[Karaoke] Classic and Popular Ballad Songs You’ll Want to Sing at Karaoke

DancerFukkun:)Tatsuki Fukuda
Primarily active in Tokyo, I have experience as a backup dancer for artists, a music video dancer, and a commercial dancer. I continue to work as a dancer while also engaging in article production. After discovering Michael Jackson in junior high school, I began dancing in my second year of high school. Since starting dance, in addition to the J-Pop and Japanese rock I had been listening to, I began exploring Western R&B, rap, alternative music, and other tracks commonly used for dance. In elementary school, I spent three years in a choir, and because I love singing, I often go to karaoke for fun. These days, I enjoy a wide range of music, from Japanese rock and rap to K-pop.
Editor-in-Chief, RAG MUSICKeisuke Hane
Editor-in-chief of RAG MUSIC. After working at a music studio and in wedding sound engineering, joined the RAG MUSIC editorial team in 2016. Experienced with various instruments: marching band in elementary school, clarinet in middle school wind ensemble, and drums in a band from high school onward. Drawing on personal music activities and professional experience, produces daily articles, including song introductions, features on music festivals around Japan, and live reports. Enjoys a wide range of music, from domestic and international rock to, more recently, a broad spectrum of J-pop.

We’re introducing classic and popular ballad songs that are perfect for karaoke!

If you’re looking to sing ballads at karaoke, we’ve gathered a list of popular picks just for you.

When you sing ballads at karaoke, putting your emotions into the performance or choosing highly relatable songs can create a different kind of excitement than upbeat tracks.

It’s also fun to talk about the lyrics and what the song is trying to convey.

In this article, we’ll showcase popular karaoke ballads—from timeless classics to the latest hits.

Find the perfect song for you and give it a try!

Ballad Songs You Want to Sing at Karaoke: Best Ranking [1st–20th] (11–20)

WhyNovelbright

Novelbright – Why [Official Music Video]

Why Novelbright?

A poignant adult ballad about realizing the magnitude of someone precious only after the person who was always by your side is gone.

The chorus, carried by a beautiful falsetto, features a melody so gorgeous you can’t forget it once you’ve heard it.

Even when you look back on those happy, everyday moments, those days won’t return.

The lyrics, which finally become honest and confront the singer’s true feelings at the very end, really hit home.

For anyone who’s experienced a breakup, it’s a love song that can bring tears to your eyes—sing it with deep emotion, together with your irreplaceable memories.

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Lingering SnowNEW!dolphin

Dolphin [Iruka] / Nagori-yuki [Lingering Snow] (Single Version) Official Audio with translation

Nagori-yuki NEW! Iruka

Iruka’s song “Nagori Yuki,” long cherished as a classic in Japan.

Released in 1974, it’s rooted in the then-popular folk music genre, and while it’s moving, it retains a certain folk-like poignancy.

It was originally a Kaguyahime song, but many people are probably more familiar with Iruka’s cover.

The song’s vocal range is relatively narrow, from mid1 D to mid2 G.

With the highest note at mid2 G, few should find it difficult to sing in the original key.

The A verse is somewhat spoken in style, so there are slightly fewer breakpoints, but as long as you don’t push your voice too hard, it shouldn’t be a problem.

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AldebaranAI

AI – “Aldebaran” (official video)

Aldebaran AI

A song by singer-songwriter AI, who, while receiving high praise for her soulful vocals, also wins support from a wide range of listeners with a charmingly cute persona that contrasts with her voice.

The track was selected as the theme song for NHK’s morning drama series Come Come Everybody, and it also drew attention for being written by singer-songwriter Naotaro Moriyama.

Because the melody spans a wide vocal range, mastering the song requires not only setting the right key but also paying close attention to accents.

Beyond the melodic difficulty, we hope you’ll take on the challenge of recreating AI’s trademark powerful vocals.

It’s a ballad that, if you can pull it off, will surely earn you recognition.

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somedaySaucy Dog

Saucy Dog "Someday" MUSIC VIDEO

Someday, Saucy Dog

A song whose gentle vocals and melody seep into the heart.

It’s included on Saucy Dog’s mini-album “Country Road,” released in May 2017.

The lyrics convey the poignant feelings of recalling days gone by and a lost love, making it a track that truly resonates with listeners.

Vivid, concrete imagery abounds, and the “park” that appears in the lyrics is said to be modeled after vocalist Ishihara’s hometown of Matsue City in Shimane Prefecture.

This song is perfect both for singing at karaoke and for moments when you want to bask in memories.

Be sure to try singing it at karaoke.

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threadMiyuki Nakajima

Thread – Miyuki Nakajima (Full)

Thread by Miyuki Nakajima

This is singer-songwriter Miyuki Nakajima’s 35th single, written as the theme song for the TV drama “Seija no Koshin” (March of the Saints).

Released as a double A-side single with “Inochi no Betsumei,” which was also used as a drama theme, it’s well known for being covered by numerous artists.

Its relaxed melody makes it easy to sing at karaoke, and because there are cover versions by male artists as well, it’s suitable for anyone regardless of gender.

It’s a song that virtually every Japanese person has heard at least once, making it an enduring ballad you can sing with any group at karaoke.

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Thoughts and feelings toward loveaiko

aiko - “Mutual Love” music video

Think Thoughts Love aiko

Aiko’s signature song has been selected as the theme song for the Detective Conan feature film.

It’s a ballad that captures the feelings of two people in love, perfectly matching the film’s theme.

With a simple yet moving melody and lyrics that closely reflect the story, it resonates with many listeners.

Released as a single in May 2024, it received high ratings on various music streaming charts even before its release.

It’s a recommended track for when you want to listen to a love song or express your feelings to someone special.

If you sing it at karaoke, it’s sure to touch hearts.

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Ballad Songs You Want to Sing at Karaoke: Best Rankings [1st–20th] (21–30)

chameleonKing Gnu

King Gnu – Chameleon

Chameleon King Gnu

This is the fifth single by King Gnu, a four-piece hybrid band that’s taking over Japan’s music scene with pop sensibilities that distill advanced performance and arrangements into J-pop.

Chosen as the theme song for the TV drama “Mystery to Iu Nakare,” the track draws you in from the opening with an urban yet nostalgic arrangement.

Its complex, high-register melodic progression makes it challenging, but if you can pull it off, you’ll be a hero at karaoke.

It’s a ballad that, despite its form, has a thrilling atmosphere that becomes addictive—a number with a palpable sense of depth.

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