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!
- [Touching the Heart] Timeless Ballad Masterpieces. A Collection of Unfading Classics and the Latest Songs [2026]
- [Touching the Heart] A Collection of Recommended Ballads for Men
- [Karaoke] Classic and Popular Ballad Songs You’ll Want to Sing at Karaoke
- Iconic songs men will want to sing! Karaoke tracks recommended for Gen Z
- [Ballads] Hidden gems of Japanese music. Songs that really hit you.
- [For when you want to cry] A ballad love song. A heartbreaking love song.
- Iconic ballads of 90s J-pop: nostalgic mega-hits and fan favorites
- A poignant ballad song. A tear-jerking masterpiece of Japanese pop music.
- A ballad that will definitely make you cry at karaoke
- Nothing but masterpieces! Love songs by male artists recommended for Gen Z
- [Deeply Moving] A Compilation of Recommended Rock Ballads That Move the Heart
- Tear-jerking songs recommended for men in their 20s: classic and popular Japanese tracks
- For men in their 30s: Heart-touching breakup songs—masterpieces that can move grown men to tears
Recommended ballads for men: classic songs about love, encouragement, and youth (11–20)
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.
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!
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.
HAPPY BIRTHDAYback number
It’s a heart-wrenching unrequited love song from a male perspective.
It’s a track by back number, a three-piece rock band from Gunma Prefecture, released in 2019 as their 20th single.
It served as the theme song for the drama “A Story to Read When You First Fall in Love.” The thick, warm vocals are striking.
Recommended for anyone who’s in love right now, regardless of gender.
Ballad of a SingerSaitō Kazuyoshi
“Utau Taï no Ballad” (The Singer’s Ballad) is a classic love song with a musician as its protagonist and one of Kazuyoshi Saito’s signature tracks.
The lyrics brim with the straightforward feelings of love penned by a clumsy singer.
From the verse where you can feel Saito’s mature vocals, to the pre-chorus that gradually builds, to the chorus overflowing with emotion—every part hits you straight in the heart.
It’s also a popular pick for karaoke, especially admired as a cool song for men to sing.
LemonYonezu Kenshi
Kenshi Yonezu has many hit songs, but among them, the ballad “Lemon” is especially popular.
It became a massive hit as the theme song for the 2018 TV drama Unnatural.
Written with the theme of “a gentle song that embraces those who are hurt,” it offers comfort to people grieving the loss of someone precious.
Although it was released in 2018, it remains a beloved ballad across generations.
Recommended ballads for men: classic songs about love, encouragement, and youth (21–30)
funny storyTani Yuuki
This song, with lyrics that blend gentleness and poignancy, is based on Tani Yuuki’s real-life experiences and expresses gratitude toward his mother.
It conveys a strong desire to overcome past mistakes and regrets and to protect the smile of someone precious.
It was released for early streaming on April 19, 2024, and is included on his first EP, HOMETOWN, released on May 8.
The profound message carried by its relaxed tempo is sure to resonate with those standing at life’s crossroads or those who struggle to express their feelings to someone important.