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 (41–50)
Spot the differenceSuda Masaki
A popular ballad by Masaki Suda, who is active as an actor and also popular as a singer.
The song drew attention for being written and composed by the renowned singer-songwriter Kenshi Yonezu.
Although it wasn’t the path he originally wanted to take, the song warmly celebrates the joy of meeting someone precious precisely because he chose a different road.
Masaki Suda’s voice—featured in collaborations with leading artists of our time like Kenshi Yonezu and Aimyon—undeniably has the power to captivate listeners.
sasanqua (Camellia sasanqua)SEKAI NO OWARI
It’s an encouraging song for people moving toward their dreams.
It’s a track by the four-member band SEKAI NO OWARI, released in 2018 as their 12th single.
It was the NHK theme song for the PyeongChang Olympics and Paralympics.
The way the arrangement gradually becomes more grand is dramatic.
Give it a listen when you’re feeling down.
Promise of SunflowersHata Motohiro
A deeply heartwarming ballad that touches on the warmth of someone who cherishes you and inspires you to return those feelings in kind, “Himawari no Yakusoku.” Chosen as the theme song for the animated film STAND BY ME Doraemon, it moved audiences of all ages.
At first glance the lyrics might sound like a love song, but if you read them closely, you’ll see they sing of a broader, more universal love.
It’s often performed as a graduation song, and it’s also popular at karaoke as a tune that suits singers of any gender.
hana cherieNissy(Nishijima Takahiro)
A solo track by Takahiro Nishijima, who also shines as the main vocalist of AAA.
It was released in 2017 as his 7th single, available exclusively through an e-commerce site.
Nishijima himself contributed to the lyrics, and the song is a ballad that fully conveys his signature sensual side.
“Sherry” means “beloved woman” in French, and the story likening her to a beautiful flower is particularly captivating.
It’s also said that the women who appear in his music videos go on to become famous—the self-produced MV is a must-see.
Pray[Alexandros]
![Pray[Alexandros]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/HqUqiF-fz8Q/sddefault.jpg)
It’s a grand, emotional rock ballad.
Performed by the four-piece rock band [ALEXANDROS], it was released as a digital single in 2019.
It drew attention for being selected as the Japanese theme song for the film “Godzilla: King of the Monsters.” The lyrics convey feelings that could be called pure love for someone precious.
It carries a moving, heart-stirring message.
Lovers AgainEXILE
Among EXILE’s songs, one of the most popular ballads is “Lovers Again.” Beginning with a beautiful intro, this track—singing of the melancholy that comes with the start of winter and the aching feelings for a lover you can no longer meet—became a major hit in 2007.
It’s also a karaoke staple and a fan favorite, so if you have it in your repertoire and can sing it, you’ll definitely look cool.
1.15 Million Kilometers of FilmOfisharu Higedan Dism
Official HIGE DANDism drew sudden attention with their 2019 love song “Pretender.” The track appears on their 2018 album “Escaparade” and was also featured in ROHM’s “electric landscape” commercial.
This heartwarming love song likens the length of a life walked with a loved one to a roll of film.
Naturally, it’s a popular choice for wedding videos as well.
It’s a supreme ballad that vows eternal love to someone special.