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 (11–20)

Cat ~THE FIRST TAKE ver.~DISH//

DISH// – Cat ~THE FIRST TAKE ver.~ / THE HOME TAKE
Cat ~THE FIRST TAKE ver.~DISH//

DISH// is a dance-rock band whose members, including Takumi Kitamura, are all active as actors.

Their song Neko is a tear-jerking love ballad, written and composed by Aimyon, that shakes you to your core.

It’s a track steeped in lingering feelings, about trying to forget an ex but being unable to—perfect for those in similar situations, anyone heartbroken or struggling with unrequited love; it’s guaranteed to make you cry.

It’s also a great pick when you just want to have a good cry.

Song of Eternal NightKami wa saikoro o furanai

God Does Not Play Dice “Yoru-Naga Uta” [Official Lyric Video]
Song of Eternal NightKami wa saikoro o furanai

This song, which tells a sad story about a loved one disappearing from right in front of you, is a track by the rock band Kami wa Saikoro wo Furanai.

The lyrics, which squeeze your chest with pain, and the voice that spins those words are unbearably heartrending.

In the story told by the lyrics, the feelings the male protagonist holds don’t seem to fade even now that she’s gone, and listening to it will surely shake your heart.

It also feels like it might be a song about bereavement, which makes the sense of sorrow and sadness hit even harder.

Dried flowersYuuri

Yuri “Dry Flower” Official Music Video - Director’s Cut ver. -
Dried flowersYuuri

A song where Yuri’s voice really sinks into your heart.

The lyrics gently weave together the sorrow of heartbreak and complex emotions, and they’re truly moving.

You can feel the regret after choosing to part ways and the lingering attachment to the other person.

Released as a digital-only single in October 2020, the track sparked a huge response on streaming platforms, surpassing 700 million plays—an unprecedented achievement for a solo artist.

Highly recommended for those struggling with work or relationships, or anyone looking to heal from the pain of a breakup.

The heartfelt lyrics and Yuri’s vocals are sure to bring you comfort.

green leavesHata Motohiro × TOMOO

Motohiro Hata × TOMOO “Aoba” Music Video
green leavesHata Motohiro × TOMOO

This song, born from the collaboration between Motohiro Hata and TOMOO, depicts the changing seasons of life and personal growth through the image of lush green leaves.

From the fresh verdure that heralds spring, to the brilliance of summer, and on to memories that become the past, it skillfully expresses shifts in emotion.

Included on the album “HATA EXPO -The Collaboration Album-,” released in November 2024, it stands as a gem where the charms of both artists blend seamlessly.

It’s the perfect track for those who want to look back on the past without losing hope for the future, embracing a forward-looking spirit.

Its warm tones and vocals, close to the heart, are sure to soothe listeners.

crepuscular raysChevon

Crepuscular Rays / Chevon [Lyric Video]
crepuscular raysChevon

Chevon is a rock band known for their literary lyrics.

This song of theirs is a hopeful ballad that gently brings light to the darkness of the heart.

It voices an earnest wish to notice someone’s pain and reach out a hand to them.

Paired with an emotionally unfolding sound, it’s the kind of piece that brings tears to your eyes.

Released in May 2023, this track became a key song leading into the following year’s album, Chevon.

If you’re suffering under a deep sense of stagnation, it’s sure to warm your heart.

balladKetsumeishi

The time we spend with the person we love is precious to anyone.

But what would you do if your relationship was one where you couldn’t meet freely? This song portrays such a couple—from their joyful moments together to their breakup.

It’s a bittersweet yet sultry ballad that sings of the reality of love: “You can’t be with the one you love the most.”

[Heart-Touching] Recommended Ballads for Men (21–30)

MissingKubota Toshinobu

Toshinobu Kubota – Missing [Official Video Short ver.]
MissingKubota Toshinobu

When it comes to Toshinobu Kubota’s ballads, this is the song.

From the very beginning, his beautiful voice is utterly captivating.

It conveys that frustrating feeling of wanting to forget but being unable to.

The powerful vocals right before the final chorus accentuate the song’s heartbreak.