[2025] Ballad Songs in Western Music That Suit the Sea

Under The BoardwalkThe Drifters

The Drifters – Under the Boardwalk

This is “Under the Boardwalk,” a signature song by the American doo-wop group The Drifters.

The perfectly synchronized vocals of the four members make it a track you can’t help but be captivated by.

The “boardwalk” mentioned in the song refers to a wooden promenade commonly found along beaches.

It’s a work that continues to be highly respected by many artists, and this classic has been covered by major acts such as The Rolling Stones and Billy Joel.

Lost SailorThe Grateful Dead

Lost Sailor (2013 Remaster)

Formed in California, USA, in 1965, the Grateful Dead are a rock band whose “Lost Sailor” is a poignant ballad included on their 11th album, Go to Heaven, released in 1980.

The lyrics—especially the line “Seabirds are crying, the ghost wind is blowing, calling you to the swirling foggy sea”—are striking and evoke a mysterious mood.

On a deeper read, the words seem to be a metaphor for something.

Be sure to listen to this song while reading the lyrics and think about what it might really be singing about.

Sea Of LoveThe Honey Drippers

Robert Plant’s The Honeydrippers ‘Sea of Love’ (Official Music Video)

Composed in 1959 by Phil Phillips, this song “Sea of Love” achieved major success, with the original reaching No.

2 on the U.

S.

charts.

However, the version most people today might know is The Honeydrippers’ cover, which also peaked at No.

3 in the U.

S.

By the way, the film Sea of Love starring Al Pacino features a story inspired by this song.

Be sure to check out the movie as well!

How You Gonna Act Like ThatTyrese

Tyrese – How You Gonna Act Like That (Video)

Tyrese Gibson is a singer with a memorable sweet voice.

As a recording artist he goes by Tyrese, and in recent years he’s also been active as an actor.

Since he plays a major character in the Fast & Furious series, many younger people probably know him.

Among his works, a ballad that suits the sea is How You Gonna Act Like That.

It’s classic R&B for its time, crafted as an overall sweet R&B ballad.

Be sure to use it as drive music when you head to the beach with your partner.

The one that you loveAir Supply

Air Supply – The One That You Love

The song “The One That You Love,” released as a single from Australian band Air Supply’s 1981 album of the same name, topped the U.

S.

charts and became a major hit in Japan as well.

Like the previous year’s “Lost in Love,” it’s a track that evokes a 100% refreshing summer-by-the-sea vibe.

North Marine DriveBen Watt

Ben Watt – North Marine Drive

Ben Watt is an artist from the UK.

He’s a multitalented creator who’s active not only as a DJ and music producer but also as a writer.

His celebrated track North Marine Drive comes from his debut album, which reached No.

1 on the UK indie chart.

As the title suggests, it’s a work themed around the sea.

In Japan, it’s also known as a song that had a major influence on the neo-acoustic boom that followed.

The Tide Is HighBlondie

Blondie – The Tide Is High (Alternate Version)

Blondie is a New Wave band from the United States.

They were hugely active in the 1980s, and the sole female member, Debbie Harry, was popular for her beauty and sexy appeal.

The original version of The Tide Is High was sung by the Jamaican group The Paragons in 1967.

Blondie’s version, which added a brass section to a reggae rhythm, was released in 1980 and reached No.

1 on the U.

S.

charts.