Heal your heart with love ballads: A collection of pure love and heartbreak songs.
Among listeners who focus on lyrics when they listen to music, I’m sure many of them love love songs.
That said, the term “love song” covers a wide range of styles and moods.
Upbeat, happy tunes and rock-tinged tracks are certainly appealing, but in this article we’ll be highlighting love ballads that gently seep into the heart.
The lyrics span everything from joyful themes to bittersweet unrequited love and breakup songs.
Find the one song that perfectly matches your mood.
- [For when you want to cry] A ballad love song. A heartbreaking love song.
- [Tear-Jerking] Classic and Recommended Love Ballads
- [Resonates with the Heart] Masterpiece Ballads with Beautiful, Poignant Lyrics
- [Unrequited Love] Heart-wrenching Love Songs | A Roundup of Tear-Inducing Crush and Breakup Tracks
- [Today’s Heartbreak Song] A poignant love song that gently wraps your wounded heart
- Songs to give to your lover or someone you like. Love songs devoted wholeheartedly to your boyfriend or girlfriend.
- [Tear-Jerking Breakup Songs] A curated selection of love songs that gently comfort a wounded heart!
- A selection of classic love ballads, from the latest hits to timeless favorites.
- [Love Songs] Recommended love songs. Masterpieces that sing about feelings of love.
- [Once More…] A lingering-attachment song: a song about a love you can’t forget
- A tear-jerking love song. A love song that stays close to a hurting heart.
- [Adultery Song] A forbidden song about an affair that sings of an impossible love
- A collection of romance-themed songs. Let’s listen to some Japanese love songs.
Heal your heart with love ballads. A collection of pure love and heartbreak songs (1–10)
heartaimyon
Singer-songwriter Aimyon heals listeners’ hearts with songs themed around “love.” Her 2021 release “Heart” was chosen as the theme song for the drama “Only Just Married” (Konin Todoke ni Han o Oshita Dake Desu ga).
The gently pulsing synth over a slow tempo resonates deeply.
Its lyrics compellingly confront the feelings of not being able to be honest precisely because someone is close by.
Fans of R&B and jazz will surely be hooked.
It’s a love ballad filled with her gentle warmth, wrapped in a mature atmosphere.
shutterYuuri
Yuuri is a singer-songwriter known for signature songs like Dry Flower.
His powerful, emotional vocals have earned him popularity, especially among teens.
Among his tracks, Shutter is one that soothes the heart.
Released in 2021, it features a grand sound that unfolds at a slow tempo.
His accentuated flow makes the wistful melody line resonate even more deeply.
Give this love ballad a listen—it likens the moment a romance ends to a photograph.
Eine KleineYonezu Kenshi
Kenshi Yonezu is a singer-songwriter who has led the J-POP scene from the 2010s into the 2020s.
He’s also known for his work as the Vocaloid producer HACHI.
“Eine Kleine” is recognized as one of his signature songs and has long been cherished by fans.
Its dramatic band sound perfectly matches the bittersweet yet warm lyrics, striking right at the heart.
The emotionally charged vocals in the chorus are another highlight.
If you want to rekindle the flutter of a budding romance, give it a listen.
Heal your heart with love ballads. A collection of pure love and heartbreak songs (11–20)
rainbowSuda Masaki
Masaki Suda, a singer also known for taking on a wide range of acting roles, released “Niji” in 2020, which was selected as the theme song for the film STAND BY ME Doraemon 2.
Characterized by beautiful strings, the song features a warm melodic line.
His vocals, which suit the dramatic composition, are sure to resonate with listeners.
The affectionate lyrics—making you want to cherish your family and loved ones—are another part of its appeal.
Savor the happy moments as you listen.
I forget you, who are so quiet, in October.atarayo
For those experiencing a tender, heart-tightening kind of love, I recommend “Forgetting You, Quiet in October.” This song by the four-piece band Atarayo was released in 2020 and went viral on social media, especially TikTok.
It features a warm, slow-tempo band sound, highlighted by Hitomi’s emotional vocals.
The band’s sense of groove and beautiful choral work are also striking.
The lyrics, which candidly portray teen romance, are highly relatable.
If you’re looking to soothe a broken heart, give it a listen.
YC&K
The song I’d like you to listen to while recalling the many moments you shared with your lover is “Y.” It’s a track released in 2017 by the vocal duo C&K.
The profound theme behind the title—open to different interpretations depending on the listener—strikes straight to the heart.
Their high-tone vocals wrapped in beautiful piano tones are also striking.
The sound is grand yet sentimental, resonating with a tender, aching heart.
Give this genre-defying love ballad a listen.
366 daysHY
When it comes to love ballads, many people imagine songs with a grand, sweeping feel.
For those listeners, “366 Days” is a must-hear.
It’s included on HY’s 2008 release HeartY, and was chosen as the theme song for the drama and film Threads of Destiny (Akai Ito).
Izumi Nakasone’s soulful vocals leave a strong impression, and the track has a jazzy finish.
The honest lyrics about someone you can’t forget even after a breakup are tear-jerking.
Why not let yourself be soothed by a song that powerfully gives voice to heartbreaking emotion?