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 (21–30)
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.
the red threadKobukuro
Just hearing the phrase “red thread” evokes a sense of drama, doesn’t it? There’s a legend—originating in China and not so familiar in the West—that people destined to meet someday are connected by a red thread.
This Kobukuro song is based on that very legend, and among their many ballads, it’s one I especially recommend.
The theme—two people who meet in childhood, part ways, and reunite—also brings to mind the fate bound by the red thread.
It was also used in a Nippon Life commercial.
rendezvousshaitoopu
The rock band Shytoupe, which shot to fame after going viral on social media, has become a standout act.
Their song “Rendezvous” voices the feelings of a man who’s gone through a breakup.
With deft word choice, it portrays the hollow state he’s left in after parting from a deeply loved partner and the way traces of their time together gradually disappear from his surroundings.
Men fresh from a breakup might find themselves moved to tears by how relatable it is.
The melody line, which somehow feels soothing even as it stirs up a poignant sadness, is equally captivating.
I LOVE YOUOzaki Yutaka
A masterpiece among love ballads and one of Yutaka Ozaki’s signature songs.
Although it was released in 1983, it’s been used in commercials and covered by various artists, so many younger people know it as well.
Needless to say, this song is a tear-jerking, classic ballad, but it’s also highly recommended for men to sing at karaoke.
In addition to being in a comfortable key for the average male singer, the range from the lowest to the highest note isn’t very wide, making it a song you can sing pleasantly.
About meMrs. GREEN APPLE
A daily life where hard times and happy moments quietly repeat.
There must be people who are tired of the same routine every day.
But this is a rock ballad that sings about how that very everyday life is wonderful.
It’s a song by Mrs.
GREEN APPLE, released as a single in 2019.
The vocals and lyrics blow away that baseless anxiety everyone feels sometimes.
As you listen, before you know it you’ll be thinking, “I’ve got to face forward and keep going!” If you’re feeling down, let this song give you courage.
knot; tie; bind; concludeSaucy Dog
A song released in 2020 by the rock band Saucy Dog, also known for their heartbreak anthem “Itsuka.” It’s a love ballad that captures the cute feelings of a man whose love is so strong that he even feels jealous of her past.
While the melody carries a hint of sadness, listening to the lyrics through to the end reveals a glimpse of the couple’s future together, showing that it’s a song leading to a happy ending.
For women, it might be a track they’d be delighted to receive as a proposal.
It powerfully conveys the desire to face anything and live together as a pair.
homeKiyama Yusaku
This is Yusaku Kiyama’s signature song, created when he appeared on a TV audition program in 2007.
Released the following year, it became a massive hit and earned him a spot on that year’s NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen.
Drawing from his own experience of overcoming illness to begin his singing career, he wrote this song as an expression of love for his family, and it became widely known as a tearjerker.
It’s especially recommended if you’re looking for a moving song that isn’t a love song, and it’s a perfect choice for karaoke!