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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A selection of classic love ballads: From the latest hits to timeless favorites (51–60)
Precious FeelingsRIEHATA
“Taisetsu na Kimochi,” released in 2023 by RIEHATA—who is also active as a dancer and choreographer—is a ballad written entirely in Japanese by an artist known for songs that blend Japanese and English.
The lyrics read like a gentle message to someone dear, conveying that no one can live alone and reminding us not to forget our gratitude to those around us.
Set to a laid-back R&B-style beat, the song soothes with her clear, expansive vocals.
Let this message, which speaks to the anxieties we all carry, reach you.
Kasane AiSoala
A heart-stirring ballad by Soala that paints the ache of lost love in beautifully poignant words.
Wrapped in a clear, gentle voice, it tenderly holds the regret for a love that might have lasted if only they had met differently, and the feelings that will never again converge.
Released in January 2025 and included on the EP “Bluem,” the song also drew attention for its music video featuring model Suzuka Orita and actor Yusei Ito.
With a melody that sinks into the heart, it portrays memories of happy days and the fragile story of a love that ends in parting.
When you’re struggling in a relationship or want to sing while thinking of someone dear, this song is sure to speak for your feelings.
fateTani Yuuki
Fate depicts a fateful encounter in a straightforward way.
The song was written by singer-songwriter Tani Yuuki for Ryota Katayose of GENERATIONS from EXILE TRIBE.
This time, I’d like to introduce Tani Yuuki’s self-cover version.
Compared to the original, this rendition features a more passionate vocal performance.
It’s fun to listen to both and compare.
Also, don’t miss the music video, shot in exactly the same setting.
Gimme Your TearsWho-ya Extended
Who-ya Extended is a creator unit behind numerous anime theme songs.
Their 2023 release “Gimme Your Tears” was produced after vocalist Who-ya appeared on the show ‘Don’t Be Fooled by the Wolf-chan.’ The song portrays a nighttime-themed love story, expressing honest feelings of thinking about someone you love, no matter how much time passes.
While it exudes a romantic atmosphere, it’s also a ballad that carries a touch of poignancy and loneliness.
Why not let yourself be soothed by its beautiful sound, where piano and strings intertwine?
A selection of classic love ballads: introducing picks from the latest hits to timeless standards (61–70)
Summer Days of 1993class
This is a gem of a ballad, colored by a refreshing acoustic sound and a melody that lingers in the heart.
It delicately portrays the subtle emotional shifts from friendship to romance, resulting in a song that gently embraces a love that suddenly blossoms.
class released this as their debut single in April 1993, and it was used as the opening theme for “Kimi to Itsumademo” and as a commercial song for Saison Card.
It was also included on the albums “Mellow Prism” and “CLASSIX,” and became a massive hit, selling over 1.7 million copies.
Fifteen years later, in 2008, an answer song—effectively a continuation of the story—was released.
It’s a recommended track for those who want to look back on memories with someone dear, or who resonate with the secret feelings of love held for a long-time friend.
Finale.eill
Released in September 2022 as the theme song for the film “The Tunnel to Summer, the Exit of Goodbye,” this piece is a moving ballad whose bittersweet yet powerful melody resonates deeply.
eill’s clear, luminous vocals gently embrace profound love and precious feelings for the other person.
The grand sound, synchronized with the story’s worldview, is sure to leave a lasting echo in the listener’s heart.
Choose this song when you want to sing with thoughts of someone special or convey the emotions you keep inside—your feelings will surely reach their heart.
Spring Notesmiwa
How about soothing your soul with the youth-themed song “Harunoto”? This piece was written by miwa as the ending theme for the anime “MIX MEISEI STORY: The Second Summer, Beyond the Sky.” The lyrics portray the frustrating feeling of being aware of each other yet unable to confess your feelings.
Listening to this song might be a nice way to reflect on memories of your youth and past romances.
Because it sings about universal themes, it’s something people of all generations can relate to.