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.
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Popular Ballad Song Rankings [2026] (61–70)
homeKiyama Yusaku61rank/position
A song from a father’s perspective by Yusaku Kiyama that weaves together the deep love of a parent cherishing their child and the joys of parenting, expressed through a gentle vocal and ballad melody.
It delivers to the heart, along with the warm tones of the piano, everyday moments shared with a child, a parent’s feelings as they watch their child grow, and messages to the child.
Released in February 2008 as his major-label debut on tearbridge records, it was chosen as the ending theme for Nippon TV’s “UtaSta!!” and Yomiuri TV’s “Joho Live Miyane-ya.” In December of the same year, he performed at the 59th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen.
This is a song you’ll want to listen to during life’s important milestones—such as graduations and weddings—when you want to feel the bond between parent and child.
FluxEllie Goulding62rank/position
A gem of a ballad that delicately captures the pain of heartbreak and lingering attachment.
Ellie Goulding’s clear, translucent vocals beautifully portray the feeling of being trapped by a past love.
The simple, piano-centered arrangement enhances the emotion conveyed by the lyrics.
Released in March 2019, the track is included on the album Brightest Blue.
Its black-and-white music video also superbly reflects the song’s world.
This is a must-listen for anyone who has experienced heartbreak or carries unspoken feelings in their heart.
DIVINEshōjo jidai63rank/position
A grand ballad adorned with a crystal-clear, beautiful melody and lyrics that are both heartrending and powerful.
It was included on the 2014 album “THE BEST.” The strong harmonies of all nine Girls’ Generation members stir the heart, singing of courage and hope to move forward through hardship.
Within the magnificent soundscape woven by strings and piano, each member’s voice blends beautifully.
As the final official recording by the group’s nine-member lineup including Jessica, this song holds deep significance for fans.
It is a gem of a ballad that showcases Girls’ Generation’s musical prowess—one that resonates when you’ve faced setbacks or farewells and need the courage to look ahead.
the red threadKobukuro64rank/position
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
“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.
DarlingMrs. GREEN APPLE66rank/position
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.
Summer Days of 1993class67rank/position
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 Hanako68rank/position
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.
Hello/How are you?nanou69rank/position
In the early days of his career, Nanou had little knowledge of DTM, so he performed most of the instruments live.
“Hello/How Are You,” which became his first million-hit song, likely resonates with many listeners for its lyrics that depict the feeling of swallowing one’s true feelings and the things that really matter.
Although the melody is complex and it’s hard to ride the bouncy rhythm of the shuffle beat, the vocal range itself is narrow, so if you sing calmly, it’s an easy choice even for karaoke.
It’s a lyrical number that I hope you’ll tackle after firmly learning the flow of the song.
All of the YouthFujifaburikku70rank/position
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.
