All masterpieces! Western pop ballads that were hits in the ’90s
The 1990s were a pivotal period in music history, with genres becoming more specialized and styles like alternative rock, R&B, and hip-hop steadily entering the charts.
At the same time, the decade produced many timeless ballads that continue to move people across generations, clearly showing just how musically rich the ’90s were.
In this article, we’ll carefully select and introduce some of the most iconic ballad hits from Western music that topped the charts in the ’90s!
Nothing but classics! Western ballad songs that hit in the ’90s (1–10)
Change The WorldEric Clapton
This song was written by Tommy Sims, Gordon Kennedy, and Wayne Kirkpatrick, and was first released in 1996 by country singer Wynonna Judd.
Shortly afterward, Eric Clapton’s version was included on the soundtrack of the film Phenomenon, and that version drew attention by winning the Grammy Awards for Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Male Pop Vocal Performance.
It Must Have Been LoveRoxette
Hearing the clear vocals of Marie Fredriksson weaving a melodious yet somehow wistful tune, many in a certain generation will surely find themselves feeling an involuntary sense of nostalgia.
It’s a classic song that became a massive hit after being featured in the film Pretty Woman.
Also known in Japan by the title “Aino Nukumori” (The Warmth of Love), the track was actually released in 1987 by Roxette, the Swedish male-female duo, and—as mentioned—was re-released in 1990 when it was used in the movie, becoming a worldwide hit.
As the title suggests, the lyrics poignantly express lingering feelings for a love that has already come to an end, which makes it all the more heartbreaking.
WonderwallOasis
Wonderwall is a song by the UK rock band OASIS, released in 1995.
In the ’90s, alternative rock—led by bands like OASIS—sparked a major movement.
This movement spread worldwide and had a profound influence on later music.
OASIS served as the catalyst and an iconic presence in that wave.
They have countless classic songs that continue to be loved by listeners across generations.
If you want to get to know ’90s rock bands, starting with OASIS is definitely the right choice.
My Heart Will Go OnCéline Dion
This song, which became the theme for the 1997 blockbuster film Titanic, is probably familiar to most people.
James Horner, who composed the music, reportedly persuaded Céline Dion to record a demo in order to create a vocal theme song—a direction the director had not initially intended.
The result was a massive hit that won numerous awards.
The distinctive tone heard in the introduction and instrumental sections comes from an Irish instrument called the tin whistle.
I Want It That WayBackstreet Boys
A song that put the five-member American idol group Backstreet Boys on the world map.
The album Millennium, which includes this track, became their first to reach No.
1 on the U.
S.
album chart and was a massive hit in Japan, even becoming a social phenomenon.
This song lets you fully savor the group’s appeal—their vocal ability that allows each of the five members to take lead—delivering a catchy melody with beautiful harmonies.
It is one of the group’s signature songs and an essential, exquisite ballad when discussing Western pop music of the 1990s.
Never EverAll Saints
All Saints is a four-member female music group counted among the most successful pop groups in the UK during the 1990s.
The single “Never Ever” from their debut album, All Saints, became a hit, reaching number one on the UK Singles Chart.
To Be With YouMr. BIG
Mr.
Big’s second album, Lean Into It, drew attention in their home country, the United States.
The single released from that album was To Be With You, a song about Eric Martin’s youthful romance.
Although Mr.
Big disbanded once in 2002, they reunited in 2009.
Despite sad news such as drummer Pat Torpey’s passing due to Parkinson’s disease, they have continued their activities with support members.