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)
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!
Youth and a momentmakaroni enpitsu
This song by Macaroni Enpitsu—a rock band whose members all graduated from music college—is a high-energy number that rides on a driving sound to capture the fragility of youth and the brilliance of a fleeting moment.
Because time never comes back, the message urging us to love even the seemingly dull everyday carries a passionate cheer for young people.
Even if you make tons of mistakes, as long as you move forward as yourself, that sense of affirmation will give you a push.
Released digitally in March 2019 and later included on the mini-album “season,” the track was written for a McDonald’s commercial.
It’s a song especially worth hearing for men facing the sadness of parting from friends at graduation and the anxiety of leaping into the unknown.
Throw your arm around a friend and sing it together—you’ll feel the courage that any future can be rolled forward.
Recommended Ballads for Men: Classic Songs About Love, Encouragement, and Youth (31–40)
Song of a FriendBUMP OF CHICKEN
The song I want to listen to while reflecting on a friend I’m parting ways with is BUMP OF CHICKEN’s “Tomodachi no Uta” (“Song of Friends”).
The lyrics, written by Motoo Fujiwara as he thought of characters from works he loved since childhood, convey a clumsy yet warm sense of friendship, and the grand sound incorporating trumpet is sure to resonate deeply with men as well.
Released in February 2011 as their 19th single, this track moved many as the theme song for the film “Doraemon: Nobita and the New Steel Troops—Angel Wings.” It’s a song that wraps up the anxieties of a new departure and gently nudges you forward.
Even if you end up walking separate paths, it makes you believe the time you shared won’t disappear—a masterpiece filled with kindness.
caramelmosao.
This song is a superb ballad that beautifully captures the sweet yet bitter emotions of love.
Its wistful lyrics and soothing melody resonate deeply with listeners.
Released on November 22, 2021 as the opening theme for the drama “My Beautiful Man,” Mosa’o’s delicate vocals vividly convey the work’s worldview.
This track accompanies those who harbor one-sided affections or complex feelings.
It’s recommended for times when you want to heal the pain of heartbreak or when you find yourself wanting to think of someone special.
C.h.a.o.s.m.y.t.h.ONE OK ROCK
This is a stirring rock number by ONE OK ROCK that portrays the fiery bonds between friends charging toward their dreams.
While looking back on the youthful days they spent together, it vows that each will shine on the path they’ve chosen, powerfully pushing listeners forward.
Even if they grow apart, the memories in their hearts remain unfading treasures—an encouraging message that gives courage.
Included on the October 2011 album “Zankyo Reference,” this song is perfect to listen to while cheering on friends as they leap into a new world and salute each other’s efforts.
As an anthem that blows away anxiety and loneliness and helps you face forward, it’s definitely worth checking out!
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.