A Collection of Heart-Touching Western Ballads — From Classics to the Newest Hits

HeroMariah Carey

Mariah Carey – Hero (Official HD Video)

Singer-songwriter Mariah Carey, who holds a record 19 No.

1 singles on the U.

S.

charts as a solo artist and has enjoyed immense popularity in Japan, created her second single “Hero” originally as a contribution to the soundtrack of the film “The Angel Who Lost Her Shoes.” With its soulful melody and vocals, the song is an empowering number.

Its positive message—that everyone has a hero within—gives us the strength to rally ourselves when we face difficulties.

As one of Mariah Carey’s signature songs, its powerful vocals give you a supportive push forward.

Stay With MeSam Smith

Sam Smith – Stay With Me (Official Music Video)

Sam Smith, a singer-songwriter from the UK who had been attracting attention since his debut and topped the BBC Sound of 2014, released Stay with Me as the third single from his debut album In the Lonely Hour.

The song became a massive hit, winning both Record of the Year and Song of the Year at the Grammy Awards.

Even though it isn’t true love, the lyrics tell a story of wanting to linger in the moment, and their straightforward honesty really tugs at the heart.

With gospel-like choral work and a moving ensemble, it’s an emotional ballad that truly resonates.

PhotographEd Sheeran

Ed Sheeran – Photograph (Official Music Video)

There’s a timeless song that accompanies those sentimental moments when you look back on summer memories alongside your photos.

It’s a track by Ed Sheeran, the globally renowned singer-songwriter from the UK.

Featured on the acclaimed album ‘×,’ which won British Album of the Year at the 2015 BRIT Awards, this folk-pop ballad was released as a single.

Centered on a long-distance relationship, it portrays a couple reaffirming their love through photographs.

The message—that even apart, hearts remain close—gently seeps in, carried by his soft vocals and acoustic sound.

The music video, which uses real home videos from his childhood, deepens the song’s warm yet bittersweet atmosphere and is truly moving.

As summer comes to an end, why not listen to it while thinking of someone special?

Happier Than EverBillie Eilish

Billie Eilish – Happier Than Ever (Official Music Video)

This is a striking song featuring a wistful vocal and powerful sound.

Drawing on her own experiences, American artist Billie Eilish looks back on a past relationship and sings about the lessons she learned from it.

The arrangement shifts from a quiet ballad to intense rock, conveying a swell of emotion that resonates deeply with listeners.

Released in July 2021, it is the title track of the album “Happier Than Ever” and stands as a work that symbolizes Billie Eilish’s growth and independence.

It’s a song I especially recommend to those who have overcome the pain of heartbreak and discovered a new version of themselves.

When You’re GoneAvril Lavigne

Avril Lavigne – When You’re Gone (Official Video)

This work, captivating with its poignant, heart-stirring melody and lyrics, is a power ballad that portrays a parting from a loved one.

The lyrics, which make one keenly feel the importance of what has been lost, resonate with many listeners.

It is included on Canadian artist Avril Lavigne’s third album, The Best Damn Thing, released in June 2007.

The music video depicts breakups among couples from various generations, beautifully expressing the song’s world.

As a song that stands by those who have experienced heartbreak or separation from someone dear, it is sure to be a source of comfort.

Lost in JapanShawn Mendes

Shawn Mendes “Lost In Japan” (Audio)

The way it unfolds from a quiet piano intro into a groovy bassline evokes the shift from a late-summer dusk into night.

Sung by Canadian singer-songwriter Shawn Mendes, this track blends R&B and funk in a comfortably smooth mix—both a little bittersweet and irresistibly uplifting.

The lyrics portray a passionate urge to bridge the distance to a loved one far away, driven by a single-minded desire to see them.

That earnest emotion overlaps with the sentimental feeling of summer slipping away, hitting you right in the heart.

Released in March 2018 as a cut from the album “Shawn Mendes,” the song is also known for a music video that pays homage to the film “Lost in Translation.” On a night spent reminiscing about summer, listening as you watch the setting sun is sure to deepen the emotional mood even more.

I’m YoursJason Mraz

Jason Mraz – I’m Yours (Official Video) [4K Remaster]

The soothing sound of the acoustic guitar seems to seep into a slightly wistful heart at summer’s end.

This song by singer-songwriter Jason Mraz features a light, reggae-tinged groove that naturally loosens you up just by listening.

The lyrics depict a defenseless, boundless love that casts off hesitation and speaks straight from the heart.

That honest emotion curiously matches a scene of getting sentimental by the seaside at dusk.

Included on the 2008 album “We Sing.

We Dance.

We Steal Things.

,” the track set a record by staying on the U.

S.

charts for 76 weeks.

Also beloved as a theme song for a Kirin Beer commercial, it’s a classic you’ll want to play when you’re in the mood to reminisce about summer.