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 staples (21–30)
love letterEvery Little Thing
A sublime ballad you’ll find yourself wanting to hear when winter’s chill sinks into your bones.
It opens with a tranquil piano tone, gradually layered with strings, as if pent-up feelings were beginning to overflow.
Kaori Mochida’s delicate breath work gently conveys the subtle shades of emotions that words can’t capture.
Released by Every Little Thing in December 2004, the song became widely beloved as the theme for the film “A Love Letter from Heaven” and as a cough drop commercial tune.
It topped the Oricon weekly chart and was performed on that year’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen, capturing the hearts of many.
Perfect for times when you want to reaffirm how much someone means to you, or when you’re in the mood for a heartwarming moment.
I long to see you now.MISIA
A grand ballad that stirs the heart with a bittersweet yet powerful longing to meet a cherished person across time.
Sung by MISIA, renowned for her overwhelming vocal prowess, this piece was written as the theme song for TBS’s Sunday drama “JIN” and released as a single in November 2009.
It was also positioned as the lead single from the album “JUST BALLADE,” and many listeners may remember it alongside the drama’s moving scenes.
The lyrics, capturing the frustration of not being able to meet someone you long for and the overflowing passion within, are perfect for anyone seeking the courage to confess their feelings on Valentine’s Day.
Why not immerse yourself in this soul-stirring voice while making chocolates?
NAOHY
A four-member mixture band, HY, based in their hometown of Okinawa, pursues music while also producing a natural brand.
This song is included on their 4th album, “Confidence,” and the sacred power of the gospel layered over the powerful vocals is truly overwhelming.
The lyrics, said to be based on a friend’s real experience, depict a heart unable to break away from a cruel kind of kindness, conveying the reality of love where feelings and logic simply can’t be separated.
It’s a classic ballad that many will likely empathize with for its painful yet straightforward expression of love.
Don’t disappear.Aina ji Endo
A ballad that begins with quiet piano notes and unfolds into a grand sound as emotions overflow.
This work marks the origin of Aina The End’s solo career.
She wrote both the lyrics and music, pouring in the earnest feelings she held at eighteen—the desperate wish not to lose someone precious.
The sense of loss—like a world drained of color without you—comes through painfully through her one-of-a-kind husky voice.
On nights when inescapable loneliness strikes, this singing will be there to help you.
MAYBETomioka Ai
Sung by singer-songwriter Ai Tomioka, this is a love ballad filled with hope for the future.
It expresses a heartfelt wish to stay with the person by your side now, even if the future is uncertain.
Released in November 2024, the song was reportedly created in response to fans asking for “a warm song.” Perhaps because of that background, the entire track feels wrapped in kindness.
Ai Tomioka’s clear, translucent voice gently stays close to hearts swaying between anxiety and expectation.
Love KnotNovelbright
A love ballad titled “Ai Musubi” was included on rock band Novelbright’s first album, Declaration of Opening, released in 2021.
With a simple arrangement of just vocals and piano accompaniment, its groom’s-eye-view lyrics pledging love make it a moving wedding song.
The music video features Rina Ikoma and Reiya Masaki.
We wish the bride and groom lifelong happiness.
Why not choose it as background music for a performance and present it as a gift to the happy couple?
snow moonYamada Ryosuke
A winter mid-tempo ballad that captivatingly conveys a sweet yet bittersweet love story woven into a snowy landscape, expressed through a delicate singing voice.
Set for release in February 2025, this track will also be included on the album “RED.” With vivid, wintry imagery, it delivers sincere affection for a cherished person, carried by a clear and beautiful vocal.
It’s a wonderful song that gently keeps you company on winter nights when you’re thinking of someone you love or during quiet moments spent reminiscing about precious memories.