Popular and trending recent Western pop ballads

love is just a wordJasmine Thompson & Calum Scott

Jasmine Thompson & Calum Scott – love is just a word (Official Video)

A duet song by singer-songwriter Jasmine Thompson, who has been active since her teens, and Calum Scott, who debuted from a popular audition show, titled “love is just a word.” It’s a grand ballad featuring piano and a string quartet, a poignant breakup song about parting with a lover.

The gentle tone of the track layered with their emotional vocals further accentuates the sense of loneliness and sorrow.

When I’m Not AroundJessie Murph

Jessie Murph – When I’m Not Around (Official Video)

With its sentimental piano, ‘When I’m Not Around’ is a song whose story-like lyrics pierce the heart.

Released by Jessie Murph in 2021, it’s memorable for its honest lyrics about falling in love and its repeatedly wistful melody.

Her vocals add even greater depth to the narrative-style lyrics.

It’s a track I especially recommend to those who haven’t had things go well with someone they care about, or who are struggling with feelings that won’t go the way they want.

Palm TreesGarrett Nash

gnash – Palm Trees (Music Video)

Let me introduce a track that soothes the soul with acoustic sounds and warm melodies.

‘Palm Trees,’ released in 2021 by Los Angeles–born Garrett Nash—also renowned as a music producer—is a song that simply makes you feel gentler just by listening.

Its sound, which envelops solitary moments and bittersweet emotions, has a truly unique musical quality.

It’s the perfect track for when you want a refreshing mood without anything too intense.

BelieverGuy Sebastian

Guy Sebastian – Believer (Official Video)

As a soul musician drawing attention from around the world, Australian singer-songwriter Guy Sebastian released “Believer” in 2021, a ballad characterized by a warm sound that evokes gospel and soul.

The lyrics, which highlight the importance of believing in the future, pair perfectly with his powerful vocals.

It’s a song that gives you the courage to look forward instead of dwelling on the past.

He contributes to many charitable activities, and you can feel his soul not only through his music but also through his work beyond it.

forever&moreROLE MODEL

ROLE MODEL – forever&more (Official Music Video)

Here’s a recommendation for those who say, “I don’t want to listen to dark ballads because they bring me down.” Role Model, who debuted in 2017, released “forever&more” in 2021—a bright, glossy track with irresistibly catchy hip-hop-style rap.

The resounding strings pair perfectly with his vocals, and the lyrics, which make you feel like you can go anywhere, offer a chance to reflect on life without any pressure.

Let Somebody Go ft.Selena GomezColdplay

Coldplay – Let Somebody Go (Official Music Video) ft.Selena Gomez

Among the tracks on British rock band Coldplay’s 2021 album Music of the Spheres, their collaboration with American singer Selena Gomez is this song, Let Somebody Go.

The intro, led by electric piano, is achingly bittersweet, and the lyrics about the pain of parting from a loved one tighten your chest as you listen.

A performance on a popular American TV show has also been released, so be sure to check it out!

Shouldn’t Matter but It DoesJohn Mayer

John Mayer – Shouldn’t Matter but It Does (Official Audio)

Singer-songwriter John Mayer, who is also renowned as a guitarist, released the album “Sob Rock” in 2021.

“Shouldn’t Matter but It Does,” one of the tracks on the album, features lyrics that compellingly convey the aching feelings of longing for a lover.

Many of us have probably experienced that lingering snag in our hearts—the sense that something still catches inside—even after deciding to part ways with the past and move forward on a new path.

His sweet vocals and warm guitar tones gently wrap those emotions in comfort.