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.
- A collection of popular Western rock ballads: a roundup of moving, tear-jerking masterpieces.
- [1980s Western Music] Nostalgic 80's Best Hit Songs
- I Want to Be Healed from the Heart: Recommended Western Ballads Sung by Female Vocalists
- 1980s: Legendary Western Rock Bands’ Classic and Hit Songs
- A classic medium-tempo ballad in Western music
- [2025] A roundup of recommended popular ballads sung by male Western artists
- Songs That Make You Cry: Heart-Wrenching Western Music—from Timeless Classics to the Newest Hits
- Breakup songs in Western music that were hits in the 80s. World-famous classics and popular tracks.
- [1980s] A Collection of Classic Western Ballads with Female Vocals
- Piano ballads of Western music—from timeless hits to the latest songs
- Tear-jerking Western songs: The world's recommended weep-inducing tracks
- Hidden gems of Western ballad songs. Recommended popular tracks.
- [Western Music] The World of Power Ballads: A Collection of Must-Listen Gems to Start With
All timeless hits! A nostalgic collection of ’80s Western ballads (41–50)
Here and NowLuther Vandross
A signature work by Luther Vandross, one of the defining soul singers of the 1980s.
This beautiful love ballad, which sings of deep love and devotion, resonates with listeners all the more thanks to his soulful vocals.
Released in September 1989, the song topped Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart and went on to win Best R&B Vocal Performance at the 33rd Grammy Awards.
It’s a perfect choice for anyone who wants to cherish moments with a loved one or feel the sincerity of true love.
Every Rose Has It’s ThornPoison
A signature ballad by Poison, one of the defining rock bands of the 1980s that gained popularity not only in their home country of the United States but also in Japan, armed with flashy looks and catchy melodies.
With an unforgettable tune and lyrics that resonate, it masterfully captures the pain of heartbreak and the complexities of love.
Released in October 1988, the song was included on their second album, “Open Up and Say.
.
.
Ahh!,” and became the band’s only number-one hit in the U.
S.
It has been highly praised by media outlets such as Guitar World and Rolling Stone and is considered a landmark of ’80s hair-metal ballads.
It’s a recommended track for times when you want to heal the pain of a breakup or look back on memories with someone special.
We BelongPat Benatar
A song that portrays the complexities of love and relationships, highlighted by Pat Benatar’s powerful vocals.
Its universal message—that people remain bound together even when facing difficulties—resonates with many listeners.
Released in 1984, it peaked at No.
5 on the Billboard Hot 100.
It has remained beloved over the years, appearing in films like Deadpool 2 and TV dramas like Gossip Girl.
It’s a recommended track for those struggling with the intricacies of romance or wanting to reaffirm their bond with someone special.
TrulyLionel Richie
A tear-jerking love ballad, graced by a cleansingly beautiful piano tone, lush strings, and a vocal performance of stunning expressiveness.
It’s a track from Lionel Richie’s self‑titled solo debut album, released in 1982.
The lyrics vow eternal love, and Richie’s warm voice sinks deep into the heart.
The song topped the U.
S.
charts for two consecutive weeks, becoming a massive hit that marked the beginning of his solo career.
It was also included on the 1997 best‑of album “Truly: The Love Songs,” and continues to be cherished across generations.
It’s the perfect song for spending special moments with someone important or creating unforgettable memories.
In conclusion
After listening to the exquisite ’80s Western ballad classics introduced this time, I imagine many of you felt a strange sense of familiarity—as if you already knew these melodies, even though they weren’t born in your era.
As I mentioned at the start, the catalog is so deep that there are still countless masterpieces I’d love to introduce.
So if you’re a young music fan who’s interested, be sure to dive deeper through compilation albums or subscription playlists!