Popular ballads. Band ranking [2026]

LetterSHE’S43rank/position

SHE’S – Letter【MV】

This is a moving song that portrays conflict and growth in human relationships through a dialogue with oneself.

Its deep melody, where poignancy and warmth coexist, and its lyrics that delicately weave subtle emotions resonate deeply with listeners.

SHE’S released the track as a digital single in October 2019, and it is also included on their album Tragicomedy.

In 2020, it was featured as the commercial song for Nintendo’s game Animal Crossing: New Horizons and the Nintendo Switch Lite.

It’s a song I wholeheartedly recommend to anyone who wants to face the many emotions of life or who is struggling with relationships with loved ones.

Not fleetingSUPER BEAVER44rank/position

SUPER BEAVER “Not Ephemeral” MV (Theme song for the film ‘Tokyo Revengers 2: Bloody Halloween Arc -Decisive Battle-’)

A song that compels deep reflection on the value of life and living.

As the theme song for the film Tokyo Revengers 2, it expresses human frailty and fear, as well as the strong will to overcome them.

Ryota Shibuya’s vocals from SUPER BEAVER powerfully convey the beauty and meaning of life that can be found even as we accept the fragility of life and the uncertainty of the future.

Released in June 2023, the song also carries a message about embracing happiness without fear, reexamining oneself, and striving to grow.

It’s a song that makes you want to cherish every moment of life.

loadTHE toraburyū45rank/position

THE Toramaru Dragon “Road” FULL Music Video

A massive hit that sold over two million copies in total.

Its poignant lyrics about heartbreak and parting deeply resonate with men in their 50s, making it a karaoke classic! It might feel a bit too mellow when actually sung at karaoke, but it’s perfect for when you want a break.

When singing, pay attention to breath flow and expressiveness for a better performance.

The song builds toward the chorus, so if you sing each phrase of the chorus with the image of growing intensity, it will add expressiveness and enhance the atmosphere.

The key is to sing carefully and delicately—avoid singing roughly at all costs!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Kubota Mami

Report a problem

It’ll get stained.Chatto Monchī46rank/position

Chatmonchy “I’ll Be Dyed” Music Video

If you’re looking to indulge in a slightly sentimental mood on a chilly autumn night, I recommend a wistful mid-tempo number from Chatmonchy.

Released in November 2008, this song poignantly conveys the loneliness of city nights and the tender ache of stretching yourself to do something unfamiliar.

The gradient of a heart that has lost something precious and is slowly dyed a different color seems to resonate in your chest, carried by Eriko Hashimoto’s aching vocals.

This was the band’s ninth single and marked their first entry into the Oricon Top 10.

It was also used as the theme song for the drama “Tonsura” and included on the classic album “Kokuhaku” (Confession).

Sing it earnestly at karaoke, and memories of your youth might just come flooding back.

forget-me-notAwesome City Club47rank/position

Awesome City Club / Wasurena (MUSIC VIDEO)

It’s a song packed with urban charm.

Released digitally in January 2021 as an inspiration track for the film “We Made a Beautiful Bouquet,” it fully showcases the appeal of dual male-female vocals.

The lyrics, which look back on past love while conveying hope for the future, leave a strong impression.

Included on the album “Grower,” it became a massive hit with over 300 million streams.

Brimming with Awesome City Club’s polished sound and metropolitan vibe, this track is perfect for reflecting on memories with someone special or taking a new step forward.

Sing it at karaoke and it’s sure to spark a wave of shared feeling.

LOVER SOULJUDY AND MARY48rank/position

JUDY AND MARY LOVER SOUL

JUDY AND MARY is a four-piece rock band that became synonymous with female-fronted rock in Japan, and even after their breakup, calls for a reunion have never ceased.

Their 13th single, “LOVER SOUL,” is a track that lingers in your ears with its cute vocals and catchy guitar phrases.

The ensemble has a floating, airy feel while each part asserts its presence, and the soaring chorus melody layered on top truly moves the heart.

It’s a masterpiece that showcases the unique character of JUDY AND MARY—one that people beyond the generation it came from should hear.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Hoshino Takashi

Report a problem

PuzzleKEYTALK49rank/position

KEYTALK / Puzzle【Official Music Video】

KEYTALK is a four-piece rock band named after their desire to create music as if conversing through musical scales.

“Puzzle,” included on their eighth album DANCEJILLION, is a self-cover of a song they originally wrote for the audition program THE IDOL BAND BOY’S BATTLE.

Its lyrics evoke a sentimental love story that many listeners may find overlaps with their own experiences.

Featuring a delicate piano sound, the ensemble forms a poignant, lyrical ballad.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Hoshino Takashi

Report a problem