Popular Love Songs & Romance Tracks Ranking [2026]

HAPPY BIRTHDAYback number36rank/position

back number - “HAPPY BIRTHDAY” Music Video (Theme song for the TBS Tuesday drama “A Story to Read When You First Fall in Love”)

An emotionally moving medium-tempo ballad that portrays the complex feelings of unrequited love—from the faint expectations on the eve of a birthday to the ache of emotions that never reach their destination.

In contrast to the happiness of a birthday, the loneliness and the sorrow of being unable to express one’s feelings straightforwardly resonate with a delicate melodic line.

Released in February 2019, the song was featured as the theme for the TBS drama “A Story to Read When You First Fall in Love,” and was also included on the album “MAGIC.” With vocals that gently embrace the bittersweet emotions of love that everyone has experienced, it’s a song well-suited for karaoke, where it can be performed in a calm, composed manner.

confessionHirai Ken37rank/position

Ken Hirai - Confession

This is a song whose profound vocals by Ken Hirai resonate deeply, portraying hopeless darkness and profound sorrow.

Released in May 2012, it was used as the theme song for the TV Asahi drama “W no Higeki” (The Tragedy of W).

The suffering and feelings of resignation depicted from the perspective of a woman carrying sadness are made even more striking through a music video with a unique visual aesthetic.

The work drew attention for its innovative production that fuses traditional Japanese performing arts—such as Awa Odori and Kabuki—with dance, leaving a strong impression both musically and visually.

It is a song that gently stays by the side of those trying to move forward despite their pain, or those who wish to confront the darker emotions within themselves.

Snow WhiteFlower38rank/position

Flower “Snow White” — 2nd album “Hanadokei (Flower Clock)” out 3/4

After working as support members for EXILE’s live performances, the dance and vocal group Flower made their debut in 2010.

Their 6th single, Shirayukihime (Snow White), used as the theme song for the NOTTV drama “We’re All Dead♪,” features a dreamlike ensemble that perfectly evokes its title.

A love you can’t stop even though you know from the start it won’t be rewarded is a feeling many people have likely experienced at least once.

It’s a heartbreaking number whose sentimental piano and strings melody pierces the heart.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Hoshino Takashi

Report a problem

Thinking Out LoudEd Sheeran39rank/position

Ed Sheeran – Thinking Out Loud (Official Music Video)

A gem of a love song that gently sings of the wonder of eternal love.

It’s a single from the British artist Ed Sheeran’s 2014 June album “×.” With a warm gaze upon two people growing old together as time passes, it paints the unchanging depth of their love.

The music video, memorable for its graceful dance scenes with American dancer Brittany Cherry, was completed after Sheeran practiced for three weeks.

At the 58th Annual Grammy Awards in 2016, it won Song of the Year and Best Pop Solo Performance.

It was also used as an insert song in the film “Me Before You,” and is cherished as a wedding staple.

It’s a track that will make the days spent with your loved one shine even brighter.

1.15 Million Kilometers of FilmOfisharu Higedan Dism40rank/position

Official HIGE DANDism – 1,150,000-Kilometer Film [Official Audio]

It’s a song packed with a cinematic, captivating story.

Using a unique expression that likens days with a lover to a movie, it casts the lover as the lead, and oneself as the supporting role and director—an impression that really stands out.

Included on the album “Escaparade,” released in April 2018, it was used in a ROHM Co., Ltd.

commercial in 2019.

In 2020, it was also selected as the theme song for the film “Love Me, Love Me Not.” It’s a perfect track for a wedding day spent reminiscing about shared memories.

Official HIGE DANDism’s warm melodies and lyrics are sure to make your heart race.

Bathtub and neon tetraREISAI41rank/position

Bathtub and neon tetra / flower

A stunning debut from the Vocaloid unit REISAI, celebrated for its distinctive world where love and madness intertwine.

Centered on two male protagonists—one with blue hair and one with red—the story portrays a love so intense it borders on derangement, along with mutual dependency, gripping countless listeners and refusing to let go.

Released in January 2021 and later included in the December album Debauchery, this track is there for us when we’re on the verge of losing ourselves to love, or when we can’t heal from the pain of heartbreak.

Dried flowersYuuri42rank/position

Yuri “Dry Flower” Official Music Video - Director’s Cut ver. -

A heartrending ballad from a woman’s perspective, Dry Flower continues the story sung in the smash hit Kakurenbo.

It lays bare the true feelings and inner conflict of the woman who chose to end the relationship, tightening your chest as you feel the distance that grew between the two.

Released in October 2020, the song exploded in popularity through social media and video platforms, surpassing 1 billion total streams.

It’s also a karaoke staple that consistently ranks near the top, making it perfect for those moments when you want to sing with deep emotion.