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 (51–60)
meteoryoshida takurou
Amid the heyday of New Music, this is a quiet yet undeniably passionate ballad by Takuro Yoshida that has continued to be loved.
Instead of building to a flashy chorus, its calmly woven words seep into the heart.
It portrays the bittersweetness of choosing honesty over correctness, and many listeners may feel their hearts swell each time they hear it.
Released as a single in May 1979, it was used as the theme song for the TBS drama “Otoko Nara!” In 1983, it was also featured as an insert song in the film “Detective Story 2: Ringo no Uta,” further endearing it to audiences.
It’s a song to play on nights when you want to quietly face your inner self, or when you’re spending a moment thinking of someone dear.
Its restrained melody and vocals keep you company in loneliness and gently embrace a weary heart.
AiHata Motohiro
Hata Motohiro’s “Ai” is the song that makes me want to sing when I meet someone I want to love.
Arranged mainly with acoustic guitar and Hata’s vocals, it’s a warm, heartfelt love song.
The protagonist, who had always been suspicious and doubtful about love, finally meets someone who clears away that haze.
The lyrics express a blend of feelings—warm, straightforward emotions after experiencing love’s warmth and wonder, yet also a subtle fear that this love might someday end.
It’s a masterpiece you’ll want to sing with deep emotional immersion.
KindnessFuji Kaze
This song, with its distinctive melody line that you just can’t get out of your head, is by the much-talked-about singer-songwriter Fujii Kaze.
His earlier releases featured lyrics in his hometown Okayama dialect and polished, danceable tracks, but this time he’s delivered a deeply moving ballad.
That said, it’s never just an ordinary ballad with him—that’s his charm.
The standout melody in the chorus and the danceable beats that pop up in just the right places make it a track where his individuality truly shines.
TSUNAMISazan Ōrusutāzu
One of their biggest hit ballads is TSUNAMI, which sold over three million copies.
It’s a timeless classic that needs no introduction and is one of Southern All Stars’ signature songs.
The lyrics, which compare a summer romance and its fading to the waves of the sea, are beloved by many.
It’s also said to be relatively easy to sing among the band’s songs, making it perfect for anyone who wants to belt out a ballad at karaoke.
Recommended ballads for men: classic songs about love, encouragement, and youth (61–70)
Close your eyesHirai Ken
This song by Ken Hirai features a gentle atmosphere centered on piano tones and a memorable vocal performance.
Written specifically as the theme song for the film “Crying Out Love, in the Center of the World,” its lyrics evocatively look back on memories with a deceased lover, echoing the film’s themes.
While expressing the sorrow and pain of those left behind, it also conveys a sense of gratitude for the strength gained through that experience.
As the track progresses, the increasingly grand sound underscores the deepening of these emotions.
Something CertainOda Kazumasa
It’s well known as the theme song for Meiji Yasuda Life’s commercials.
Singer-songwriter Kazumasa Oda released it in 2005 as his 23rd single.
Listening to it makes you want to cherish your family and loved ones.
It also served as the theme song for the drama “The Story of Senichi Hoshino: Words to My Late Wife.”
365 daysMr.Children
Mr.
Children’s “365 Days” is a song that portrays thinking about someone precious every single day.
Though it’s an album track included on their 2010 release SENSE, it’s a love song beloved not only by fans but by many listeners.
It sings of the feelings that overflow in your heart every day for someone special, the powerful sense that if you can be together, you don’t need anything else—in short, love so abundant it can’t be contained.
It’s the perfect song for conveying your love to the important woman in your life.
