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)
WeddingOnda Masanori
“Wedding” portrays a straightforward love for a lifelong partner.
It went viral on TikTok and brought his name into the spotlight.
The song depicts two people overcoming various hardships to pledge their love.
The band sound, infused with beautiful synth tones, conveys a sense of pure emotion.
Carried by his gently intimate vocals, it’s a track that delivers honest feelings that are hard to express in everyday life.
Listen to it while thinking of that special person who’s always by your side.
I LOVE…Ofisharu Higedan Dism
A song that delicately portrays the feelings of a protagonist who struggles to convey their love to someone dear.
Released in February 2020 as the theme song for the TBS drama “Love Lasts Forever” (Koi wa Tsuzuku yo Doko Made mo).
It features Official HIGE DANDism’s signature polished sound and emotionally rich vocals in perfect harmony, gently embracing not only romantic love but also friendship, familial love, and every form of affection.
For this piece, it’s recommended to sing with a gentle, warm tone while valuing emotional expression.
By infusing the performance with the frustration of not being able to fully express one’s feelings and the pure affection for the other person, it will surely resonate with listeners.
Snow SmileBUMP OF CHICKEN
A heartwarming love story portrayed through the chill of winter.
Released by BUMP OF CHICKEN in December 2002, this song gently yet poignantly depicts a couple’s relationship against a snowy backdrop.
It uses the cold of winter as a pretext for the two to draw closer, expressing their bond through differences in stride and the rhythm of their footsteps.
The delicate emotions woven into the winter scenery resonate quietly with listeners.
Since its release, it has remained a beloved staple of the winter season.
It’s a recommended track when you want to etch the bittersweetness of love and winter landscapes into your heart, or when you feel like immersing yourself in memories with someone special.
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.
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.
Sake, Tears, Men, and WomenKawashima Eigo
This is a socially conscious masterpiece that portrays the subtle miscommunications between men and women and the nuances of emotional expression with deep insight.
It warmly observes how men open up through drinking and women through tears, each revealing their inner feelings.
Born from impressions Eigo Kawashima had at age 18 during a family memorial gathering, the song was included on the November 1975 album “Jinrui” (Humanity) and released as a single in June 1976.
Also known as the jingle for the sake brand Kizakura, it became a major hit, reaching No.
9 on the Oricon weekly chart.
It is a gem I recommend to anyone who wants to face their heart honestly when confronted with life’s sorrow and poignancy.
CheersNagabuchi Tsuyoshi
This is a renowned song that has continued to resonate with many as an anthem celebrating life’s new beginnings.
Originally released in September 1980 on the album “Kampai,” it vividly depicts a celebratory scene lit by candlelight and carries a warm message of encouragement for a friend taking their first step forward.
Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi’s powerful vocals deliver hope and courage for the future.
In 1988, it was re-recorded and released as a single, becoming a major hit that reached No.
1 on the Oricon charts.
In the early 1990s, it was also featured in commercials for Kirin Lager Beer, further boosting its recognition.
To this day, it remains a timeless song passed down through the years, often chosen to convey heartfelt feelings to loved ones at important milestones in life, such as weddings and graduation ceremonies.