![Popular Ballad Song Ranking [2026]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/T8y_RsF4TSw/maxresdefault.webp)
Popular Ballad Song Ranking [2026]
We’re bringing you the latest rankings from the overall chart of popular ballads, showcased all at once in order of most views!
When you’re feeling down or just want to relax alone, listening to ballads somehow brings a sense of relief, doesn’t it?
Whether Japanese or Western music, this is a must-listen ranking for anyone who simply wants to enjoy all kinds of ballads.
The playlist is updated weekly.
Popular Ballad Song Rankings [2026] (1–10)
Happy Endingback number1rank/position
A gem-like ballad by the three-piece rock band back number, featured as the theme song for the film “My Tomorrow, Your Yesterday.” The song portrays the complex emotional landscape of a woman who has decided to part ways with someone she still loves, where bravado and true feelings intertwine.
The sentimental strings blend with the delicate band sound, evoking the ache of heartbreak.
You’ll feel your chest tighten as she tells herself that a sorrowful farewell is a “happy ending.” It’s a dramatic number that will move you to tears.
PrologueUru2rank/position
My heart trembles at its ephemeral worldview.
The song is by singer-songwriter Uru, also known for hits like “Anata ga Iru Koto de,” and it was released as a single in 2018.
It was chosen as the theme song for the drama “Chuugaku Sei Nikki,” which portrays a forbidden love.
That clear, translucent voice—truly quintessential Uru.
It feels as if it permeates to the very depths of the heart.
The lyrics, which faithfully reflect the drama’s story, are also deeply moving.
First LoveUtada Hikaru3rank/position
This is one of Hikaru Utada’s signature ballads, a song about the end of an unforgettable love.
Released in April 1999 as a single from her album, it became a major sensation as the theme song for the drama “Majo no Jōken,” which portrays a romance between a teacher and a student.
The opening scene—beginning with the bitter, heartrending scent of a cigarette from a farewell kiss—is strikingly vivid, almost unbelievable for something written by her at just sixteen.
Even if you fall in love with someone else, your first love remains special in your heart, and the message that you learned how to love from that relationship transforms the pain of heartbreak into beautiful hope.
A perfect listen for nights when you want to linger in bittersweet memories.
Letter to TomorrowTeshima Aoi4rank/position
Aoi Teshima’s “Letter to Tomorrow” is a track included on her 2014 album Ren’dez-vous.
A newly arranged version was later released in 2016 as the ending theme for the drama “Love That Makes You Cry.” Its piano-centered sound carries a poignant atmosphere, over which her delicate vocals are layered, expressing a determination to move forward despite the pain.
The song was also used in an Aflac commercial, where its theme aligns with the message of taking a step forward even in the face of uncertainty.
KanadeSukima Suichi5rank/position
With the concept of “down-to-earth music,” Sukima Switch’s lyrical songs have earned support across generations.
Released in March 2004 as their second single, this track has become a classic, securing numerous tie-ins such as an insert song for the film “Rough” and themes for TV dramas.
Its heartrending lyrics and melody evoke scenes of parting, likely bringing back memories for anyone who listens.
Musically, it’s a very straightforward and beautiful ballad that almost anyone can sing along to with ease.
When singing it at karaoke, try to value every single word of the lyrics and perform with care.
I Want It That WayBackstreet Boys6rank/position
A pop ballad about aching love propelled America’s Backstreet Boys to global stardom.
Released in April 1999, the song reached No.
1 on the charts in more than 25 countries and earned an impressive three Grammy nominations.
While the lyrics are ambiguous, its beautiful melody and the group’s exquisite five-part harmonies are sure to soothe anyone struggling with love.
It was featured in a Samsung Electronics commercial in 2021, and even after more than 20 years, its appeal remains undiminished.
Highly recommended for those dealing with heartbreak or long-distance relationships.
One more time,One more chanceYamazaki Masayoshi7rank/position
This is the song used to accentuate the calm atmosphere in the Suntory Maker’s Mark commercial, which portrays the unchanging deliciousness of the whiskey through a character played by Shun Oguri who is immortal.
The track is also famous as the theme song for the feature-length anime 5 Centimeters per Second, and it conveys a bittersweet sentiment over the sound of an acoustic guitar.
The lyrics honestly express memories of the past and the regrets tied to them, as well as the pain of wishing for “just one more time,” even while knowing it can never come true.
The part about instinctively looking for someone’s figure somewhere—a feeling many can relate to—also heightens the sense of poignancy.