Popular Ballad Song Ranking [2026]

Ballad of a SingerSaitō Kazuyoshi8rank/position

Kazuyoshi Saito – Ballad of a Singer (2008 Ver.) [Music Video]

It’s a song that makes you want to sing while thinking of someone special on those long autumn nights when you somehow crave human warmth.

It’s one of singer-songwriter Kazuyoshi Saito’s signature tracks, depicting the love of a clumsy protagonist who can only convey his true feelings through song.

The lyrics, which carry straightforward emotions that are hard to say in everyday life, are beautiful and hit you right in the heart.

Released in November 1997 as his 15th single, the song is well-known for being covered by many artists and for being chosen as the theme song for the 2017 animated film Lu Over the Wall.

With the warm tones of the acoustic guitar and Saito’s gentle vocals resonating deeply, it’s also a great choice to sing with all your heart at karaoke.

Wherever you areONE OK ROCK9rank/position

Full ver. One Ok Rock Wherever You Are #oneokrock #ワンオク #whereveryouare

ONE OK ROCK’s signature song “Wherever you are.” Since it’s sung as a love song that vows eternity, you’ll want to use falsetto to really bring out the song’s appeal.

That said, the falsetto in “Wherever you are” appears mainly at the beginning.

The song builds toward the latter half, so about two-thirds is sung in chest voice.

If you sing the initial guitar-backed section firmly in falsetto to create contrast, it lands stylishly.

Many people who like rock and band music seem to want to sing ONE OK ROCK.

The high range can be a hurdle, but ballads let you cover the high notes with falsetto, so they’re recommended.

Open your throat and keep the breath flowing steadily!

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Kubota Mami

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moonlightOnitsuka Chihiro10rank/position

Chihiro Onitsuka – Gekkou (Moonlight)

A timeless masterpiece that blends gentleness with fragility, like moonlight pouring down on a quiet night.

The lyrics, which gently accompany those bearing loneliness and despair, combined with Chihiro Onitsuka’s overwhelming vocal power, stir listeners to their core.

Released in March 2001, the song was also chosen as the theme for the TV drama “TRICK,” drawing major attention for its mysterious atmosphere.

When you’re feeling lost about yourself or life, or yearning for someone’s support, listening to it will fill you with a warmth that seeps into your heart.

This work remains one of Onitsuka’s signature songs, cherished by many to this day.

HOWEVERGLAY11rank/position

GLAY / HOWEVER

With its poignant lyrics and beautiful melodic line that resonate deeply, this is one of GLAY’s signature songs.

Released in August 1997, it became the band’s first million-selling single and captured the hearts of many listeners.

It was also featured as the ending theme for the TBS drama “Ryakudatsu-ai: Abunai Onna,” which drew even more attention.

The lyrics, which sing of bonds with a loved one and the strength to move forward together by overcoming past experiences, offer comfort and courage to listeners.

It’s a moving song you’ll want to hear when you want to cherish time with someone important or when you’re standing at a crossroads in life.

STAYBLACKPINK12rank/position

BLACKPINK – ‘STAY’ M/V

BLACKPINK is hugely popular not only in Asia but around the world.

Their bittersweet yet pop-infused ballad “STAY” is a perfect example.

In the first half of the song, set to a simple guitar tone, the lyrics express both hatred toward the man who hurt her and a love she still can’t let go of.

In the latter half, the mood shifts dramatically: accompanied by handclaps and a brighter melody, the song turns to declaring love for him.

The message comes through not only in the lyrics, but also in this key change.

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yamamoto

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planetariumOtsuka Ai13rank/position

Ai Otsuka / Planetarium

A heart-stirring ballad that projects the ache of love onto the stars in the night sky, this piece is marked by Ai Otsuka’s delicate vocals and lyrical piano.

Memories of a lover and the wistfulness of time gone by are woven into the beautiful imagery of starry skies and planetariums, resonating deeply with listeners.

Used as the theme song for the drama “Koi no Karasawagi” and included on the album “LOVE COOK,” it has continued to soothe many hearts since its release in September 2005.

It’s a song you’ll want to listen to while gazing up at the stars on a solitary night—recommended for those looking to heal the pain of heartbreak or to immerse themselves in cherished memories with someone special.

bow knotAimer14rank/position

Aimer “Chouchou Musubi” (produced and written by Yojiro Noda of RADWIMPS)

Aimer is a female singer who captivates listeners with a voice that conveys pride in her own sound and a resolute commitment to singing.

Her 11th single, “Butterfly Knot,” which was selected as the theme song for the information program Sukkiri!!, also drew attention for being produced and written by Yojiro Noda of RADWIMPS.

True to its title, the message that things only come together when both sides are present is deeply moving—whether you’re singing it or listening to it.

The melody and dynamics are challenging and require practice, but it’s a highly recommended karaoke number that we hope you’ll learn to sing.

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Hoshino Takashi

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