Lovely love song

[Western Music] Ballads that resonate with the heart: Classic love songs

DancerFukkun:)Tatsuki Fukuda
Primarily active in Tokyo, I have experience as a backup dancer for artists, a music video dancer, and a commercial dancer. I continue to work as a dancer while also engaging in article production. After discovering Michael Jackson in junior high school, I began dancing in my second year of high school. Since starting dance, in addition to the J-Pop and Japanese rock I had been listening to, I began exploring Western R&B, rap, alternative music, and other tracks commonly used for dance. In elementary school, I spent three years in a choir, and because I love singing, I often go to karaoke for fun. These days, I enjoy a wide range of music, from Japanese rock and rap to K-pop.

Western ballads have such moving melodies and vocals filled with the kind of emotion unique to singers overseas that you can’t help but get drawn in.

Their lyrics often express feelings very directly and have a sense of storytelling, which feels different from Japanese songs.

I’d like to introduce some classic ballad love songs from Western music!

If you look up the lyrics, you’ll probably find yourself thinking, “So that’s what they’re singing about,” and become even more interested—so find a favorite track and check it out!

They have a charm that’s distinct from Japanese ballads, so if you’re wondering which Western songs to listen to, I hope this helps as a reference!

[Western Music] Ballads That Resonate With the Heart: Classic Love Songs (91–100)

FreeDeniece Williams

Deniece Williams – Free (Audio)

FreeDeniece Williams

This is a track by Deniece Williams that features her lovely, delicate vocals.

It’s a sweet love song produced by Maurice White, yet the sound is exceptionally cool.

The horn arrangements, the vibraphone tone, the backing vocals—everything is wonderful.

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MaxineDonald Fagen

Maxine

MaxineDonald Fagen

From the 1982 album The Nightfly.

A lyrical number highlighted by Donald Fagen’s wistful vocals.

The rich choral parts and Michael Brecker’s saxophone make it a gorgeously exquisite love song.

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I Know It’s YouDonny Hathaway

Donny Hathaway I Know It’s You

I Know It's YouDonny Hathaway

This is a number that Donny Hathaway sings with a gospel touch.

I always feel a sincere spirit toward music in his songs.

With stylish piano and strings in the background, Donny’s vocals are commanding.

It’s truly regrettable that such a powerful artist passed away so young.

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Candle In The WindElton John

Candle In The Wind (Live At Sydney Entertainment Centre, Sydney, Australia / 1986)

Candle In The WindElton John

This masterpiece resonates with the heart through its beautiful piano melody and Elton John’s moving vocals.

Released in 1973, it was written as a tribute to Marilyn Monroe.

The lyrics, which praise transience and a beauty lost forever, touch many listeners.

In 1997, it was rearranged as a memorial to Princess Diana and became a worldwide hit.

The world Elton John creates with his gentle voice and the piano’s timbre is perfect for listening alone on a quiet night.

Why not enjoy it at a relaxed pace, with thoughts of someone dear to you?

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Don’t let me be lonely tonightEric Clapton

Eric Clapton – Don’t Let Me Be Lonely Tonight

Don't let me be lonely tonightEric Clapton

Eric Clapton delivers a deeply moving rendition of James Taylor’s classic.

The vocals are truly soulful, and the restrained, weeping guitar is a nice touch.

Taylor’s original has a more natural arrangement, so try comparing the two.

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Don’t CryGuns N’ Roses

Guns N’ Roses – Don’t Cry

Don't CryGuns N' Roses

A gem of a love song whose sweet, aching vocals resonate deep in the heart.

The lyrics, which depict lost love and its pain, remind us of feelings everyone experiences at least once.

Featured on Guns N’ Roses’ landmark album Use Your Illusion I, the song was released in 1991 and reached No.

10 on the Billboard Hot 100, achieving commercial success worldwide.

It’s a track that offers comfort to those who have lost someone they love or are trying to overcome a painful farewell.

If you find it hard to put your feelings into words, listening to this song together might be a subtle way to express them.

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AngelinaHIRAM BULLOCK

Hiram Bullock ~ Angelina (1987)

AngelinaHIRAM BULLOCK

A ballad by Hiram Bullock, who was active as a jazz and fusion guitarist from the 1980s until his passing in 2007.

Hiram recorded many vocal numbers, and this is the quintessential ballad among them.

It’s an urban, highly sophisticated AOR track.

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