Popular Western Ballad Songs Ranking [2025]

The First Time Ever I Saw Your FaceRoberta Flack99rank/position

The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face

In 1972, Roberta Flack released “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face,” which became a worldwide hit.

Her performance won both Record of the Year and Song of the Year at the 1973 Grammy Awards—an enduring testament to its timeless beauty.

The soulful melody, flowing through quiet stillness, continues to captivate listeners decades later.

Building on the original song by British folk singer Ewan MacColl, Roberta reimagined it with refined arrangement and overwhelming expressive power, elevating it into a ballad that would go down in music history.

Needless to say, it remains a mesmerizing track that younger listeners return to again and again.

Lovin’ YouMinnie Riperton100rank/position

Minnie Riperton – Lovin’ You (Official Video)

Now considered a towering landmark among ballads beloved around the world, “Lovin’ You” remains etched in many people’s memories as Minnie Riperton’s signature work.

Its greatest allure is, above all, her angelic, crystal-clear high tones that make full use of her astonishing five-and-a-half-octave range.

Released in 1975, the song is more than just a ballad; it’s distinguished by a gentle, love-filled melody originally crafted to soothe her daughter.

Bolstered by the powerful backing of Stevie Wonder’s production, it brought a revolution to the music scene.

The softly flowing melody seems to transcend time, tenderly nestling close to our hearts.

This timeless classic has lost none of its luster—why not give it a listen again?