[Karaoke] Classic and Popular Ballad Songs You’ll Want to Sing at Karaoke
We’re introducing classic and popular ballad songs that are perfect for karaoke!
If you’re looking to sing ballads at karaoke, we’ve gathered a list of popular picks just for you.
When you sing ballads at karaoke, putting your emotions into the performance or choosing highly relatable songs can create a different kind of excitement than upbeat tracks.
It’s also fun to talk about the lyrics and what the song is trying to convey.
In this article, we’ll showcase popular karaoke ballads—from timeless classics to the latest hits.
Find the perfect song for you and give it a try!
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Best Ballads to Sing at Karaoke [Ranks 1–20] (1–10)
366 daysHY
One of HY’s classic heartbreak songs, “366 Days,” is a karaoke favorite not only among HY fans but especially popular with women.
Although it was released in 2008, it gained support from younger generations after Moka Kamishiraishi covered it in a 2019 “Kirin Gogo no Koucha” (Afternoon Tea) commercial.
It’s a recommended number for women who want to sing a romantic ballad.
The key isn’t very high, and if you sing it with emotion, it will resonate with listeners.
Give it a try.
KanadeSukima Suichi
From pop-sense-packed up-tempo tunes to lyrical ballads, the duo Sukima Switch—whose broad musical expression has influenced countless artists—released this track as their second single.
A signature song with numerous tie-ins across films, TV dramas, and commercials, it’s a massive hit that, despite being released in 2004, has surpassed 100 million total streams.
While the melody is intricate, the relaxed tempo makes it easy to sing.
Karaoke even includes a cover by a female artist, so it’s recommended not only for men but for women as well.
A quintessential 2000s ballad whose bittersweet lyrics vividly evoke poignant scenes.
I love youback number
With its characteristically gentle, poetic lyrics and a beautiful, floating melody, “I Love You” is quintessential back number.
Even if you’re not sure what you can do, the message of overcoming a long journey and still wanting to go see “you” is deeply moving—a heartwarming love song.
It may be hard to sing a falsetto as clear as Iyori Shimizu’s, but try aiming for a soft head voice.
Since it’s also the theme song for the NHK morning drama ‘Soar!’ (Maiagare!), it should appeal to a wide range of ages.
Ballad Songs You Want to Sing at Karaoke: Best Ranking [1st–20th] (11–20)
KissHugaiko
KissHug is a love song that portrays straightforward love, and it was also used as an insert song in Boys Over Flowers: Final.
When it comes to aiko, Kabutomushi is her most famous song, but if you’re looking for a ballad that women can sing, this track is highly recommended too! There are probably many women who are still hung up on a love that ended without a confession.
You know you have to move on yourself… but there are some loves you just can’t forget.
This song affirms those feelings of yours—though it’s bittersweet, it’s a number that brings out the strength and beauty of women.
I LOVE YOUOzaki Yutaka
“I love you” is Yutaka Ozaki’s most iconic song and one of Japan’s finest love songs.
It remains highly popular and has been covered by many artists.
As a perennial karaoke favorite that often ranks near the top, it might even spark some competition over who gets to sing it.
It’s a classic ballad that expresses sincere, straightforward love.
threadNakajima Miyuki
This is singer-songwriter Miyuki Nakajima’s 35th single, written as the theme song for the TV drama “Seija no Koshin” (March of the Saints).
Released as a double A-side single with “Inochi no Betsumei,” which was also used as a drama theme, it’s well known for being covered by numerous artists.
Its relaxed melody makes it easy to sing at karaoke, and because there are cover versions by male artists as well, it’s suitable for anyone regardless of gender.
It’s a song that virtually every Japanese person has heard at least once, making it an enduring ballad you can sing with any group at karaoke.
Gray and BlueYonezu Kenshi + Suda Masaki
If you’re looking for a ballad that two men can duet, “Gray and Blue” is a great choice.
The song is a collaboration between Kenshi Yonezu and Masaki Suda, and thanks to their huge popularity as an artist and an actor, it’s very well-known.
The melody is relaxed, making it easy to harmonize.
The lyrics express the bond between close friends, so it’s also recommended as a song that lets you feel your friendship.
