A selection of classic love ballads, from the latest hits to timeless favorites.
Among people who enjoy listening to music, many especially love listening to love ballads that depict love in its many forms, don’t they?
In particular, when you’re nursing a crush or going through a heartbreak, it’s common to find comfort in lyrics that mirror your own feelings.
In this article, we’ll introduce a selection of classic love ballads that sing about a wide range of situations and emotions.
From bittersweet songs about unrequited love or breakups to joyful tracks portraying couples who are happily close and supportive, we’ve chosen broadly—so try finding the one song that perfectly matches your state of mind.
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Selection of classic love ballads: from the latest hits to timeless favorites (71–80)
Sounds good.Ide Ayaka
This is a gently toned song by singer-songwriter Ayaka Ide that expresses the feeling of being in love.
While it features a strong rhythm with an R&B sensibility, the overall sound has a floating, airy quality that leaves a strong impression.
The title, which conveys a light, affirmative will, is another key point—it evokes an image of quietly facing one’s own heart.
It’s a track that encourages a calm, forward-looking mindset, telling us not to be swayed by our surroundings and to cherish the present—even if things feel uncertain.
DiNAYuuri
This song by Yuuri vividly portrays how everyday memories with a lover become etched into the heart like genes.
Its delicate depictions resonate deeply with anyone who lives carrying both the bittersweetness and the joy of love.
Released in January 2025, the track drew attention after its performance on THE FIRST TAKE.
Singing of memories of love and the resolve to take a new step forward, this work is a must-listen for those who feel both loneliness and happiness whenever they think of someone dear.
Being lovedKazuki
A ballad by Kazuki, released in February 2025, that delicately portrays the pain of heartbreak and lingering attachment.
Based on lyrics written during a high school class, it tells the story of a couple who loved each other but, unable to be honest, ended up parting ways.
If they had never met, they might not have felt lonely—but once they learned what tenderness feels like, it never faded and remained in their hearts.
This song will resonate deeply with anyone carrying such bittersweet feelings.
A must-listen for those who struggle to be honest with their emotions or who have lost someone they dearly loved.
AutomaticUtada Hikaru
A towering masterpiece of ’90s J-pop that vividly captures the instant when romantic feelings rise up unconsciously.
Crafted with an R&B flair by a 15-year-old Hikaru Utada, the song delicately expresses the shifting distance and tremors of the heart between two people.
A young talent portrays the complexities of love from a unique perspective.
Released in December 1998, the debut single became an instant smash, selling an astonishing 2.55 million copies.
It also dramatically raised expectations for the album First Love.
Winner of the JASRAC Gold Award, it earned outstanding critical acclaim.
A perfect classic for anyone who wants to relive the flutter of first love or reexperience the brilliance of ’90s J-pop.
Your SongYasuda Rei
One song that has been drawing attention for its strong storytelling is “Kimi no Uta.” This track was released by Rei Yasuda in 2020 and is also known as the theme song for the anime Natsume’s Book of Friends Roku.
The lyrics express a longing for a lover who has passed away.
In the music video, the deceased boyfriend returns to life, and the story depicts the couple spending a brief moment together.
The appeal lies in how viewers of the anime can listen while overlaying its story, and others can become emotionally invested in the MV’s narrative as well.
SymphonyHirai Dai
Characterized by warm, heartfelt vocals and a grand orchestral arrangement, this gem of a love ballad gives voice to the universal longing for a hero and the resolve to protect the ones we cherish.
Infused with Dai Hirai’s perspective as a father, it carries a powerful message brimming with hope and love for the future.
Released in April 2023 as the theme song for the film TOKYO MER: Mobile Emergency Room – The Movie, it marked Hirai’s first theme for a live-action film.
The song is also included on his best-of album LOVE＋PEACE, released in May of the same year.
This track is perfect for new beginnings with someone special, pivotal moments in life, or any time you need the courage to face forward.
Wrapped in its warm vocals, it’s sure to help you take that first step toward tomorrow.
Ballad of a SingerSaitō Kazuyoshi
This is a bittersweet yet warm song that begins with a simple acoustic guitar tone.
It conveys the weight carried by the words “I love you,” intertwining a moving expression of deep love with the meaning of singing as a performer—truly a masterpiece.
Released in November 1997, its heartfelt vocals and universal message captured many hearts despite its simple sound.
It was chosen as the theme song for the animated film “Lu Over the Wall,” and has been embraced by even more listeners across generations.
With Kazuyoshi Saito’s characteristically warm vocals and memorable melody, it’s easy to sing at karaoke and is recommended when you want to convey your feelings to someone special or sing with heartfelt emotion.