[Deeply Moving] A Compilation of Recommended Rock Ballads That Move the Heart

Wherever you areONE OK ROCK

Wherever you are

A tear-jerking rock ballad that sings a vow of eternal love: “No matter where you are, I’ll always be by your side.” One of ONE OK ROCK’s signature songs, included on their 2010 album Niche Syndrome.

It was featured in NTT Docomo’s 2015 commercial “Family,” and ranked No.

1 for songs used at weddings for two consecutive years, 2017 and 2018.

It’s a track you’ll want to hear when you want to reaffirm your bond with someone important, especially if you’re not great at expressing your love straightforwardly.

Two ShadowsNovelbright

Novelbright – Two Shadows [Official Music Video]

Novelbright is a rock band whose self-promotion on social media paid off, catapulting them to popularity.

But their breakthrough wasn’t just the result of smart promotion.

One of their standout charms—evident in every song—is the exceptional vocal ability of Yudai Takenaka.

His beautiful high-tone voice can be fully appreciated in this track as well.

On top of that, the dramatic guitar-rock phrasing and powerful beat build wave after wave of emotion.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Hane Keisuke

Report a problem

Night TheaterHump Back

Night Theater

This is an outstanding rock ballad by Hump Back that portrays the loneliness brought by the night’s silence and the impatience of not quite being an adult.

The straightforward words and emotional vocals of singer-guitarist Momoko Hayashi seem to speak for those hazy, conflicted feelings unique to our youth.

The single containing this track, Dear Boy, released in June 2018, was also chosen as the ending theme for Nippon TV’s Buzz Rhythm 02, drawing attention at the time.

The down-to-earth lyrics, sung over a bittersweet, medium-tempo melody, gently sink into the listener’s heart.

On nights when everything feels like it’s going wrong and you’re feeling down, listening to this song might give you a quiet nudge to try just a little bit harder.

deep-sea fish10-FEET

10-FEET – Deep-sea Fish

The movie THE FIRST SLAM DUNK, released in December 2022, became a major sensation.

During its production, another masterpiece was born.

This song, written and composed by TAKUMA, was created by empathizing with the perspective of a certain mother who appears in the story.

You can keenly feel the anguish and love of someone who can’t be honest with herself, seeing the image of her deceased son in the son who is still alive.

The track is included on the album Collins and was written impulsively in parallel with the production of the candidate theme song.

Listening to it after watching the film may add even greater depth to the characters’ stories.

It’s a song I hope you’ll play on a quiet night when you want to reflect on someone dear to you.

If only I could remain at zeroOfisharu Higedan Dism

Official HIGE DANDism – If Only I Could Stay at Zero [Official Live Video]

A rock ballad that poignantly captures the pain of being separated precisely because you met someone precious and shared the same moments together.

It’s a song by the pop-rock band Official HIGE DANDism—also known for hits like “I LOVE…” and “Pretender”—included on their second mini-album, MAN IN THE MIRROR, released in 2016.

Its relaxed tempo makes the worldview and message conveyed in the lyrics resonate all the more deeply.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Araki Jakkan

Report a problem

Heart Rainindigo la End

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.

umbrellaMrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs. GREEN APPLE – umbrella【LIVE from “Atlantis”】

A gem of a ballad by Mrs.

GREEN APPLE that blends heartrending poignancy with beauty.

Centered on the importance of human connection and mutual support, it portrays people trying to protect one another while misfortune keeps pouring down like rain.

Its gentle yet powerful sound world stirs the listener’s heart.

Although included as the B-side to their second single “Samama Festival!” released in June 2016, it resonated with many listeners and has gained popularity as a hidden masterpiece.

It’s the perfect song for those trying to overcome difficult times or when you want to feel the bond with someone important.