RAG MusicBallad
Lovely ballad
search

I Want to Be Healed from the Heart: Recommended Western Ballads Sung by Female Vocalists

Ballads are known for having many melodies and lyrics that really hit you in the heart.

Suddenly, but do you know the clear definition of a ballad?

In fact, the definition of a ballad is quite ambiguous: as long as it’s a “story-like song,” it can be considered a ballad regardless of the melody.

So this time, we’ve picked out some classic ballad masterpieces.

Unlike in Japan, Western ballads feature a wide variety of melodies, so be sure to check them out.

The first half features famous classics, but the second half includes lesser-known yet incredibly tasteful tracks.

If you’re well-versed in Western music, don’t miss ranks 11–20!

I Want to Be Healed from the Heart: Recommended Western Ballads Sung by Female Singers (131–140)

Age Ain’t Nothing But A NumberAaliyah

Aaliyah – Age Ain’t Nothing But A Number (Official HD Video)
Age Ain't Nothing But A NumberAaliyah

For those who want to listen to a smooth R&B ballad, I recommend “Age Ain’t Nothing But a Number.” Sung by Aaliyah, an artist from Brooklyn, New York, this track is famous as one of her signature songs.

She’s known for quality production and smooth vocals typical of the ’90s R&B scene.

You don’t see much of this authentic style of R&B nowadays.

If you’re looking for classic, high-quality R&B, definitely give it a listen!

Fallin’Alicia Keys

Alicia Keys – Fallin’ (Official HD Video)
Fallin'Alicia Keys

Alicia Keys is an R&B singer who has been active since the 2000s and now enjoys global recognition.

She’s also one of the most well-known R&B artists in Japan.

“Fallin’,” alongside “If I Ain’t Got You,” is one of her hit songs and a track that brought her worldwide acclaim.

It’s crafted with a deeply sentimental, soulful melody that epitomizes a true ballad.

As much as we appreciate her current pop-leaning style, it would be great to see her return to the kind of soulful sound showcased in this song.

Like a TattooSade

Sade – Like a Tattoo (Live Video from San Diego)
Like a TattooSade

Sade is a band that has been active in the adult contemporary field from the 1980s to the present.

Because the band is named after its female vocalist, Sade Adu, they’re often mistaken for a solo artist, but it’s actually the name of the band.

Among their ballads, the one I especially recommend is Like a Tattoo.

It features a melody that blends jazz and adult contemporary—the style they do best.

Narrow DaylightDiana Krall

Diana Krall is a jazz vocalist from Canada, known as the most successful jazz singer of the 1990s.

Since 1999, she has won the Grammy Awards five times.

Her greatest appeal is undoubtedly her low, whispery voice.

It’s rare to find a female vocalist with such a smoky tone, and that quality may have boosted her popularity.

Her song “Narrow Daylight” is one of her jazz ballads that’s been crafted to be especially cool and sexy.

Be sure to check it out.

Calling YouJevetta Steele

Bagdad Cafe is a West German film released in 1987.

It remains highly acclaimed as a classic.

While it’s a quirky film with a surreal style that portrays “love,” it concludes with a very heartwarming ending.

The song Calling You was created as the theme for Bagdad Cafe and is sung by Jevetta Steele, renowned as a great R&B singer.

With its uniquely atmospheric melody, it’s a must-check for anyone looking for a ballad with a twist!

Time And TrustNaomi Sharon

Naomi Sharon – Time And Trust (Official Music Video)
Time And TrustNaomi Sharon

Naomi Sharon’s “Time And Trust” can be called an essential masterpiece for lovers of ballads.

Its touching melody and vocals blend beautifully with a stylish R&B groove.

The lyrics, which have the power to soothe people even in uncertain times, shine with her unique expressive ability.

Delving deeply into the theme of love, the relatable lyrics are very catchy and accessible.

Be sure to check it out.

CloserCorinne Bailey Rae

Corinne Bailey Rae, a singer-songwriter from the UK.

She’s gained popularity as an artist with a wide range of songwriting abilities, from poppy, laid-back melodies reminiscent of country music to stylish R&B-like tunes.

She originally played in a rock band and is said to have been strongly influenced by L7.

That’s hard to imagine given her current musical style.

Among her ballads, the one I especially recommend is “Closer.” It’s crafted as smooth, very mellow R&B, making it perfect for driving music.