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

California GirlsDavid Lee Roth

David Lee Roth – California Girls

After leaving Van Halen to pursue a solo career, former lead vocalist David Lee Roth released the single “California Girls” under his own name in 1985.

The original version of the song was a 1965 hit by the Beach Boys.

Dave’s version is unabashedly carefree from start to finish, brimming with a “Summer! Beach! Girls in bikinis!” vibe.

The Last TimeEric Benét

The Last Time

Even when we say a ballad that suits the sea, the songs that fit can vary greatly depending on the seascape and the weather you imagine.

“The Last Time” is a perfect piece for the quiet sea late at night.

It’s sung by Eric Benét, an R&B singer from the United States.

He’s known for his falsetto, but his chest voice is also outstanding, and in this song you can savor his rich tone right from the first verse.

Be sure to check it out.

SonreirásIl Volo

Il Volo – Sonreirás (Official Video)

Under the concept of a new Three Tenors, the vocal group Il Volo was formed.

While they are not strictly operatic tenors, they revitalized canzone, a genre whose popularity had been fading.

Around 2018, they stopped focusing on opera and began releasing songs that reflect their own musical identity.

Their song “Sonreirás” portrays the feelings of a man who has lost love due to a long-distance relationship.

The music video constantly shows a bright, open sea, but combined with the mood of the song, it comes across as an achingly bittersweet landscape.

It’s a track that reveals the power of musical direction.

OceanLady Antebellum

Lady Antebellum – Ocean

A song by the American country music group Lady A that likens a lover to a vast ocean, expressing the desire to swim within it and stay together forever.

It opens with a beautiful piano melody, followed by Hillary Scott’s lovely vocals.

Throughout the track, the echo effect conjures vivid images of swimming in a majestic sea.

The melody resonates deep in the chest, and the harmony woven by the male chorus that enters partway through and Scott’s voice is moving, evoking a tender, aching feeling of love for one’s partner.

WaterfallsTLC

TLC – Waterfalls (Official HD Video)

TLC is an idol group based in R&B.

They’re from the United States, and at the time there were almost no idols who focused on R&B.

They’re still active today, releasing even more authentic R&B.

Their song Waterfalls is one of their hits and addresses HIV.

It achieved major commercial success, including a Grammy nomination.

The melody has a calm atmosphere, with the sound of waves woven in.

I Want It That WayBackstreet Boys

Backstreet Boys – I Want It That Way (Official HD Video)

The Backstreet Boys are a boy band that achieved worldwide success from the 1990s through the 2000s.

Because they have so many classic songs, even teenagers today have probably heard their music.

Among their works, the track that especially suits the sea is I Want It That Way.

It’s crafted as an upbeat ballad and is a masterpiece with an overall refreshing vibe, like gentle summer waves.

Baby I Love Your WayBig Mountain

Big Mountain – Baby I Love Your Way(1994)

Composed in 1975 by Peter Frampton, “Baby, I Love Your Way” has also been famously covered by Will to Power and Big Mountain.

The Big Mountain cover I’m highlighting here gained popularity after being featured on the soundtrack of the film “Baby, I Love Your Way.” With its reggae arrangement, it offers a different vibe from the original.

It’s a song you’ll want to listen to while gazing out at the sea!