Popular ballads. Band ranking [2026]

I for YouLUNA SEA29rank/position

LUNA SEA – 「I for You」MV

If you’re from the LUNA SEA generation, I bet many of you think of this song when you hear the words “rock ballad.” It’s one of their signature ballads, featuring crisply and pleasantly overdriven guitar backing and RYUICHI’s bewitchingly alluring vocals.

With its grand string arrangement, catchy melodic lines, and a tear-jerking guitar solo by SUGIZO, there’s so much to savor in this track.

The way beauty and rock’s raw power coexist here truly makes you feel that this is the very essence of a rock ballad.

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Hane Keisuke

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I don’t want to let go.T-BOLAN30rank/position

I don't want to let go.

Released on December 18, 1991, T-BOLAN’s “Hanashitaku wa Nai.” The ’90s were full of great ballads, and this is one you absolutely can’t leave out.

Many people still sing it at karaoke; the climactic final chorus and the piano’s tone match the vocals perfectly, delivering a truly moving experience.

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zunx2P

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Give me a gentle kiss.DREAMS COME TRUE31rank/position

DREAMS COME TRUE – “Give Me a Gentle Kiss”

DREAMS COME TRUE, also known as DoriCam, is a duo loved across generations, consisting of Miwa Yoshida and Masato Nakamura.

Their song “Yasashii Kiss o Shite” was chosen as the theme for the TBS drama Sand no Utsuwa, starring Masahiro Nakai.

It’s a melancholic yet dramatic number that resonates with the drama’s much-talked-about story of fate’s twists and turns.

While DCT’s uplifting tracks are great, Miwa Yoshida—renowned for her vocal prowess—also shines in tender, heartfelt ballads.

I highly recommend picking this one for karaoke.

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miyabi

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Song of the Eternal NightKami wa saikoro o furanai32rank/position

God Does Not Play Dice “Yoru-Naga Uta” [Official Lyric Video]

On sleepless nights, I suddenly remember someone precious who’s no longer by my side.

This is a tear-jerking rock ballad that sings of a heartbreak so intense it feels like your chest might burst.

It’s a work by the Fukuoka-born band God Doesn’t Roll Dice, included on their mini-album “A View on Lambda,” released in May 2019.

Starting with an intro that feels like turning back the hands of a clock, it builds to a dramatic chorus where emotions spill over all at once, sending shivers through your heart.

It also served as the theme song for the film “Little Subculture Wars: The Rebellion of Village Vanguard!” released in October 2020.

It’s a song that gently stays with you on nights when you can’t let go of a love you can’t forget, or when you want to sing your heart out and cry at karaoke.

wishsumika33rank/position

sumika / Wish [Music Video]

Sumika’s popular song delicately portrays the complex emotions of love.

It carefully expresses the feelings of a protagonist carrying the pain of unrequited love and a longing that cannot be fulfilled, making it a track that deeply resonates with listeners.

Released on March 3, 2021, this piece was also used as the theme song for the drama “Ossan’s Love: In the Sky,” earning widespread empathy.

Anyone who has experienced the joys and sorrows of love will surely find themselves reflecting on their own memories while listening.

It’s especially recommended for quiet nights or contemplative moments.

Love SongGO!GO!718834rank/position

GO!GO!7188 [Koi no Uta] with low-quality PV

Delicately portraying the poignant emotions of unrequited love, this song was released in 2000 as GO!GO!7188’s third single.

Lyrics by Akko express a straightforward devotion to a loved one and the pure feeling of happiness that comes simply from being with that person.

Composed by Yuu, the song’s structure and melody resonate deeply with listeners.

The lyrics, which capture both the sorrow and beauty of unrequited love, have struck a chord with many and continue to be cherished across generations.

The profound affection for the beloved is rendered with a distinctive poetic touch, which is likely what captivates listeners’ hearts.

KissORIGINAL LOVE35rank/position

ORIGINAL LOVE / Kiss

If you’re looking for a seductive, city-night vibe, how about a track by ORIGINAL LOVE? Its sound—where soul and jazz intertwine with sultry elegance—puts you in a more grown-up mood just by listening.

You can practically picture a passionate, romantic love story unfolding between two people spending a long night alone together.

Takao Tajima’s sweet, soulful vocals convey such aching affection that it makes your heart swell.

Released in November 1993 as their fifth single, the song was produced as the theme for the NTV drama “Otona no Kiss” (Adult’s Kiss).

It’s a melt-in-your-mouth sweet love song, perfect for a quiet night alone or for time spent close with someone special—give it a listen.