A Collection of Heart-Touching Western Ballads — From Classics to the Newest Hits
Although I don’t usually listen to much Western music, I suspect there are quite a few people who have a favorite famous ballad.
Ballads don’t really demand a specific type of listener, and many people probably discover them through movie or TV drama theme songs or commercials and end up liking them.
There are many ways to define a ballad, but in this article we highlight classic Western ballads that fit the general image—from piano ballads to rock ballads, across eras—introducing wonderful songs that truly “resonate with the heart.”
We also touch on the meanings of the lyrics, so you might deepen your understanding of songs you love.
Be sure to check it out!
A Collection of Heart-Touching Western Ballads: From Classics to the Newest Songs (1–10)
A Thousand YearsChristina Perri
The moving ballad that sings of eternal love continues to capture the hearts of many as Christina Perri’s signature work.
The beautiful melodies and profound lyrics crafted by the American singer were beloved worldwide as part of the soundtrack for The Twilight Saga.
Since its release in October 2011, it has also become a popular wedding standard, and its popularity shows no signs of fading, with over 2.
5 billion views on YouTube.
It’s a highly recommended song for moments when you want to feel the bond with someone you love or be soothed by a voice that truly resonates.
Night Before ChristmasNEW!Sam Smith
Singer-songwriter Sam Smith, known for his distinctive high-tone voice, originally focused mainly on ballads, but his musical style has evolved since around “Unholy,” and he’s now exploring a variety of genres.
His Christmas number “Night Before Christmas” is a piece imbued with a soulful vibe.
Because it’s in 3/4 time, the rhythm can be hard for Japanese listeners to feel, but the tempo is very slow and the melodic leaps aren’t extreme, so if you’re comfortable with Black music, definitely give it a try.
I Want It That WayBackstreet Boys
A pop ballad about aching love propelled America’s Backstreet Boys to global stardom.
Released in April 1999, the song reached No.
1 on the charts in more than 25 countries and earned an impressive three Grammy nominations.
While the lyrics are ambiguous, its beautiful melody and the group’s exquisite five-part harmonies are sure to soothe anyone struggling with love.
It was featured in a Samsung Electronics commercial in 2021, and even after more than 20 years, its appeal remains undiminished.
Highly recommended for those dealing with heartbreak or long-distance relationships.
Thinking Out LoudEd Sheeran
Ed Sheeran is a British singer-songwriter.
Because his 2017 release “Shape of You” was a global hit, many people in Japan may associate him with R&B stylings and a cheerful image like that song.
However, mid-tempo, wistful ballads like his 2014 release “Thinking Out Loud” also let you fully appreciate his appeal! Personally, I love the verse lyric that goes, “I’ll still be loving you when I’m seventy, because I’ve been falling head over heels for you, unchanged, since I was twenty-three.” It strikes straight at my heart.
Lift Me Up (From Black Panther: Wakanda Forever)Rihanna
Rihanna is known for upbeat songs like “Umbrella (featuring Jay-Z)” and “Don’t Stop the Music.” In contrast to her intense image, “Lift Me Up (From Black Panther: Wakanda Forever)” is a slow ballad that lets you savor her beautiful voice.
The chorus in particular—“lift me up, hold me, stay close…”—evokes a woman yearning deeply for someone who has grown distant, and it really strikes a chord.
Chasing CarsSnow Patrol
A signature song by Snow Patrol that weaves a universally resonant story of love.
Released in 2006 by the Scottish band, this piece captivated many with its simple melody and candid lyrics.
Included on the album Eyes Open, it gained worldwide attention after being featured in the U.
S.
TV drama Grey’s Anatomy.
It remained on the UK Singles Chart for 111 weeks and surpassed one million sales in the UK in 2013.
Long cherished as a song that accompanies life’s significant moments—such as weddings and memorial services—it continues to be beloved.
I’m With YouNEW!Avril Lavigne
The third single from her debut album Let Go, released in 2002.
Seamlessly blending pop-punk with a power ballad, this song doesn’t sing about romance, but rather the loneliness of being on your own.
It builds from a quiet verse into an emotional swell, bursting with heartache in the chorus.
The cello’s timbre and Avril Lavigne’s clear, translucent vocals evoke the chill of winter, sinking deep into your heart when you listen on a lonely night.
It’s a song that gently stays by your side on winter evenings, expressing the universal longing to be with someone.