A selection of classic love ballads, from the latest hits to timeless favorites.

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.

Among people who enjoy listening to music, many especially love listening to love ballads that depict love in its many forms, don’t they?

In particular, when you’re nursing a crush or going through a heartbreak, it’s common to find comfort in lyrics that mirror your own feelings.

In this article, we’ll introduce a selection of classic love ballads that sing about a wide range of situations and emotions.

From bittersweet songs about unrequited love or breakups to joyful tracks portraying couples who are happily close and supportive, we’ve chosen broadly—so try finding the one song that perfectly matches your state of mind.

A selection of classic love ballads: introducing picks from the latest hits to timeless standards (61–70)

PearlThe Gospellers

The Gospellers “Pearl” Music Video

Pearl Gospellers

You’ll be drawn in by the warm five-part harmonies.

It’s a song by The Gospellers, included on their EP “Pearl,” released in November 2024 to commemorate the 30th anniversary of their major-label debut.

The lyrics, which express love for someone dear through the motif of “pearl,” as reflected in the title, are truly wonderful.

The grand arrangement and melodic line seem to quietly and slowly sink into the depths of your heart.

It’s perfect for when you want to feel the bond with someone you love.

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Blind Love&TEAM

Blind Love

Blind Love&TEAM

This is a song by the multinational idol group &TEAM, chosen as the theme song for the drama “Dr.

Chocolate.” The overall sound has a gentle atmosphere, highlighting the warmth of the lyrics and the members’ vocals.

As the title suggests, it expresses deep affection, while also conveying positive feelings that look toward the future.

Although it captures the confusion of experiencing a love that grows larger within oneself, it also carries a sense of anticipation for how that love will connect to the future.

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trace (of someone/something), semblance, vestige; a lingering image or memory of how someone/something used to beNovelbright

Novelbright – Remnant [Official Music Video]

Omokage - Novelbright

When you’re heartbroken and feeling down, I recommend trying to sing “Omokage.” It’s a song released by the rock band Novelbright.

This piano-centered ballad portrays the inability to forget an ex and the longing to see them again.

The high notes are beautifully featured, so if you’re good with higher ranges, you’ll be able to make the most of your voice.

It also seems like a great song to dedicate to a hurt friend—it’s sure to be healing.

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Precious FeelingsRIEHATA

RIEHATA “Precious Feelings” Official Music Video

Precious Feelings RIEHATA

“Taisetsu na Kimochi,” released in 2023 by RIEHATA—who is also active as a dancer and choreographer—is a ballad written entirely in Japanese by an artist known for songs that blend Japanese and English.

The lyrics read like a gentle message to someone dear, conveying that no one can live alone and reminding us not to forget our gratitude to those around us.

Set to a laid-back R&B-style beat, the song soothes with her clear, expansive vocals.

Let this message, which speaks to the anxieties we all carry, reach you.

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fateTani Yuuki

Fate – Tani Yuuki [MV]

Fate Tani Yuuki

Fate depicts a fateful encounter in a straightforward way.

The song was written by singer-songwriter Tani Yuuki for Ryota Katayose of GENERATIONS from EXILE TRIBE.

This time, I’d like to introduce Tani Yuuki’s self-cover version.

Compared to the original, this rendition features a more passionate vocal performance.

It’s fun to listen to both and compare.

Also, don’t miss the music video, shot in exactly the same setting.

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Gimme Your TearsWho-ya Extended

Who-ya Extended 「Gimme Your Tears」 Lyrics Video

Gimme Your TearsWho-ya Extended

Who-ya Extended is a creator unit behind numerous anime theme songs.

Their 2023 release “Gimme Your Tears” was produced after vocalist Who-ya appeared on the show ‘Don’t Be Fooled by the Wolf-chan.

’ The song portrays a nighttime-themed love story, expressing honest feelings of thinking about someone you love, no matter how much time passes.

While it exudes a romantic atmosphere, it’s also a ballad that carries a touch of poignancy and loneliness.

Why not let yourself be soothed by its beautiful sound, where piano and strings intertwine?

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Spring Notesmiwa

miwa “Harunoot” Music Video

Haru no Oto miwa

How about soothing your soul with the youth-themed song “Harunoto”? This piece was written by miwa as the ending theme for the anime “MIX MEISEI STORY: The Second Summer, Beyond the Sky.” The lyrics portray the frustrating feeling of being aware of each other yet unable to confess your feelings.

Listening to this song might be a nice way to reflect on memories of your youth and past romances.

Because it sings about universal themes, it’s something people of all generations can relate to.

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