Popular and trending recent Western pop ballads

Former vocal coach specializing in Western musicRyo
Under the theme of “vocal skills that stand up on the world stage,” I have experience teaching as an online vocal coach specializing in Western music, and I usually listen to genres like nuevo flamenco, bolero, canzone, and R&B. In my teens, I questioned the idea that “foreign music equals English,” and started exploring songs from around the world. My commentary is characterized by a unique perspective shaped by listening to music of every genre, in every language, from every country. I mainly cover world music, so be sure to check it out!

The ballad—a genre that’s hugely popular in Japan as well.

We often hear the word “ballad,” but I think few people know its strict definition.

That’s because the definition is quite vague, and the way it’s recognized is fairly loose, whether in Japanese or Western music.

This time, we’ve selected Western ballads based on the gentle, general image of a ballad that many of us share.

Many internationally popular artists who are also well-known in Japan appear here, so whether you’re not very familiar with Western music or you listen to it regularly, please relax and enjoy to the end.

Latest popular and trending Western ballads (31–40)

Car’s OutsideJames Arthur

James Arthur – Car’s Outside (Official Lyric Video)

Car's OutsideJames Arthur

A song released in 2019 by British singer-songwriter James Arthur.

It’s a moving ballad themed around the heartache of a long-distance relationship.

The protagonist, who leads a life of frequent travel, sings about the difficulty and loneliness of living apart from the one they love.

James Arthur’s emotional vocals evoke deep empathy in listeners.

This work stands out as a track that showcases his artistic growth and has received high praise from both fans and critics.

It’s a must-listen for anyone who has experienced a painful farewell or who longs for a lover far away.

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I Hope You KnowSofia Carson

Sofia Carson – I Hope You Know (Official Audio)

I Hope You KnowSofia Carson

A heartwarming message and a ballad that evokes deep empathy.

This work, which reflects Sofia Carson’s growth and evolution, delicately weaves her earnest feelings for a loved one.

It warmly speaks of gratitude for the cherished person by your side when you wake in the morning, and the value of quiet moments shared together.

You’ll be moved by her voice as she sings of eternal love through the beauty of sunsets and the glow of moonlight.

Released in 2024, this track is a noteworthy follow-up to the soundtrack of the 2022 Netflix film Purple Hearts.

Expressing the diversity, beauty, and complexity of love, this piece is recommended for everyone who believes in love that never runs out.

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All I WantTori Kelly

All I Want (from the Netflix Series “Bridgerton”) – Tori Kelly – Lyric Video

All I WantTori Kelly

A moving ballad that vows eternal love was written specially for the hit series Bridgerton.

Featuring Tori Kelly’s powerful, stirring vocals, the track was released in May 2024 and became available for streaming in June.

Highlighting key moments in the show, the song is also drawing attention as the series’ first fully original composition.

With her Grammy-winning voice, Tori Kelly seems to speak directly to the listener’s heart.

It’s a must-listen for anyone who loves love songs.

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wherever u rUMI, V

UMI, V – wherever u r (ft. V of BTS) official lyric video

wherever u rUMI, V

Centered on the theme of long-distance love, this song is a heartwarming collaboration between UMI and BTS’s V.

The airy vocals and simple melody convey the strength of a bond that remains connected despite the distance.

Released in December 2023 to coincide with V’s birthday, the track beautifully fuses UMI’s healing neo-soul—rooted in both Japan and the U.

S.

—with V’s love for his fans.

It’s a perfect pick for anyone living apart from someone precious or for those seeking a gentle, peaceful moment.

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In conclusion

This time, I curated songs around the theme of the latest Western ballads, and I felt that overseas ballads have a wider range of expression compared to Japanese ones.

Japanese ballads tend to be more conventional, whereas overseas you’ll find ballads with rougher arrangements or ones that ramp up in intensity when the chorus hits.

So if you’re tired of Japanese ballads, I think you probably found this quite enjoyable.