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 (101–110)
canaryYonezu Kenshi
Kenshi Yonezu’s songs come in a variety of styles and carry different messages, but this track is imbued with a stronger message than any of his previous works, and it’s truly moving.
The first thing you feel when you read the lyrics is the bond between two people deeply in love, and the lines that say “no matter how things change, I will keep loving you” are sure to strike a chord.
Plus, the melody line and accompaniment are beautiful, so it’s a song that feels great to belt out at karaoke.
Ah, geez.Saucy Dog
This is a song by Saucy Dog, captivating for its light, straightforward sound and vocals that seem to express emotions honestly.
It was also chosen as the theme song for the drama “Dekinai Futari.” The lyrics vividly depict the common hesitation to take that first step when in love, leaving a strong impression and likely offering many relatable moments.
Alongside the pain and regret of heartbreak, the song also candidly conveys dissatisfaction about not being the one chosen.
cherry blossomKawaguchi Kyogo
You may have heard the phrase, “True happiness is when the people you care about are happy,” and this is a song I want men who resonate with that sentiment to hear.
There are many songs with “Sakura” in the title, but this one stands out for its exceptionally beautiful sound and lyrics.
In particular, Kyogo Kawaguchi’s gorgeous high-tone voice feels purifying just to listen to.
As for the lyrics, the opening message—“I’ll stay by your side and make you smile”—may be the ultimate love song that reaches the heart without ever using the words “I love you.”
I was looking at the moon.Yonezu Kenshi
Kenshi Yonezu, the singer-songwriter whose 2018 release “Lemon” was a huge hit.
His 2023 release “Tsuki wo Miteita” (“I Saw the Moon”) opens with a very striking, emotional intro featuring only soft vocals and piano.
The highlight is when the chorus arrives: the strings come in all at once, and his singing shifts to a more powerful tone.
Another must-hear moment is the development right after the chorus, where it pares back to just strings and piano.
Overall, there are many sections where you can enjoy the harmony between the piano and the other parts, so be sure to listen with that in mind!
Why did I end up falling in love with you?Tōhōshinki
How Could I Fall in Love with You? is a ballad whose poignant yet beautiful harmonies are its greatest allure.
In this song from Tohoshinki (TVXQ), the inner feelings of a man who holds a pure yet powerful love are portrayed with both delicacy and dynamism.
It stands beside every man who has experienced an unforgettable love and invites deep empathy.
With lyrics that bare the heart, it’s something anyone who has known heartbreak can relate to.
While wishing happiness for another, uncontrollable emotions overflow—expressed through Tohoshinki’s finely nuanced performance.
Recommended for moments when you want to lay your emotions bare or listen to a searingly passionate ballad.
Recommended ballads for men: Classic songs about love, encouragement, and youth (111–120)
rainbowSuda Masaki
This is a love ballad sung by Masaki Suda, which served as the theme song for the 2020 film STAND BY ME Doraemon 2.
The lyrics, which portray eternal love, perfectly match the movie’s story about Nobita and Shizuka’s marriage.
For men who are already married or have decided to spend the rest of their lives with someone, this song is sure to bring tears.
It’s a song you’ll want to belt out while thinking of your special someone.
SubtitleOfisharu Higedan Dism
Official HIGE DANDism, a four-piece piano pop band that has achieved nationwide popularity with songs born from their “do what we want to do” approach, offers a wide range of musical styles.
Their eighth digital-only single, Subtitle—written as the theme song for the TV drama silent—features an arrangement that develops dramatically and really stirs the heart.
The lyrics tell a story of searching for the right words to say to someone you love—an experience many men can surely relate to.
While the wide vocal range makes it challenging, it’s incredibly satisfying to sing, so it’s a ballad I highly recommend trying at karaoke.
