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.
- Piano ballads of Western music—from timeless hits to the latest songs
- [2025] A roundup of recommended popular ballads sung by male Western artists
- A classic jazz ballad from Western music. A world-famous masterpiece and popular song.
- I Want to Be Healed from the Heart: Recommended Western Ballads Sung by Female Vocalists
- [2025 Edition] Tearjerkers! A Compilation of Recommended Latest Western Music Ballads
- [Western Music] Ballads that resonate with the heart: Classic love songs
- Nothing but classics! A nostalgic collection of ’80s Western ballads
- Soothing Western songs recommended for weddings and receptions: moving masterpieces and popular tracks
- Recommended Western ballad songs for weddings and receptions: moving classics and popular hits, both old and new.
- [2025] Ballad Songs in Western Music That Suit the Sea
- [Western Music] The World of Power Ballads: A Collection of Must-Listen Gems to Start With
- Beautiful, lovely Western music. A roundup of recommended classic songs.
- [1980s] A Collection of Classic Western Ballads with Female Vocals
Hidden gems of Western ballads. Recommended popular songs (21–30)
he Power of LoveCéline Dion
Included on the 1993 album “The Colour of My Love.” A cover of the single originally released by Jennifer Rush in 1984.
Born in 1968.
A Canadian singer and actress.
This song became her first U.
S.
number-one hit and was a worldwide success.
Mandolin RainBruce Hornsby & The Range
Included on the 1986 album The Way It Is.
A five-piece rock band formed in 1984.
Bruce Hornsby’s gently wistful piano tone and the slow, flowing melody fit perfectly with the lyrics about the sorrow of being rejected, and listening to it really hits you in the heart.
Hidden gems of Western ballads: recommended popular songs (31–40)
Leaving Me NowLevel 42
Included on the 1985 album World Machine.
A five-piece band from the UK formed in 1979.
Bassist Mark King is one of the world’s leading slap bassists.
The vocalist’s voice, singing of love and hate to the woman who is leaving, rides over the melancholy piano tones and clings to the depths of my heart, refusing to let go.
So In LoveOrchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark
Included on the 1985 album “Crush.” A four-piece band from Liverpool formed in 1975.
The melodic, synth-driven electropop sound merges with the simple yet powerful drum and bass rhythms—seemingly at odds—to create a beautiful track.
Under The BridgeRed Hot Chili Peppers
Included on the 1991 album Blood Sugar Sex Magik.
A four-piece band from Los Angeles formed in 1983.
The drums keep a steady beat, the guitar plays quiet riffs, the bass is heavy and oppressive, and the vocals sing as if speaking to you.
The desolate atmosphere feels almost crushing.
The last line of the lyrics was shocking and left a huge impact.
The Longest TimeBilly Joel
Included on the 1983 album “An Innocent Man.” Born in 1949, he is a singer-songwriter from New York.
The chorus ensemble, arranged in an a cappella style reminiscent of The Gospellers, is exquisitely beautiful and harmonizes perfectly with his vocals as he sings of his love for her, truly resonating in the heart.
My HometownBruce Springsteen
Included on the 1984 album “Born in the U.
S.
A.” Born in 1949, a singer-songwriter from New Jersey.
Against a calm, gentle melody, he sings in a husky voice—almost as if speaking—about his hometown intertwined with his own upbringing, and his vocals put us in a nostalgic mood.