Popular Western Ballad Songs Ranking [2025]

PerfectEd Sheeran15rank/position

Ed Sheeran – Perfect (Official Music Video)

This gem of a ballad, which sings of true love, was created by British artist Ed Sheeran, inspired by his relationship with his wife, Cherry Seaborn.

It delicately portrays everyday moments between lovers—like walking barefoot on the grass—and the unconditional affection that makes even a partner’s wind-tousled hair look beautiful.

Included on the March 2017 album ÷ and released as a single that September, the song also drew attention for its duet version with Beyoncé.

It’s a perfect choice for couples celebrating weddings or special anniversaries, and is recommended for anyone who wants to reaffirm their honest feelings for the one they love.

Viva La VidaColdplay16rank/position

Coldplay – Viva La Vida (Official Video)

This is a song by the British rock band Coldplay, whose grand strings portray the sorrow of a king who has lost his power, striking straight at the heart.

Released in May 2008 from the album “Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends,” many will remember it for winning Song of the Year at the 51st Grammy Awards.

You may also have heard it in Apple’s iPod commercials.

Among fans, it enjoys overwhelming popularity as “majestic yet bittersweet,” and “like an anthem for life.” The protagonist’s emptiness—“I once ruled the world, and now I sleep alone”—echoes the hollow feeling that can follow great success.

Reflecting on the fragility of life revealed only after reaching the top makes you want to cherish the happiness you have now.

Versace on the FloorBruno Mars17rank/position

Bruno Mars – Versace on the Floor (Official Music Video)

The shimmering, sparkling tones of the synthesizer paint a world for two people in love.

Bruno Mars’s sweet yet bittersweet vocals create a romantic atmosphere.

This work beautifully fuses a ’90s slow jam vibe with ’80s sounds.

Included on the 2016 album “24K Magic,” it was released as a single the following year.

It received high praise, including a Grammy Award.

A song you’ll want to play on a special night with someone important.

Recommended for those who want to spend an elegant, refined time.

HelloAdele18rank/position

Adele – Hello (Official Music Video)

It’s a powerful, emotionally resonant ballad.

Reflecting on a past relationship, the song captures feelings of nostalgia and regret that many listeners can relate to.

Released in October 2015, it drew major attention as the lead single from the album 25.

Adele’s emotive vocals and the gentle, piano-centered melody are especially memorable.

The lyrics convey the sense of distance that can arise as we grow older.

For those struggling with heartbreak or shifting relationships, it’s sure to be a source of comfort.

When I Was Your ManBruno Mars19rank/position

Bruno Mars – When I Was Your Man (Official Music Video)

A poignant piano ballad that sings of heartbreak and regret.

Written from the perspective of a man who has lost his lover by American artist Bruno Mars, the song captures the complex emotions of regretting past mistakes while still wishing happiness for the other person.

Released in January 2013, it appears on the album “Unorthodox Jukebox” and became a worldwide hit, reaching No.

1 on the U.

S.

Billboard charts.

With its simple piano accompaniment and powerful vocals, it’s recommended for those seeking to heal the pain of a broken heart or to reaffirm their feelings for someone special.

Eternal FlameThe Bangles20rank/position

The Bangles – Eternal Flame (Official Video)

You know The Bangles’ “Eternal Flame,” right? Susanna Hoffs’s translucent, pure voice blends perfectly with the lyrics about everlasting love.

Released in 1989, this song became beloved worldwide and has been covered by many artists—a true classic among classics.

The flame at Elvis Presley’s gravesite, which the band visited, served as the inspiration for the song.

“Eternal Flame” stands as one of the finest female-vocal ballads that colored the 1980s Western pop scene.

Even after the band’s reunion, its allure remains undimmed, continuing to captivate new fans.

It’s sure to kindle an eternal flame in your heart, too.

Now You’re Not HereSwing Out Sister21rank/position

Swing Out Sister – Now You’re Not Here

“Now You’re Not Here” is a song by the British group Swing Out Sister, written specifically as the theme for the drama “Mahiru no Tsuki” starring Yuji Oda and Takako Tokiwa.

Released only in Japan, the single sold 300,000 copies and won the Grand Prix Single Award in the Western Music category at the 11th Japan Gold Disc Awards.

The piano melody in the intro, with its heavy reverb, creates a wonderfully dreamlike atmosphere.