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 (31–40)
balladKetsumeishi
Ballads can capture every emotion—joy, anger, sorrow, and delight—in their lyrics, but they do tend to feature sentimental words and melodies.
This song, “Ballad,” is a quintessential track that represents today’s youth ballads.
It tells of two lovers who chose to part ways.
Even so, their feelings aren’t neatly resolved… The lingering desire to see each other again is expressed in clear, straightforward language.
It’s a sad song, yet it somehow feels just a little healing.
That’s the power of music.
It’s the definitive men’s ballad, quintessentially Ketsumeishi.
trace (of someone/something), semblance, vestige; a lingering image or memory of how someone/something used to beNovelbright
When you’re heartbroken and feeling down, I recommend trying to sing “Omokage.” It’s a song released by the rock band Novelbright.
This piano-centered ballad portrays the inability to forget an ex and the longing to see them again.
The high notes are beautifully featured, so if you’re good with higher ranges, you’ll be able to make the most of your voice.
It also seems like a great song to dedicate to a hurt friend—it’s sure to be healing.
LetterSHE’S
Among the moving piano ballads worth highlighting, SHE’S “Letter” is an unmissable track.
The gentle piano accompaniment blends with Ryoma Inoue’s whisper-like vocals to create a profoundly moving sound.
The poetic lyrics, which come together to form a single story, are also irresistible.
The calm, tender resonance of the piano deepens the emotional impact of the words.
What’s more, the harmonies that softly trail the main melody line add just the right touch.
The way your ears naturally pick up on these subtle details might be one of the true charms of a piano ballad.
I don’t want to let go.T‐BOLAN
Hanashitaku wa Nai is a song that expresses the feeling of not really wanting to part, but having no choice.
It was created by the rock band T-BOLAN.
I’m sure many of you have heard it before—it’s a timeless classic loved across generations.
Arashi Moritomo’s husky yet powerful vocals really hit you in the heart, don’t they? By the way, some listeners may have had the experience of revisiting the song after a long time and feeling that the lyrics were different from what they remembered.
That’s because part of the lyrics differ between the single version and the album version.
I hope you enjoy comparing those differences as well.
100-year first loveshikuramen
They say the origins of ballads lie in classical music.
Despite their long history, today’s ballads aren’t just about sorrowful melodies—there are many bright, uplifting songs as well.
“100-Year First Love” is exactly that.
Its lyrics portray a new kind of unrequited love: even if your crush squeezes your heart, that very feeling is your happiness, and you can go on cherishing your first love forever.
The twist at the end—hinting that the love might have finally blossomed—leaves listeners feeling happy.
The music video, featuring the singer dressed as an astronaut, is also a must-see!
Recommended ballads for men: classic songs about love, encouragement, and youth (41–50)
Together foreverKobukuro
This is “Eien ni Tomo ni” (Together Forever), a song about the eternal love of two people.
It’s a hit by the folk duo Kobukuro, released in 2004, following their success with “Tsubomi.” It’s popular as a wedding staple—celebrities have even performed it as a piano-and-vocal piece at ceremonies.
The song conveys the idea of building a new life with someone important to you—and that it’s not always simple or pristine.
It’s a perfect track not only for when you decide to get married yourself, but also when a friend is getting married!
Someday Merry ChristmasB’z
A song by B’z, the two-piece rock unit that has remained at the forefront for over 30 years since their debut and can be called a living legend of the Japanese rock scene.
Among the many beautiful ballads B’z has released, this one is especially popular with fans, and even many people who aren’t fans know it.
Tracing the beautiful memories with a lover and seeing oneself in a stranger—lyrics like these can make your chest tighten when you sing them after a heartbreak.
With poignant lyrics carried straight to the heart by emotional vocals and gentle acoustic guitar arpeggios, it’s a song you’ll want to belt out at karaoke when you’ve had your heart broken.
