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 (161–170)
forever; for good; indefinitelyGReeeeN
A ballad layered with memories of lovers and infused with vows for the future.
With a lovely melody and heartwarming lyrics, it gently portrays days spent with someone dear.
Included on GReeeeN’s album “Shio, Kosho,” it has captured many hearts since its release in June 2009.
Focusing on the happiness found in everyday life, it tells a story of pledging eternal love through cherished photographs, and is also beloved as wedding background music.
Embracing the feelings of those in love and brimming with hope for the future, this work is recommended for moments when you want to reaffirm the bond with someone special.
Be the soil that makes flowers bloom, rather than the flowers themselves.berii guddoman
A heartwarming message song that sings the value of those who support others and work hard behind the scenes.
Rather than glamorizing the people who shine on center stage, it brilliantly captures the spirit of those who keep supporting from the shadows.
Its lively sound—melding pop and R&B—stands out alongside a melodic progression.
Written by the three members of Beverly Goodman for broadcast on NHK’s “Minna no Uta” starting in December 2024, the song’s powerful energy and warm vocals resonate with everyone facing life head-on.
It’s a track meant for those who worry about going unnoticed at school or work, and for those who keep dedicating themselves to someone else.
snow moonYamada Ryosuke
A winter mid-tempo ballad that captivatingly conveys a sweet yet bittersweet love story woven into a snowy landscape, expressed through a delicate singing voice.
Set for release in February 2025, this track will also be included on the album “RED.” With vivid, wintry imagery, it delivers sincere affection for a cherished person, carried by a clear and beautiful vocal.
It’s a wonderful song that gently keeps you company on winter nights when you’re thinking of someone you love or during quiet moments spent reminiscing about precious memories.
SymphonyHirai Dai
A song by Dai Hirai that powerfully sings of feelings for a loved one, as if telling a hero’s story of life.
Like the heroes we all admired, the determination to grow stronger for the sake of someone you must protect strikes a chord.
Produced in April 2023 as the theme song for the live-action film “TOKYO MER: Mobile Emergency Room — The Movie,” it beautifully blends Hirai’s gentle, warm vocals with the grandeur of an orchestral sound.
The lyrics, linked to the film’s worldview, are sure to gently encourage everyone striving for the sake of someone dear.
Filled with love, Hirai’s voice makes this a song you’ll want to hear when your feelings for family, a partner, friends, or anyone special grow strong.
Prayer FlowerHirai Dai
A warm and gentle song that tenderly embraces gratitude and prayers for a loved one.
This piece is included on Dai Hirai’s debut mini-album “ALOHA,” released in October 2011 during his indie days.
Its soothing sound—woven from acoustic tones and Hawaiian flavors—gently wraps around the sorrow and loneliness in your heart.
It’s the perfect track for those who want to lighten the mood at karaoke or convey their feelings to someone special.
Can I try saying “I love you”?Matsushita Kohei
You can feel the joy of pouring feelings of love into a song through Kohei Matsushita’s clear, transparent voice.
Anyone can see their own experiences reflected in the protagonist, who musters the courage to tell their lover “I love you.” The gentle melody and acoustic guitar tones feel like a warm conversation between two people in love.
Released in November 2024, this piece was written and composed by Takahito Uchisawa of androp.
While honoring the R&B roots of Matsushita, it takes shape as a simple, heartfelt love song.
It’s a track that beautifully balances the importance of expressing your feelings to someone dear and the wish to walk into the future together.
I won’t fall in love anymore.Makihara Noriyuki
A gem-like ballad that delicately portrays the pain of heartbreak and the hope of taking a new step forward.
Noriyuki Makihara’s gentle vocals tenderly envelop the protagonist’s complex feelings as they struggle to accept a breakup with their lover.
While carefully depicting the loneliness and confusion felt in everyday life, it also resonates with the positive resolve hidden behind the words “I won’t fall in love anymore.” Released in May 1992, the song was used as the theme for the drama “After the Children Are Asleep,” reaching No.
2 on the weekly Oricon chart and No.
7 for the year.
It’s a song that stands as emotional support, accompanying you through the healing process of a broken heart.