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 (11–20)
KanadeSukima Suichi
This song, which sings about a long-distance romance between a couple bound by strong love and ties, is one of Sukima Switch’s signature tracks! It’s hugely popular as a ballad, of course, and remains a timeless favorite at karaoke.
If you only listen to the chorus, it can sound like a song about parting or heartbreak, but when you read all the lyrics, it actually portrays a couple who stay emotionally connected even while apart.
Takuya Ohashi’s smooth vocals and the wonderful lyrics make it a deeply moving piece.
To meEXILE
This work stands out for its introspective lyrics, written like a letter to oneself.
It’s a mid-tempo ballad wrapped in a warm, piano-centered sound, and the more you listen, the more ATSUSHI’s gentle yet powerful vocals resonate deep in your heart.
Even as it questions, “Will I be able to love someone again?”—a message addressed to a self made timid by love—it chooses once more to embrace love, which is truly beautiful.
Included on the ballad best album EXILE BALLAD BEST released in December 2008, it was used as the theme song for the film The Triumphant Return of General Rouge and as a corporate CM song for Pfizer.
It’s a song you’ll want to listen to on nights when you wish to face yourself slowly, or when you’re feeling lost.
budKobukuro
When you think of male ballads, doesn’t Kobukuro come to mind first? The lyrics can be interpreted as walking through life while believing that happiness will come someday, like a bud that will one day bloom into a flower… It’s a universal anthem that cheers on anyone in life.
A ballad that gives courage to its listeners, amplified by Kobukuro’s moving harmonies.
It was also used as the theme for the Fuji TV drama “Tokyo Tower: Mom and Me, and Sometimes Dad.” The music video, edited entirely in sepia tones, is a must-see—check it out if you get the chance!
A melody instead of a bouquetShimizu Shota
Isn’t this exactly what true love is? This is a song by Shota Shimizu, a singer-songwriter known for his sweet vocals and music that conveys honest, heartfelt emotion.
It was released in 2015 as his 20th single and drew attention as the theme song for the drama “Designer Baby.” The lyrics are filled with the most heartfelt message of love to someone precious.
It’s a beloved Japanese love ballad that’s also very popular as a wedding song.
Wherever you areONE OK ROCK
When this song starts, the concert venue—buzzing with excitement—falls completely silent, as if water had been poured over it.
It’s ONE OK ROCK’s heartfelt ballad.
With roughly half the lyrics in English, the song strikes listeners right in the heart.
Its lyrical world—meeting someone you can truly love, falling in love, nurturing that love together, and vowing to always stay by their side—speaks of the eternity of love in a way that resonates worldwide.
I think the many English comments lined up on video sites show how this song’s appeal reaches people around the globe.
It’s a ballad that, when sung at karaoke, can truly move you.
road; way; path; street; route; Tao (in philosophy)EXILE
A timeless ballad that continues to be loved across generations as a classic graduation-season song.
The lyrics, depicting the bittersweet feeling of setting out and the hope for the future, resonate deeply alongside the beautiful tones of piano and strings.
Released in February 2007 as the 23rd single, it is also included on the album EXILE EVOLUTION.
In addition to being featured in a music.jp commercial and as the opening theme for MUSIC FIGHTER, it also inspired a TV drama.
Furthermore, in February 2007 it achieved the remarkable feat of becoming the 1,000th number-one song in Oricon history.
It’s a track that gives courage not only to students embarking on a new chapter, but to anyone stepping into a new environment.
Recommended ballads for men: classic songs about love, encouragement, and youth (21–30)
M&AEXILE
This is the closing track of the million-selling album “EXILE ENTERTAINMENT,” released in December 2003.
Known for being written and composed by SHUN and ATSUSHI themselves, it’s one of the ballads that symbolize the group’s First Chapter era.
The lyrics express a strong resolve and a vow of love to protect a precious person for life.
Warm, celebratory-sounding production layered with the two singers’ beautiful harmonies makes it a song that naturally fills you with tenderness just by listening.
Among fans, it has long been cherished as a wedding staple.
It’s a gem of a track that we highly recommend to anyone beginning a life with their partner or seeking a pure love song that resonates deeply in the heart.