Hidden gems of Western ballad songs. Recommended popular tracks.
I put together a playlist of hidden gems among Western ballads.
It mainly features tracks from albums released in the 1980s, a decade that produced a wealth of dramatic ballads.
For those in their forties and up, it might bring back some memories.
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Hidden gems of Western ballad songs. Recommended popular tracks (11–20)
Sweet SixteenBilly Idol
Included on the 1986 album Whiplash Smile.
Born in 1955.
A musician from the United Kingdom and the vocalist of Generation X.
His nihilistic vocals, which seem to match the mournful, low, dry drums and weeping guitar sound, feel hollow and almost empty out your heart.
SaraStarship
Included on the 1985 album “Knee Deep in the Hoopla.” A six-piece band formed in 1985 by members of Jefferson Airplane.
The mournful sound of the harmonica is striking.
Mickey’s vocals lyrically sing about his breakup with her, and it’s a bit tear-jerking.
Please Don’t Make Me CryUB40
Included on the 1983 album “Labour of Love.” A six-piece reggae band from the UK formed in 1978.
The band’s name was taken from the name of the UK unemployment benefit application form.
With a laid-back rhythm and a melancholic melody in the background, the vocalist’s heartfelt singing about the sorrow of heartbreak is deeply moving.
Heaven In Your EyesLoverboy
Included on the 1986 album Top Gun soundtrack.
A five-piece rock band from Canada formed in 1979.
Starting with a gentle, soothing piano tone, it shifts into a slow ballad with a strong rock presence.
The vocalist’s powerful high register is also excellent.
A Groovy Kind Of LovePhil Collins
A single released in 1988.
It’s included on the soundtrack for the film “Buster,” which came out the same year.
Born in 1951, he’s a London-born musician and the drummer of Genesis.
His daughter is the actress Lily Collins.
Hearing him sing over the melancholy melody line makes my chest tighten.
Only Love RemainsPaul McCartney
Included on the 1986 album “Press to Play.” Born in 1942, he is a singer-songwriter from Liverpool, the former bassist of the Beatles, and a hitmaker who, together with John Lennon, led the band musically.
It’s a song expressing love for his wife, and I think the melody suits the title “Only Love Remains” very well.
Hidden gems of Western ballads. Recommended popular songs (21–30)
CarrieEurope
Included on the 1986 album The Final Countdown.
A five-piece band from Sweden formed in 1979, they are pioneers of Nordic metal.
While The Final Countdown is extremely famous, they also have fine quiet ballads like this one.
The vocals, which convey the sorrow of heartbreak so well, are deeply moving.