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.
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Popular Ballads. Band Rankings [2026] (81–90)
A Love Story Ten Years AheadTUBE85rank/position
Speaking of summer, many people think of TUBE! You probably recall their various hot summer anthems.
But Ten Years Ahead Love Story is a complete departure from TUBE’s fiery side—a gentle, soothing summer ballad.
It’s included on their 1991 album Shonan.
The song portrays a straightforward devotion: continuing to think of a former lover for decades, even millennia, until they meet again.
An unforgettable summer romance, like the one in this song, never fades no matter how many decades pass, does it? The feeling of hoping that there might still be a chance, rather than simply moving on, is also deeply relatable.
When you want to sink into the memory of that unforgettable summer love, make this song your soundtrack.
I don’t want to let go.T‐BOLAN86rank/position
Hanashitaku wa Nai is a song that expresses the feeling of not really wanting to part, but having no choice.
It was created by the rock band T-BOLAN.
I’m sure many of you have heard it before—it’s a timeless classic loved across generations.
Arashi Moritomo’s husky yet powerful vocals really hit you in the heart, don’t they? By the way, some listeners may have had the experience of revisiting the song after a long time and feeling that the lyrics were different from what they remembered.
That’s because part of the lyrics differ between the single version and the album version.
I hope you enjoy comparing those differences as well.
Wonderful DaysUNICORN87rank/position
Among the many songs by the legendary rock band Unicorn, one of the most popular is “Subarashii Hibi.” Its melody is simple, yet it pierces the heart all the more for it.
It’s truly a ballad that represents Unicorn.
Until the World Ends…WANDS88rank/position
A classic released on June 8, 1994, it became a huge hit as the second ending theme for the anime SLAM DUNK.
It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s especially popular among men at karaoke! When you actually try singing it, the tempo isn’t very fast, so any pitch deviations tend to stand out.
If you’re using scoring mode, it’s important to calmly track the pitch bar.
Also, for the long notes, not matching the pitch bar all the way to the end will cost you points.
If you sing with a grand, liberating feel—really letting your voice out—you’ll find your voice flows smoothly and comfortably.
In any case, it might be best to sing carefully right from the A melody!
together; along with; bothWANIMA89rank/position
A rock number packed with fiery messages that make you want to reaffirm your bonds with friends has arrived from Kumamoto.
Brimming with WANIMA’s forward-looking energy, the song also reflects their feelings about the earthquake that struck their hometown of Kumamoto.
Released in August 2016 as the CM song for NIVEA Kao’s “8×4,” this track powerfully sings of the courage to face hardship and the bonds with those we hold dear.
Well known as a staple at WANIMA’s live shows—where it sparks massive sing-alongs with the audience—it was also performed on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen in 2017.
This piece is a moving choice for occasions like graduation ceremonies and farewell parties, where friendships are renewed.
It’s the perfect song for farewells with friends, times of temporary separation, or moments when you want to look back on treasured memories with close companions.
KoiAndrop90rank/position
The theme song for the film “Until I Meet September’s Love,” starring Issey Takahashi and Haruna Kawaguchi.
No matter the fate, no matter the constraints, I’ll search for you—because it has to be you! Have you ever met someone who makes you feel, or who feels for you, that deeply? That kind of straightforward, wholehearted love that seems to exist only in movies and dramas is something we all admire.
Takahito Uchizawa’s gentle vocals make this a heartfelt track overflowing with love.
Popular Ballads. Band Rankings [2026] (91–100)
In the Corner of the Nightkobore91rank/position
A rock ballad with poignant, heart‑piercing lyrics and a catchy melody.
It portrays the loneliness of reflecting on a lost love in the corner of the night, and it really resonates deeply.
The track is included on the album “Yoru o Mukae ni,” released in May 2018.
Known as one of kobore’s signature songs, it’s loved not only for its bittersweet lyrics but also for its beautiful melody.
It’s a song that really hits home when you’re dealing with a breakup or feel like reminiscing about someone important.
It’s sure to stay close to your heart.