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)
It’s nothing.makaroni enpitsu
This is a song by Macaroni Enpitsu with a captivating development that conveys emotional shifts and a sense of story.
It begins with only the sound of piano, gradually adding instruments, and it’s striking how it transforms into a grand sound in the chorus and interlude sections.
The lyrics portray someone lacking confidence and wondering whether they’re worthy of the other person, yet they progress toward a growing, tender love.
Another appeal of the song is how it expresses indescribable happiness and cherished feelings in a straightforward way.
Another OrionFujii Fumiya
Another Orion, a famous song by Fumiya Fujii released in 1996.
It became a huge hit, reaching No.
1 on the Oricon charts for the first time in three years since TRUE LOVE.
It’s a relaxed love ballad that evokes an image of a night sky illuminated by the constellation Orion.
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.”
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.
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.
BetelgeuseYuuri
This song by singer-songwriter Yuuri features a powerful vocal delivery—like raw, heightened emotions hurled straight ahead—and an expansive sound that’s deeply appealing.
It was also selected as the theme for the drama “SUPER RICH,” echoing the show’s emphasis on the importance of human connection.
While cherishing and looking back on memories the two shared—memories that weren’t only filled with joy—the song expresses a bond that will continue into the future.
It leaves the impression of someone who truly feels the happiness of having a person to move forward with, supporting each other along the way.
Recommended ballads for men: classic songs about love, encouragement, and youth (91–100)
Song of the Eternal NightKami wa saikoro o furanai
Yonaga-uta, a song that is becoming one of the signature tracks of Kami wa Saikoro wo Furanai.
Although it was released in 2019, it gained attention on social media in 2020 and rapidly rose in popularity as a ballad.
Many listeners likely find themselves overlaying their own experiences and feelings onto this bittersweet song about an unforgettable lover.
“So this is how painful a love with no way out can be…”—that’s how it makes you feel when you listen.
It’s a tear-jerking masterpiece we hope those who’ve had their hearts broken, or who are in a love that cannot be, will hear.
