[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 roundup of recommended popular ballads sung by male Western artists (101–110)

I’ll Be There For YouBon Jovi

Bon Jovi – I’ll Be There For You

I'll Be There For YouBon Jovi

Skin-tight skinny pants, sexy flashes of skin, and long, curly blond hair—this is a slow-tempo rock number by Bon Jovi, the band that set the world ablaze and left behind countless classic songs.

Though it’s a slow-tempo rock ballad, the tight drumming and the ultra-cool, distorted electric guitar are quintessentially their sound, making it a track whose beauty never fades no matter when you listen.

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NobodyBrian McKnight

Brian McKnight – Nobody (Visual)

NobodyBrian McKnight

Brian McKnight is an R&B singer who was active from the 1990s to the early 2000s.

Renowned for his whispery vocals and ad-libs, he is famous as one of the top vocalists in the United States.

Among the ballads he sings, a particularly recommended track is “Nobody.” Although it was released in 2020, it strongly retains the vibe of 1990s R&B, making it a must-listen for anyone who loved R&B from that era!

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RoxanneSting

Sting – Roxanne (HD) Live in Viña del mar 2011

RoxanneSting

The Police is a rock band that was active from the late 1970s to the mid-1980s.

Their song “Roxanne” is a classic that portrays the complicated love of a man who falls for a prostitute.

The Police’s original version is excellent, but I especially recommend the version by Sting, the band’s vocalist.

This version is arranged acoustically and has a refined, luxurious atmosphere.

Be sure to give it a listen!

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Can’t Fight This FeelingREO Speed Wagon

REO Speedwagon – Can’t Fight This Feeling (Official HD Video)

Can't Fight This FeelingREO Speed Wagon

REO Speedwagon is a great American rock band with a 50-year career.

Although the band formed in 1967, they didn’t achieve any real success until 1981.

Their album Hi Infidelity propelled them to worldwide popularity, and Can’t Fight This Feeling became their second mega-hit.

With its straightforward lyrics and memorable melody, it’s a rock ballad that fans of 1980s music should definitely check out.

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Amiga MiaAlejandro Sanz

Alejandro Sanz – “Amiga Mia” (Video Oficial)

Amiga MiaAlejandro Sanz

Alejandro Sanz, a singer-songwriter from Spain, debuted at the age of 16 and has collaborated with globally successful, commercially active artists such as Camila Cabello.

While he’s recognized as a pop singer-songwriter, he can also sing in the style of a flamenco cantaor.

Among his ballads, a particular recommendation is Amiga Mía.

It features a contemporary melody that evokes both sensuality and romance.

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【2025】A curated list of recommended popular ballads sung by male Western artists (111–120)

In Your ArmsILLENIUM, X Ambassadors

ILLENIUM, X Ambassadors – In Your Arms (Official Visualizer)

In Your ArmsILLENIUM, X Ambassadors

ILLENIUM is a DJ who fires up dance floors around the world with beautiful melodies and choruses full of emotional dynamics.

This is one of his most danceable and exhilarating ballads.

His signature dramatic song progression doesn’t just make you move—it stirs your emotions, delivering the very best in dance music.

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With or Without YouU2

U2 – With Or Without You (U2 At The BBC)

With or Without YouU2

U2 is a four-member rock band from Dublin, Ireland.

Since 1980, they have had no member departures or changes and have passionate fans all around the world.

This song reached number one on the Billboard chart.

In Japan, it was used as the theme song for the drama “Nemureru Mori,” where it gained popularity.

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