[2025] A roundup of recommended popular ballads sung by male Western artists

music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and have been contributing to music magazines and web media for over 15 years. Although Western music is my main field, I always strive to stay curious with the motto, “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in a band, where I was a bassist responsible for songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve performed on include bass, guitar, and piano. I resumed piano lessons after turning 40 and have been continuing ever since!
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!

Stirring melodies and sounds that move the heart, messages conveyed through emotional vocals—the forms vary, but ballads have always been loved in every era.

Even those who usually listen to intense rock or dance tracks may sometimes feel like lending an ear to a ballad.

In this article, we’ll introduce must-hear Western ballads—specifically, classic ballads sung by male vocalists!

From grand, string-laden numbers to fine folky tunes and catchy pop ballads, the first half highlights recent hits, while the latter half features timeless classics.

If you’re ready to cry your heart out to music, be sure to check these out.

[2025] A Collection of Recommended Popular Ballads Sung by Male Western Artists (61–70)

EvergreenWill Young

Will Young – Evergreen (Video)

EvergreenWill Young

Will Young is known as a singer who rose to fame after winning the UK talent show Pop Idol.

In fact, this song originally belonged to the Irish vocal group Westlife.

As the winner of Pop Idol, Will Young earned the right to release the song as his debut single, and it became a major hit.

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ImagineJohn Lennon

John Lennon – Imagine HD

ImagineJohn Lennon

John Lennon was the former Beatles’ vocalist, guitarist, and songwriter.

This song is the title track of his solo album and is among his most popular solo numbers.

In a 2002 poll conducted by Guinness, it was ranked second as the “Greatest Single of All Time in the UK.”

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Sign of the TimesHarry Styles

Harry Styles – Sign of the Times (Official Video)

Sign of the TimesHarry Styles

This is a solo track by Harry Styles, a member of One Direction.

The song is striking for his pure, crystal-clear vocals laid over powerful drums.

It’s a chill track you’ll want to listen to with your eyes closed, and despite being one of the UK’s top idols, it showcases his musical depth—a captivating, powerful ballad brimming with his charm.

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Wake Me Up When September EndsGreen Day

Green Day – Wake Me Up When September Ends [Official Music Video] [4K Upgrade]

Wake Me Up When September EndsGreen Day

Green Day is an American punk rock band that caused a worldwide sensation and broke big in the 2000s.

They’re a legendary band that most punk musicians active in the 2010s likely passed through in one way or another.

While they might evoke images of destruction, riots, and frenzy, it’s precisely because they’re that kind of band that they can also deliver gentle ballads.

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AngelsRobbie Williams

Robbie Williams – Angels

AngelsRobbie Williams

Robbie Williams’s “Angels” is a piano ballad that’s familiar to many Japanese listeners.

The piano accompaniment, which moves forward slowly step by step, matches perfectly with Robbie Williams’s vocals.

As the title suggests, the lyrics revolve around “angels,” depicting a scene where the weary, aging protagonist reflects, thinking, “From here on, I’ll leave it to the angels.”

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New York State of MindBilly Joel

Billy Joel – New York State of Mind (Audio)

New York State of MindBilly Joel

A song Billy Joel wrote on the day he returned to New York from California.

It’s a love letter to New York and is said to have been influenced by Ray Charles.

In 2001, the song was performed at Hillary Clinton’s celebration party.

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GorillaBruno Mars

Bruno Mars – Gorilla (Official Music Video)

GorillaBruno Mars

A song released as a digital download in 2013 by Bruno Mars.

The music video, co-directed by Bruno and Cameron Duddy, features actor Luis Guzman and actress Freida Pinto, known for the film Slumdog Millionaire.

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