Popular Ballad Song Ranking [2026]

SoranjiMrs. GREEN APPLE92rank/position

Mrs. GREEN APPLE「Soranji」Official Music Video

An emotionally stirring ballad that sings of the sanctity of life, driven by grand, heart-tugging strings.

As Mrs.

GREEN APPLE’s 10th single, released in November 2022, this song was written as the theme for the film “From Siberia With Love.” The lyrics portray unwavering hope in the face of any hardship and a powerful devotion to a loved one.

Many listeners may find their tears welling up at its profound message.

It’s a track that, when you’re worn down by daily life or on the verge of losing heart, lights a warm glow within you and guides you toward tomorrow.

AiHata Motohiro93rank/position

Moto Hiro Hata – “Ai” Music Video

Hata Motohiro’s ninth single, released in 2010.

It’s a classic that has been covered by various artists, including Chris Hart and Hitoto Yo.

Hata’s mellow, gentle vocals and the carefully strummed acoustic guitar resonate with a poignant tenderness, wrapping you in a feeling of affection.

It’s perfect for when you want to reflect on the flutter of a fateful encounter that makes you feel love in an instant, and on those irreplaceably happy moments—please give it a listen.

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hiyori

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ALONEB’z94rank/position

B’z / ALONE

Under the twilight sky, standing alone while thinking of a loved one.

It conjures a poignant yet beautiful scene—an exquisite ballad that represents B’z.

The lyrics, which portray how time apart only deepens one’s feelings for the other, are truly heart-wrenching.

Released in October 1991, the song became a million-seller as the theme for the drama “Hotel Woman.” In live performances, Koshi Inaba’s piano-and-vocal rendition has become a legendary moment among fans.

Listen to it on a night spent alone, and it will gently keep your lonely heart company.

#302Hirai Ken95rank/position

Ken Hirai '#302' MUSIC VIDEO

Here is a song by Ken Hirai that sings about events that could happen in an everyday karaoke box.

It became the theme song for the drama “4-Minute Marigold.” It’s said that there was a real shop that served as the model and that Hirai’s own experiences are included in the lyrics, which makes you think, “So Hirai goes to karaoke boxes too,” and feel surprised.

Since it’s a song about a karaoke box, the first-press limited edition also includes an instrumental version without vocals, a fun feature for those who want to sing it themselves.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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A Thousand YearsChristina Perri96rank/position

Christina Perri – A Thousand Years [Official Music Video]

The moving ballad that sings of eternal love continues to capture the hearts of many as Christina Perri’s signature work.

The beautiful melodies and profound lyrics crafted by the American singer were beloved worldwide as part of the soundtrack for The Twilight Saga.

Since its release in October 2011, it has also become a popular wedding standard, and its popularity shows no signs of fading, with over 2.5 billion views on YouTube.

It’s a highly recommended song for moments when you want to feel the bond with someone you love or be soothed by a voice that truly resonates.

I became someone else’s girlfriend.wacci97rank/position

wacci “I Became Someone Else’s Girlfriend” Music Video

A husky vocal line set against a slow-tempo ballad, emotive guitar tones, dynamic, ebb-and-flow drumming—this wacci smash hit is packed with highlights.

Its greatest charm lies in the lyrics that so many listeners relate to.

The theme—still hung up on an ex and unconsciously comparing him to a current boyfriend—sparked mixed reactions, but it was precisely the honest, straightforward expression of feeling that resonated with so many.

Released in November 2018, the song became a major topic on social media and catapulted wacci to fame.

It’s a moving track that’s perfect for anyone wrestling with complicated feelings of love.

The End of SummerMoriyama Naotaro98rank/position

Naotaro Moriyama – Natsuno Owari

As summer ends and the season truly shifts toward autumn in September, this is one of those songs you really feel like listening to, isn’t it? It’s one of the well-known tracks by singer-songwriter Naotaro Moriyama.

Just as the title suggests, it’s a beautiful ballad imbued with the quietude that perfectly suits the end of summer.

At first glance, the lyrics can be taken as a love song, but Mr.

Moriyama himself has said it was actually created as an anti-war song.

Hearing that backstory, the song’s beauty makes perfect sense, doesn’t it?

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Hane Keisuke

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