Nothing but classics! A nostalgic collection of ’80s Western ballads
Speaking of Western music from the ’80s, it was the heyday of MTV, with countless flashy music videos airing on TV.
There were innumerable global hits that we enjoyed with the same familiarity as domestic hit songs in Japan.
For those who spent their youth in the ’80s, chances are that a beloved classic from Western music is playing somewhere in the pages of your memories.
In this article, we’ve gathered masterpieces that focus specifically on “ballads” from ’80s Western music.
The ’80s catalog is far too deep to cover exhaustively, but please enjoy a wide range of ballad classics—from straightforward ballads to medium-tempo ballads and power ballads by rock bands.
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All timeless hits! A collection of nostalgic ’80s Western ballads (21–30)
I Remember YouSkid Row
Some of you might want to listen to a power ballad to lift your spirits.
If that’s you, “I Remember You” is a perfect fit.
It’s sung by the heavy metal band Skid Row.
While Skid Row is strongly associated with rough, hard-edged songs, in “I Remember You” they sing about the bittersweet feelings of a woman after a breakup.
That said, it still retains the powerful elements of heavy metal, and you’ll feel refreshed after listening.
Crazy for YouMadonna
Madonna’s “Crazy for You” is a song written specifically for the 1985 American film Vision Quest.
Released as a single the same year, it reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100.
Unlike the upbeat dance-pop image strongly associated with Madonna, this is a gentle, soothing ballad that completely changes that perception, with romantic lyrics depicting a mature relationship between two adults.
All Hits! A Nostalgic Collection of 80s Western Ballads (31–40)
Sister ChristianNight Ranger
A classic 80s ballad that soaks into the heart with a sense of nostalgia.
Drummer Kelly Keagy wove the lyrics with thoughts of his own sister, portraying a young person’s journey of growth and self-discovery.
Released by Night Ranger in 1983, the song appears on the album Midnight Madness and became a major hit, reaching No.
1 in Canada and No.
5 on the U.
S.
Billboard Hot 100.
It also gained wide support through inclusion on film soundtracks.
It’s a track that makes you feel the love for someone special—perfect to listen to alongside memories of your youth.
Uptown GirlBilly Joel
This song features a lively melody strongly influenced by 1960s doo-wop.
Billy Joel skillfully portrays a universal love story in which a working-class young man falls in love with a woman from high society.
Set to a bright, cheerful tune, the piece depicts a romance that transcends social class and was released as a single from the album An Innocent Man in September 1983.
It reached No.
1 in the UK and became a major hit, selling approximately 975,000 copies.
In 1984, it was nominated for an MTV Video Music Award and received high praise as a sophisticated pop tune.
Its upbeat rhythm and hopeful message encourage a positive outlook on love.
DriveThe Cars
The Cars are a four-piece American rock band.
Among their releases, one of their biggest hits is Drive.
It’s a ballad with a memorable synthesizer melody, portraying a man’s feelings as he wonders who’s driving his ex-girlfriend home.
The song has a gentle, wistful mood.
Incidentally, there’s a romantic story tied to it: the music video brought the director and the lead actress together, and they ended up getting married.
Can We Spend Some TimeSURFACE
An R&B ballad that seeps into the heart with a touch of bittersweet longing.
Set to a soothing melody, it expresses the desire to spend intimate time alone with a loved one.
As one of Surface’s signature works, this song—featured on their 1988 album “2nd Wave”—became a major hit, reaching No.
5 on the R&B chart.
It’s a track packed with the charm of late-’80s R&B, sure to gently embrace anyone troubled by love.
Give it a listen when you want to feel the preciousness of the moments you share with someone special.
The FlameCheap Trick
As one of the iconic ballads of the ’80s, the song Cheap Trick released in 1988 is a gem that poignantly portrays lost love.
Robin Zander’s husky vocals brilliantly capture the feeling of late-night loneliness and the pain of heartbreak.
Featured on the album Lap of Luxury, the track reached No.
1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
It also topped the charts in Canada and Australia, winning hearts around the world.
Released during a period when the band’s future was in doubt, it became a monumental track that signaled Cheap Trick’s comeback.
It’s highly recommended for anyone dealing with heartbreak or wanting to reaffirm their feelings for someone special.