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Popular ballads. Band ranking [2026]
When it comes to bands, many people think of upbeat, fast-tempo songs with a great groove.
While that image is common, bands also have unexpectedly grand ballads and mellow, moving tracks.
This time, we’re introducing songs like those.
We’ve listed them in a ranking based on play counts so far, so be sure to check them out.
Popular ballads. Band 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.
I want to hug you.Mr.Children2rank/position
A gemlike love ballad whose sweet, wistful feelings seep gently into the heart.
Created by Mr.Children in December 1992, the song is marked by its key changes—born from producer Takeshi Kobayashi’s idea—and the tender tone of the piano.
Infused with pure affection and devoted sentiment, its melody exudes a grown-up allure perfect for a late-night lounge.
It was featured as an insert song in the Fuji TV drama “Pure” and used in NTT Docomo commercials, and has been covered by many artists, including Ryuichi Kawamura and Anri.
Its warmth, which seems to envelop deep feelings for a loved one, is part of its charm, and as a song that keeps close company on nights spent with someone special, it has been etched into the hearts of many.
About meMrs. GREEN APPLE3rank/position
A masterful song by Mrs.
GREEN APPLE that captivates with its grand rock ballad sound and heartfelt lyrics.
It gently asks what it means to live true to yourself, and how your own existence becomes visible through differences with others.
Its warm perspective resonates deeply, standing by those who, despite anxiety and loneliness, strive to move forward step by step.
Released in January 2019, it stirred the hearts of many as the support song for the 97th All Japan High School Soccer Tournament.
From November 2022, an orchestral arrangement was also featured in Otsuka Pharmaceutical’s CalorieMate “Support for Exam Takers” commercial series, showcasing a new charm.
It’s a song you’ll want to listen to when you stand at a crossroads in life, when you feel you might lose your way, or when you want to encourage someone dear to you.
366 daysHY4rank/position
A four-member mixture band HY, based in Okinawa and also known for producing a natural brand beyond music, delivers this song.
It’s a ballad included on their 5th album, HeartY.
The lyrics, born from Izumi Nakasone’s real-life experience, paired with a heartrending melody, evoke the genuine emotions one feels after a breakup.
Released in April 2008, it drew attention as the theme song for the film Red Thread.
With a straightforward message to someone unforgettable that tightens the heart, this representative HY song continues to be sung across generations.
HOWEVERGLAY5rank/position
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.
Wherever you areONE OK ROCK6rank/position
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!
PretenderOfisharu Higedan Dism7rank/position
This is one of Official HIGE DANDism’s signature ballads, sung over a dramatic melody about the end of a heartrending love.
The protagonist deeply loves the other person yet realizes they are not meant to be, and their inner struggle is heartbreaking.
Holding an impossible wish—if only in another timeline—and ultimately stepping back while praising the other’s beauty, the lyrics are impossible to hear without tears.
Released as a single in May 2019, it became widely known as the theme song for the film “The Confidence Man JP.” Pouring your feelings into it at karaoke will surely lighten the burden on your heart.
A song that heals the pain of heartbreak and helps you gradually look forward, this masterpiece gently stays by your side in the season of farewells.