[1980s] A Collection of Classic Western Ballads with Female Vocals
The 1980s are sometimes called the golden age of Western music, and in Japan, Western songs were introduced through various media like TV and radio, leading to many big hits that made the Oricon charts.
Even people who don’t usually listen to Western music often have a favorite classic with a beautiful ballad melody, don’t they?
Our site publishes articles focusing on 80s Western ballads, and this time we’ve researched and compiled only 80s Western ballads featuring female vocals.
If you love female vocals or ballads, be sure to check it out—no matter your generation!
- Nothing but classics! A nostalgic collection of ’80s Western ballads
- I Want to Be Healed from the Heart: Recommended Western Ballads Sung by Female Vocalists
- Love songs in Western music that were hits in the 1980s. World-famous classics and popular tracks.
- All masterpieces! Western pop ballads that were hits in the ’90s
- Recommended Western music for women in their 50s: world classics and popular songs
- [Western Music] Ballads that resonate with the heart: Classic love songs
- Songs you'll want to listen to in autumn. A selection of recommended hits from 80s Western music!
- Tear-Jerking Songs Recommended for Women in Their 80s: A Collection of Heart-Stirring Masterpieces
- A Collection of Classic 80s Western Ballads with Male Vocals
- Still Shining! Recommended Female Singers of 1980s Western Music
- [Songs I'd love women to sing!] Popular ballads performed by female artists
- Breakup songs in Western music that were hits in the 80s. World-famous classics and popular tracks.
- [Timeless Melodies] A Collection of Classic 70s Western Ballad Masterpieces
[1980s] Best Foreign Ballads with Female Vocals (1–10)
Lost In Your EyesDebbie Gibson
Debbie Gibson’s “Lost In Your Eyes” is a gently comforting yet powerful ballad.
Released in 1989, the song made a name for itself worldwide, reaching No.
1 on the charts in the United States and Canada.
Debbie’s performance, accompanying herself on piano, harmonizes beautifully with her clear, pure voice and captivates listeners in an instant.
The lyrics carry a message that delves deeply into love, stirring both wistfulness and hope in the hearts of those who hear it.
Time After TimeCyndi Lauper
Speaking of legendary songs that defined an era, Cyndi Lauper’s “Time After Time” comes to mind.
Her voice, graceful yet powerful, gently stirs a quiet emotion in listeners.
The fact that it has remained beloved by artists around the world since its 1984 release attests to a universal appeal that goes far beyond a simple ballad.
Born from the talent she cultivated through overcoming hardship, this song stands as a monumental ballad that colored the 1980s.
It remains cherished in Japan as well, an unforgettable classic that continues to shine without fading even today.
Greatest Love Of AllWhitney Houston
Whitney Houston’s “Greatest Love of All,” which brightened the 1980s international music scene, continues to captivate many fans today.
Originally written for the film The Greatest and sung by George Benson, the song was covered by Whitney Houston with her own interpretation.
Beautiful and powerful, her voice still resonates deeply even now.
Its lyrics, celebrating self-love, have given courage and hope to countless people and continue to be sung.
Her exceptional vocal prowess possesses a timeless beauty that will never fade.
[1980s] A roundup of classic Western ballads with female vocals (11–20)
That’s What Friends Are ForDionne Warwick
Dionne Warwick’s “That’s What Friends Are For” is one of the iconic pop ballads of the ’80s.
This star-studded collaboration with Elton John, Gladys Knight, and Stevie Wonder won two Grammy Awards.
The melody, written by Burt Bacharach and Carole Bayer Sager, continues to be beloved worldwide.
Its moving vocals became a symbol of AIDS charity efforts, bringing hope to many.
With its heartwarming message, it remains a highly acclaimed song that many people still cherish—and I highly recommend it!
It Must Have Been LoveRoxette
Roxette’s “It Must Have Been Love” is a ballad that quietly reflects on a love that has ended.
Marie Fredriksson’s crystal-clear vocals are captivating, carrying a depth that resonates with the heart.
Roxette broke out from Sweden, and this 1987 song, featured in the film Pretty Woman, became a beloved hit around the world.
This piece captures the pain of heartbreak with a beautiful melody; listening again, you may discover new nuances in its heartfelt lyrics.
It’s truly a quintessential ’80s ballad—once you hear it, you’ll understand why it’s considered a classic!
If We Hold On TogetherDiana Ross
A gentle yet powerful singing voice that resonates deep in the heart—this is a signature ballad by American singer Diana Ross.
The song celebrates universal love and bonds, declaring that with mutual trust, any hardship can be overcome.
Its poetic worldview, reminiscent of a passage from the Bible, portrays an unwavering conviction.
Released in November 1988 as the theme song for the animated film The Land Before Time, it was later included on the acclaimed album The Force Behind the Power.
In Japan, it was featured in the TV drama “Omoi de ni Kawaru Made” and famously held the No.
1 spot on the international chart for 12 consecutive weeks—a fact many of you may already know.
It’s a classic you’ll want to hear when you wish to be reminded of someone dear.
Fast CarTracy Chapman
“Fast Car,” included on American singer-songwriter Tracy Chapman’s debut album Tracy Chapman.
Released in 1988, the song’s poignant acoustic guitar melody and her deep, soulful vocals capture the listener and won’t let go.
It tells the story of a protagonist who dreams of escaping a life of poverty.
They pin their hopes for freedom on a “fast car,” but their partner falls into decline, and the dream slips further away.
The raw lyrics, where hope and despair intersect, are truly moving.
In fact, the song became a worldwide hit after her performance at the Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute concert in June 1988.
When you’re yearning to change your circumstances, listening to it may quietly give you courage through the protagonist’s journey.