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

Active club DJKento
Active as a club DJ. Centered on dance music, they mix a wide range of genres including US hip-hop and J-rap, captivating audiences with their unique musical style.
Former vocal coach specializing in Western musicRyo
Under the theme of “vocal skills that stand up on the world stage,” I have experience teaching as an online vocal coach specializing in Western music, and I usually listen to genres like nuevo flamenco, bolero, canzone, and R&B. In my teens, I questioned the idea that “foreign music equals English,” and started exploring songs from around the world. My commentary is characterized by a unique perspective shaped by listening to music of every genre, in every language, from every country. I mainly cover world music, so be sure to check it out!

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!

Healing from the heart—Recommended Western ballads sung by female vocalists (161–170)

It Might Be YouRoberta Flack

It Might Be You

It Might Be YouRoberta Flack

Roberta Flack, a female singer who was hugely successful in the 1970s.

She’s known for releasing numerous works with artists who helped define the New Soul era, such as Donny Hathaway and Peabo Bryson.

Among her ballads, a particularly recommended one is It Might Be You.

It’s a piece that feels like a blend of 1970s New Soul and 1980s adult contemporary, a ballad that carries a sophisticated, mature atmosphere throughout.

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ConsequencesCamila Cabello

Camila Cabello – Consequences (orchestra)

ConsequencesCamila Cabello

Camila Cabello, who rose to fame as a member of Fifth Harmony and later succeeded as a solo artist, has released works that evoke Latin music, reflecting her Latin roots.

She’s also well-regarded for her ballads, and among them, “Consequences” is especially popular.

There are always things you lose when you fall in love.

This song explores the “cost” of love.

Be sure to check it out.

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WhyAnnie Lennox

Annie Lennox – Why (Official Music Video)

WhyAnnie Lennox

A track released by Annie Lennox in 1992.

It reached the Top 10 on charts around the world and won an Ivor Novello Award.

The music video, directed by Sophie Muller, won an MTV Video Music Award.

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You Needed MeAnne Murray

You Needed Me – Anne Murray (Lyrics) 🎵

You Needed MeAnne Murray

Anne Murray sings with clear, teacher-like diction and a beautiful melody.

And yet, she still weaves in genuine emotion—impressive as ever.

I think this is a masterpiece among masterpieces; you can’t talk about ballads without knowing this song.

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In conclusion

This time, I picked out ballads from various countries.

In Japan, many people think of a ballad as a slow, melodic love song, but originally, as long as it’s sentimental, it counts as a ballad.

So I chose a wide range of genres—R&B, jazz, flamenco, blues, and more.

I prioritized the musical sensibility over name recognition, so you might have known only a few of the songs, but I think that led to many new discoveries instead.

I hope this article inspires you to explore songs in languages other than English and to try genres you don’t usually listen to!