Popular Ballad Song Ranking [2026]

the red threadKobukuro64rank/position

Kobukuro “Red Thread”

This is a long ballad that carefully depicts the feelings of a young person entering a rough patch with their partner, unfolding over seven minutes.

As a year passes, the protagonist’s heart gradually starts to look forward, and that progression is portrayed in a striking way.

Included on the album “Root of my mind,” which Kobukuro produced soon after forming, the song gently conveys the importance of trust in love.

It’s recommended for those who, while struggling with a relationship with someone important, still want to cherish their feelings for each other.

It’s a song you’ll want to sing with all your heart at solo karaoke or in the company of close friends.

Without MeHalsey65rank/position

Halsey – Without Me

“Without Me,” released on October 4, 2018, by Halsey, a singer-songwriter from New Jersey.

She broke up with rapper and model G-Eazy, whom she had been dating, in early July 2018, and the song is said to be a heartbreak track infused with those feelings.

Her sweet yet husky vocals combined with the sorrow-tinged lyrics make it a deeply moving song.

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HATSUMI

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Summer Days of 1993class66rank/position

Summer Days of 1993

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.

GarnetOku Hanako67rank/position

Garnet

A signature song by Hanako Oku, chosen as the theme for the smash-hit animated film The Girl Who Leapt Through Time.

Its poignant lyrics and piano tones are captivating, evoking memories of days gone by as if they were right before your eyes.

Oku’s clear, transparent vocals gently permeate the heart.

Though we can no longer meet, the song expresses gratitude for a encounter that made the self stronger, offering not only solace from heartbreak but also the strength to move forward.

Released in July 2006, the song won the Best Theme Song (Film) at the Heisei Anime Song Awards.

For those who want to overcome a painful farewell and step into the future with beautiful memories, this song will gently nudge you forward.

All of the YouthFujifaburikku68rank/position

Fujifabric – Youth of Everything

Fujifabric is a three-piece rock band that made their major debut in 2004 with the album Alamode.

Their song Wakamos no Subete is captivating for its lyrics that poignantly capture the melancholy of summer’s end.

“Gazing at the last fireworks of the year, I find myself recalling those memories no matter how many years go by…”—such beautiful lines leave a lasting impression.

Songs like this, which express what young people feel in everyday life in down-to-earth words, were born in great numbers in the 2000s, which is why they feel so nostalgic.

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Yuuki

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DarlingMrs. GREEN APPLE69rank/position

Mrs. GREEN APPLE "Darling" Official Music Video

This ballad, featuring Motoki Omori’s resonant vocals, was created as the theme song for the 2024 Juhachi-sai (18-sai) festival and is set for release in January 2025.

Its grand sound—blending band instrumentation with piano and strings—leaves a strong impression.

The lyrics portray a struggle of confronting oneself and searching for identity.

I’m sure it will resonate with many people, not just the younger generation.

The song was also used in a Nikkei Electronic Edition commercial starring Omori and Hana Sugisaki.

The ad depicts a what-if scenario in which the two appear as office workers, showing them using the Nikkei Electronic Edition to absorb a wealth of information and elevate themselves.

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Hane Keisuke

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Lovers AgainEXILE70rank/position

EXILE / Lovers Again

A quintessential EXILE ballad, “Lovers Again.” The harmonies between the two vocalists are pleasant to listen to.

Since it’s not a song that requires belting, you can sing it comfortably without pushing for volume.

To produce that volume when needed, focus on resonating through your body.

If you place a hand on your chest while you sing, you’ll notice the vibration.

This resonance is crucial—when your body resonates, your voice carries clearly to both yourself and the listener, even without singing loudly.

Another key is using your breath.

If you just force your voice out nearby, your vocal cords won’t vibrate efficiently.

But if you project as though you’re sending your voice farther away, your vocal cords will vibrate better and you’ll sing more easily.

Keep these points in mind and enjoy mastering this ballad!

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Kubota Mami

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