bonds between friends charging toward their dreams.
While looking back on the youthful days they spent together, it vows that each will shine on the path they’ve chosen, powerfully pushing listeners forward.
Even if they grow apart, the memories in their hearts remain unfading treasures—an encouraging message that gives courage.
Included on the October 2011 album “Zankyo Reference,” this song is perfect to listen to while cheering on friends as they leap into a new world and salute each other’s efforts.
As an anthem that blows away anxiety and loneliness and helps you face forward, it’s definitely worth checking out!
Youth and a momentmakaroni enpitsu
This song by Macaroni Enpitsu—a rock band whose members all graduated from music college—is a high-energy number that rides on a driving sound to capture the fragility of youth and the brilliance of a fleeting moment.
Because time never comes back, the message urging us to love even the seemingly dull everyday carries a passionate cheer for young people.
Even if you make tons of mistakes, as long as you move forward as yourself, that sense of affirmation will give you a push.
Released digitally in March 2019 and later included on the mini-album “season,” the track was written for a McDonald’s commercial.
It’s a song especially worth hearing for men facing the sadness of parting from friends at graduation and the anxiety of leaping into the unknown.
Throw your arm around a friend and sing it together—you’ll feel the courage that any future can be rolled forward.
Baby, I love youTEE
It’s a classic wedding song, sung by TEE, a singer-songwriter from Hiroshima City in Hiroshima Prefecture.
Released as his second single in 2010, it became a long-running hit.
It’s also one of his signature songs, covered by many famous artists.
Magic CarpetKawasaki Takaya
A signature song by singer-songwriter Takaya Kawasaki, known for his charming husky voice.
After going viral on TikTok, it drew attention across various streaming services.
The lyrics convey straightforward love for someone important, and many listeners likely felt a sense of sincerity.
Rather than a melody line that keeps pushing the energy higher throughout, it maintains a calm atmosphere—so try singing it with emotional engagement.
It’s especially recommended for men with lower voices.
Recommended ballads for men: classic songs about love, encouragement, and youth (91–100)
Family SongHoshino Gen
Gen Hoshino, who sparked a huge craze with the theme song “Koi” for the hit drama We Married as a Job!, is back with another success.
Released as the theme song for the 2017 drama Overprotected Kahoko, this track is a hit as a ballad that sings about the importance of family.
His simple, warm voice fits perfectly with songs themed around family.