RAG MusicBallad
Lovely ballad

[Touching the Heart] A Collection of Recommended Ballads for Men

When work is tough and mentally exhausting, or when you’re hurting from a breakup, many men probably turn to music for comfort.

At times like these, ballads that stay close to your heart are a perfect fit.

In this article, we’ll introduce ballad songs recommended for men.

We’ve picked out everything from timeless classics known across generations to the latest tracks by rising artists.

If you’re going through something difficult and want to be healed by the power of music, be sure to check them out.

[Heart-Touching] Recommended Ballads for Men (91–100)

Midnight ExpresswayFurawā Kanpanī

Flower Companyz “Midnight Highway (25th Anniversary Mix)”
Midnight ExpresswayFurawā Kanpanī

A youthful rock anthem brimming with momentum and emotion, painting a grand portrait of life.

Powerfully delivered by The Flower Companyz, this song radiates a warmth that lights a ray of hope in an uncertain life.

Released in September 2004 as a track on the classic album “Setagaya Yoake Mae” (Before Dawn in Setagaya), it has continued to resonate closely with many hearts.

When you stand at a crossroads, when you feel anxious about the future, and for all who are doing their best to live in the present, this is an encouraging song that will gently push you forward.

Goodbye to sorrowanzenchitai

A love ballad by Anzenchitai that captivates with its rich, deep bass tones and emotional vocals.

Centered on parting and renewal, it gently sings of the bittersweetness of love and the hope that follows.

Koji Tamaki’s profound voice resonates to the depths of the heart, conveying both compassion for the other person and the strength to stay by their side.

Released in June 1985, it topped the Oricon charts, marked the band’s first appearance at the 36th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen, and won the Gold Award at the 27th Japan Record Awards.

It’s a song that quietly gives you a push when you’ve gone through a farewell with someone important and are ready to take a new step forward.

[Resonating with the Heart] Recommended Ballads for Men (101–110)

Ikuriipuhaipe

This track is a newly produced ballad based on “Douse, Ai da,” which I created in collaboration with the rapper Sorane.

Whereas the previous song leaned heavily into hip-hop elements, this one shifts into a gentle, heartfelt ballad.

We trimmed detailed story descriptions and instead focused on the feelings of love, making it easier to relate to.

And since there’s no rap part this time, it might also feel easier to sing at karaoke!

KaraBank Band

A soulful work by Bank Band that begins with the quiet resonance of a piano and gradually unfolds into a grand scale.

Its lyrics, interwoven with reflections on the depths of life and sharp insights into society, sound a warning to the modern world.

Released in January 2025, the piece beautifully blends Kazutoshi Sakurai’s emotionally rich vocals with Takeshi Kobayashi’s delicate arrangements.

Aina The End, Mone Kamishiraishi, and Salyu join on chorus, adding a vibrant flourish to the track.

Created for the ap bank fes ’25 performance, proceeds from this work are dedicated to supporting recovery from the Noto Peninsula earthquake, making it a meaningful contribution to society through music.

It is a jewel-like ballad that sinks deeply into the heart when your emotions are stirred, when you want to look within, and when you wish to connect with someone.

more than anyoneBE:FIRST

BE:FIRST / Stronger Than Anyone -Lyric Video- (Theme song for the film “Hold Me Tighter Than Anyone”)
more than anyoneBE:FIRST

A poignant longing wrapped in kindness strikes the heart in this ballad by BE:FIRST.

While yearning for closeness with a loved one, the vivid lyrics portray a man’s struggle to keep his distance because of mental illness, along with the feelings that remain unchanged.

The richly expressive vocals of all the members and the melody beautifully color the story’s world.

Included on the single “Spacecraft / Sailing,” released on February 5, 2025, the song was also selected as the theme for the film “Hold Me Tighter Than Anyone,” which premiered that February.

This piece invites deep reflection on the meaning of continuing to care for someone important and on human connection.

It is recommended for those wrestling with feelings for someone they love, or for anyone seeking a touching ballad that resonates with the heart.

Precious LoveEXILE ATSUSHI

With a warm, translucent voice, EXILE ATSUSHI pens a wedding song themed around love and bonds.

Gently singing of the importance of affection felt in days walked together and vows to the future, this work carefully portrays the delicate emotions of a romance born in everyday life transforming into eternal love.

Released as a single in October 2014, it was featured in a commercial for the wedding magazine Zexy and earned the Best Vocal Performance at the 56th Japan Record Awards that same year.

It was subsequently included on the album Love Ballade, captivating listeners across a wide audience.

Whether for a moody evening spent savoring a drink while feeling the bond with someone special, or as wedding background music, it will surely stay close to your heart.

You’re no longer here.FUNKY MONKEY BABYS

FUNKY MONKEY BABYS "You’re Not Here Anymore"
You're no longer here.FUNKY MONKEY BABYS

This is a gem of a ballad that sings of the sweet, aching pain of heartbreak.

The farewell scene on the station platform and the memories the two shared are delicately portrayed and delivered with a melody that pierces the heart.

Among FUNKY MONKEY BABYS’ works, it stands out for its rich emotional expression.

Released in October 2007, it reached No.

8 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.

It was selected as the ending theme for Nippon TV’s “Otona no Shikaku,” earning broad support across generations.

The song is also included on the album “FUNKY MONKEY BABYS 2,” and has been covered by Mariko Takahashi.

It’s a heartwarming track that stays by your side when you sense the end of a romance or go through a farewell with someone dear.