All masterpieces! Western pop ballads that were hits in the ’90s

BreatheFaith Hill

Faith Hill – “Breathe” (Official Video)

Faith Hill, an American singer who began her career as a country artist and later achieved great success in the pop music world, is not only an exceptional vocal talent but also known for her gorgeous blonde hair and striking beauty.

Released in 1999, this song is the title track of the blockbuster album Breathe—a signature ballad that cemented her career as a pop singer beyond the bounds of country music.

While retaining a country flavor, the melody soars over a more polished sound, and it’s simply outstanding—an iconic track that showcases Hill’s vocal power and expressive artistry to breathtaking effect.

End Of The RoadBoyz II Men

Boyz II Men – End Of The Road

Speaking of Boyz II Men, they’re a male vocal group from Philadelphia, USA, that enjoys immense popularity in Japan as well.

Their songs, woven from overwhelming vocal prowess and exceptional harmonies, are the kind that people of all generations have heard at least once.

Among them, their signature track “End of the Road,” released in 1992, set a record by topping the U.

S.

charts for 13 consecutive weeks.

It’s no exaggeration to say the song encapsulates everything that makes them renowned masters of the ballad form—its wonderful melody and vocals create a warm, moving experience.

As an aside, that 13-week record was broken later the same year by Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You,” which just goes to show how incredibly high the level of competition was.

I Don’t Want to Miss a ThingAerosmith

Aerosmith – I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing (Official HD Video)

A song by Aerosmith, a five-member hard rock band from the United States, best known in Japan as the theme song for the film Armageddon.

Despite already being a world-famous rock band with 28 years of activity at the time of its release, this track was, surprisingly, their first to reach number one on the U.

S.

singles chart.

The majestic intro, beginning with strings, combined with the film’s imagery, immediately hints at a timeless classic.

Steven Tyler’s distinctive, powerful vocals—quintessential hard rock singing—imbue this ballad with a soaring sense of exhilaration, making it one of the definitive ballads of the 1990s Western rock scene.

TornNatalie Imbruglia

Natalie Imbruglia – Torn (Official Video)

A huge hit from the ’90s that’s a bit different from the slow-tempo, dramatically swelling songs you might associate with the word “ballad.” Centered on crisp, refreshing guitar backing, its light pop feel and a melody laced with a subtle wistfulness—without being dark—create a quiet sense of emotion.

The song was originally released in 1995 by the American rock band Ednaswap, and later became a worldwide hit when Australian actress-singer Natalie Imbruglia covered it.

Thanks to One Direction’s impressive performance of the song on The X Factor in 2010, many younger listeners may know it as well.

It’s a wonderful classic that continues to be sung across generations.

AlwaysBon Jovi

Bon Jovi – Always (Official Music Video)

Global monster band Bon Jovi have produced not only up-tempo hard rock, but also many timeless, wistful ballads.

While many people probably think first of their massive hits from the ’80s, this time let’s spotlight a superb track they left us in the ’90s.

Released in 1994 and included as a new song on Cross Road, the band’s first greatest-hits album, it also became a hit single, reaching No.

4 on the U.

S.

charts.

Considering the era—when alternative rock and grunge dominated—it’s fair to say this was a remarkable achievement.

Boasting the quintessentially Bon Jovi emotional melody and featuring Richie Sambora’s blues-tinged guitar work to outstanding effect, this rock ballad stands as a true classic.

Vision of LoveMariah Carey

Mariah Carey – Vision Of Love

Mariah Carey, the American songstress known for her wide five-and-a-half-octave range and whistle register, released her landmark debut single in May 1990, a song that went on to have a major impact on the music world.

In this track, she sings of gratitude and joy—almost like a prayer—at the moment when the ideal love she had long envisioned finally becomes reality after enduring many years of hardship.

Included on her debut album “Mariah Carey,” the song topped the U.

S.

charts for four consecutive weeks and won a Grammy the following year.

It carries an atmosphere that feels like a fusion of grand gospel and soulful R&B.

It’s the kind of anthem that gently encourages those striving toward their dreams.

Bed of RosesBon Jovi

Bon Jovi – Bed Of Roses (Official Music Video)

This is a power ballad by Bon Jovi, an American rock band that evolved their sound from 1980s glam metal to a more mature hard rock style.

Released as a single in January 1993 from the acclaimed 1992 album Keep the Faith, it reached No.

10 on the U.

S.

charts.

It opens with a gentle piano melody, and Jon Bon Jovi’s emotionally rich high tenor resonates achingly in the heart.

The song expresses steadfast, selfless love: a vow to shoulder any pain to bring the utmost comfort to a beloved.

A long, passionate guitar solo is another highlight, sweeping you into the song’s dramatic world.

It’s a gem best savored on a quiet night when you’re thinking of someone dear.