Recommended ballads for men at karaoke: deliver moving performances with timeless songs that touch the heart.
When it comes to karaoke classics, ballads are a must.
Especially ballads that express a man’s emotions—they’re filled with lyrics anyone can relate to.
From the pain of heartbreak and feelings for someone special, to the resolve you find at life’s crossroads.
We’re here to introduce you to timeless songs that will move your heart.
From tracks you want that special someone to hear, to the one song you want to show off at karaoke, we’ll be sharing male vocal ballads that will resonate with you.
Recommended ballads for men (1–10)
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It’s a poignant ballad that portrays lingering attachment and heartbreak from a male perspective.
Even as he resolves to “accept the breakup gracefully” with a partner whose feelings have changed, the suffocating ache of being unable to forget is vividly depicted.
The acoustic guitar accompaniment keeps the mood gentle throughout, so the vocals really stand out.
When you sing, don’t overthink your delivery; focus on rhythm and tempo so the vertical alignment doesn’t slip.
Singing carefully will help bring out the atmosphere, but try not to be too uniform—sing the chorus a bit more clearly for contrast.
Rainy BlueTokunaga Hideaki
This is Hideaki Tokunaga’s debut single, released in 1986.
With his distinctive husky tone and sweet, slightly higher register, he sings of lingering feelings for a woman he parted with.
As the title suggests, the “rain” deepens the sense of loneliness, poignancy, and sadness.
It’s a classic that has been covered by many artists and is considered one of Tokunaga’s signature songs.
waxing; filling up; becoming full; growing (e.g., the moon growing fuller)Fuji Kaze
This is a song Fujii Kaze wrote specifically for the film “If She Blooms in April.” Released in March 2024, it gently sings about the essence of love and the changes in life.
Its soft piano melody and Fujii Kaze’s warm vocals highlight the song’s profound message.
The lyrics, which portray the lightness and fulfillment that come from letting go of attachment, are particularly striking.
It’s a perfect match for the film’s sweeping love story.
Highly recommended for those standing at a crossroads in life or wishing to reevaluate their relationships with loved ones.
It’s a ballad that will surely resonate when sung at karaoke.
The last kindnessJAY’ED
A love ballad that showcases JAY’ED’s soft, emotional vocals and stands as one of his defining early works.
With its theme of quietly reflecting on lingering feelings and the love that remains for a former partner, and its clear, beautiful melody, many listeners may find themselves drawn into its heartrending world and moved to tears.
Released as a single in February 2009, it was also included on the album MUSICATION later that year.
If you let its smooth falsetto resonate while you gently accompany the heart of a woman bearing the pain of heartbreak, your feelings might just reach the one you love.
LOVE LETTERMakihara Noriyuki
It’s a deep-cut album track that was never released as a single, yet it enjoys immense popularity among fans.
It’s a bittersweet unrequited-love song about someone who’s leaving for far away, marked by four-on-the-floor piano and an arrangement that feels both light and wistful, evoking the scenery seen from a departing train.
The overall vocal range spans F#3 to A4, with the bridge (C section) reaching the highest and most climactic notes.
The melody line is simple, so even those unfamiliar with the song can pick it up quickly.
Its coming-of-age vibe makes it easy to sing at karaoke without feeling heavy.
Highly recommended.
Last sceneSuda Masaki
This is the sixth single by singer Masaki Suda, an artist and actor whose unique, slightly offbeat allure keeps all eyes on him.
Chosen as the theme song for the TV drama “Japan Sinks: People of Hope,” it features an intro guitar sound that creates a nostalgic atmosphere.
With its relaxed tempo and low key, it’s a great pick even for men who aren’t confident at karaoke.
A modern, emotional ballad, it feels great to sing over its grand ensemble.
Close your eyesHirai Ken
Ken Hirai’s classic song “Hitomi wo Tojite” (“Close Your Eyes”).
This track was used as the theme song for the film “Crying Out Love, in the Center of the World,” and Ken Hirai also performed it at the 2004 NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
The deeply heartrending lyrics, which evoke the loss of someone precious, tighten your chest just by listening.
Yet within the sorrow you can feel gratitude and love for that special person, making it a love song you’ll want to hear again and again.
If you’re going to sing a Ken Hirai ballad, why not choose this one?
