Popular ballads. Band ranking [2026]

Maplesupittsu51rank/position

Spitz / Kaede

Released in 1998, this song has been featured extensively in tie-ins, including as a TV drama theme and insert song, as well as in commercials.

The chorus, where Masamune Kusano’s high, soaring vocals shine, is surely familiar to just about everyone.

Its ear-pleasing, beautiful melody further accentuates the bittersweet lyrics, making it incredibly memorable.

The song was used in a Universal Music commercial that aired in December 2025.

Two other Spitz songs were also featured, and this track plays in the final scene of the commercial.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Hane Keisuke

Report a problem

My SongGirls Dead Monster52rank/position

"My Song" - Angel Beats! Insert Song by Girls Dead Monster

This song was used as an insert track in episode 3 of the anime Angel Beats! It was released in 2010 as part of the single Crow Song under the name of the in-story band Girls Dead Monster.

The arrangement is simple, performed solely with the sound of an acoustic guitar, which allows the lyrics’ message to sink deep into your heart.

It’s a wonderful classic that supports you when you’re feeling down after a failure or when you can’t find what you want to do.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Araki Jakkan

Report a problem

Love letterTHE BLUE HEARTS53rank/position

[Official] THE BLUE HEARTS “Love Letter” [4th Single (1989/2/21)] THE BLUE HEARTS / Love Letter

This is THE BLUE HEARTS’ first single that’s a ballad and one of their classic songs.

The lyrics, born from Hiroto Kōmoto’s sensibility, are free of pretense—pure and straightforward.

Just listening to it will put you in a gentle mood.

Released as a re-cut from the album TRAIN-TRAIN, the song was used in an au commercial in 2004 and as an insert song in a film in 2006.

It portrays delicate, innocent feelings, making it perfect for those dealing with heartbreak or bittersweet emotions.

Its low difficulty level is another draw, designed so it’s easy to sing casually at karaoke.

Be sure to check it out.

Your favorite songUVERworld54rank/position

UVERworld 'The Song You Like'

A ballad that sings of bittersweet feelings, delivered with TAKUYA∞’s clear, translucent vocals.

Released in 2006 as UVERworld’s sixth single, the song is also included on their second album, BUGRIGHT.

Its structure alternates between beautiful melodies and rap sections, packing in heartfelt emotions for a loved one.

SNOW SOUND[Alexandros]55rank/position

[Alexandros] – SNOW SOUND (MV)

[Alexandros] is a four-piece rock band whose momentum has only grown since welcoming a new drummer in 2021 and launching a new lineup.

Their 14th single, “SNOW SOUND,” released as a double A-side with “Imamade Kimi ga Naita Bun Torimodosou” (“Let’s Make Up for All the Times You Cried”), was featured in JR East’s “JR SKISKI” commercial.

Its brisk, crystal-clear sound perfectly embodies the song’s title.

The chorus reaches quite a high register, so it’s not easy, but it’s a winter song men should add to their karaoke repertoire to brighten up the season.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Hoshino Takashi

Report a problem

Cherry Blossom Rainabsorb56rank/position

absorb "Sakura no Ame" MV Full

This work, which describes the sight of cherry blossom petals fluttering down as “Sakura no Ame” (Cherry Blossom Rain), is a song by absorb that weaves together the bittersweetness of parting and the hope of a new departure under the theme of graduation.

After being released online in February 2008, it was issued as a single that November.

Its forward-looking take on farewells resonated with many listeners, and it has since become widely cherished as a graduation song.

As spring arrives and we all need the courage to step into new environments, why not let this song give you a gentle push forward?

Heart Rainindigo la End57rank/position

Indigo la End “Koiame”

A heart-stirring ballad that quietly observes a bittersweet parting in love.

Its melody delicately captures subtle emotions, while the graceful sound of acoustic guitar and electric piano resonates deep within.

Released by indigo la End in February 2016, the song was featured as the TV commercial theme for the smartphone game ‘Shoumetsu Toshi’ and is also included on their second major-label album, ‘Aiiro Music.’ Told from the perspective of a woman reflecting on the end of a relationship, the lyrics leave a strong impression as they carefully express emotional shifts through the metaphor of rain.

It’s a song that stays close to your heart when you want to quietly accept the pain of heartbreak and move forward.

miraclekururi58rank/position

Quruli – Miracle | Live

Kirinji’s “Miracle” is a gift for listeners seeking music that resonates with the heart.

Its gently flowing melody and distinctive lyrics evoke a feeling that is both nostalgic and fresh.

The tender, enveloping sound of the guitar has a calming power.

This song offers a moment to step away from the bustle of everyday life and face yourself.

The emotion embedded in its unadorned scenes is quiet yet deeply moving.

For many, it’s sure to be a soothing track that makes you forget the passage of time.

On a tranquil, lingering night, why not savor this ballad that gently loosens the heart?

Tears of MagnoliaSutādasuto☆Rebyū59rank/position

Tears of Magnolia

A love ballad that sings of the profound sense of loss after losing the lover to whom eternal love was vowed.

Using the magnolia—the flower that symbolizes spring—as its motif, it beautifully depicts warm memories with a beloved person and the loneliness felt after their loss.

It was included as the first track on Stardust Revue’s album “SOLA,” released in March 1993, and was later released as a single, selling 150,000 copies.

In 2005, an acoustic version was produced for a Nikka Whisky commercial.

For those who have lost someone precious or who recall bittersweet memories in the spring season, this work will resonate deeply with your heart.

Under the big onionbakufū suranpu60rank/position

Bakufu Slump: Under the Big Onion at Budokan

This song, “Under the Big Onion,” is included on Bakufu Slump’s second album, Shiawase, released in 1985.

While Bakufu Slump is strongly associated with “Runner,” it’s no exaggeration to call this track one of their signature songs as well.

The “big onion” in the title famously refers to the ornamental onion-shaped finial atop the roof of the Nippon Budokan.

The lyrics vividly reflect the spirit of the era, and it’s a ballad that powerfully conveys the poignancy of a long-distance romance.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

utatane

Report a problem