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 (1–10)
HOWEVERGLAY

It’s a classic ballad that represents the 1990s and one of GLAY’s signature songs.
If you were listening to it in real time back then, you’ve probably sung it at least once.
The lyrics, which straightforwardly express sincere feelings for someone, are captivating and have surely moved many listeners over the years.
It might be a bit challenging to sing at karaoke, but it’s still a song you can’t help wanting to sing.
The melody in the chorus feels wonderful, so definitely give it a try.
Time ParadoxVaundy

This song, with lyrics that strikingly portray the value of encounters and the time spent together, was released on January 7, 2024, and was chosen as the theme song for Doraemon the Movie: Nobita’s Earth Symphony.
It sings of hope for the future and warm wishes for the other person, and listening to it leaves your heart deeply moved.
It’s also been a hot topic that Vaundy himself even handled the jacket design.
How about listening to this song with someone important to you? It will surely give you a chance to talk about your future together.
To you, who looks good with a bouquetneguse.

This song, which captures lingering feelings of love spun by Neguse, is a ballad characterized by down-to-earth lyrics and a happy, pop-tinged melody.
It speaks of lost love and memories, as well as the feelings that remain, resulting in a warm piece that gently stays close to the listener’s heart.
Released on October 13, 2021, the track has been highly popular among fans, and a new version with extensive string arrangements was also released in January 2024.
It’s a song that will quietly be by your side when you’re heartbroken or facing a turning point in life—when you feel as if there’s a hole in your heart.
Recommended ballads for men: classic songs about love, encouragement, and youth (11–20)
I like that kind of thing.wacci

wacci’s new heartbreak song is causing a big stir online.
The lyrics penned by vocalist Hashiguchi vividly portray the inner conflict of being with someone you love, written in a way anyone can relate to.
Released digitally on April 24, 2024, the track poignantly captures the feelings of a woman troubled by a convenient, one-sided relationship.
The music video stars Airi Matsui and lyrically depicts the emotional disconnect between a man and a woman against the backdrop of Tokyo.
It’s the perfect song for anyone struggling with love or wrestling with complex emotions.
SoranjiMrs. GREEN APPLE

Characterized by its mystical strings and choral elements, this song is a ballad Mrs.
GREEN APPLE created as the theme for the film “From Lageri with Love.” The lyrics delve deeply into the preciousness of life and the value of living, gently resonating with us listeners.
Emphasizing the importance of maintaining the courage to move forward even in the face of hardship or setbacks, it carries a reassuring message that helps us rediscover the worth of those often-overlooked moments and bonds in everyday life.
Released on July 4, 2023, this is a standout ballad you’ll want to listen to when you’re troubled or anxious.
It’s a wonderful song that makes you cherish the path you’ve taken, the road ahead, and the present moment.
MelodyTamaki Kōji

Many of you might be looking for a ballad when you’re struggling with something or when things aren’t going well.
In that case, I’d like to introduce “Melody.” The song is performed by Koji Tamaki.
Koji Tamaki is, as everyone knows, a major star, but it’s said he also went through periods when he felt stuck in life.
This song gives voice to the emotions he felt during those difficult times.
Rather than pushing you with forced encouragement, it gently supports you, like a song that softly nudges you forward.
YoursSuda Masaki

I’d like to introduce “Yours” as a song that makes you feel lighter when you’re troubled.
It’s a track Masaki Suda wrote specifically as the theme song for the drama “A Year Later, I Was ■ by My Student.” Set to gentle piano tones, the lyrics portray facing your true self and the healing of emotional wounds.
Since it doesn’t require many high notes, it’s a song that’s easy for anyone to sing.
At the same time, the chorus is arranged to build up nicely.



