[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] Recommended Popular Ballads Sung by Male Western Artists (131–140)

The Mixed TapeJack’s Mannequin

Jack’s Mannequin – The Mixed Tape [Official Music Video]

The Mixed TapeJack's Mannequin

It’s the solo project by Andrew McMahon of Something Corporate.

In 2005, Andrew was diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia and went on hiatus, but he released the album “Everything in Transit” in August of the same year.

This song is the number that closes the album.

Raise the rankinglower

SadMaroon 5

Maroon 5 – Sad

SadMaroon 5

A piano ballad included on Maroon 5’s fourth album, Overexposed, released in 2012.

It was written by lead singer Adam Levine and guitarist James Valentine.

In 2013, it was covered by Amber Carrington on the TV show The Voice.

Raise the rankinglower

Flying Without WingsWestlife

Westlife – Flying Without Wings (Official Video)

Flying Without WingsWestlife

A smash hit released by the Irish boy band Westlife.

Written by Steve Mac and Wayne Hector, the song is about the happiness felt through friendship and love.

It was performed by Ruben Studdard in the Season 2 finale of American Idol in 2003.

Raise the rankinglower

Love Is All AroundWet Wet Wet

Love Is All Around (From “Four Weddings And A Funeral”)

Love Is All AroundWet Wet Wet

This is a cover of The Troggs’ “Love Is All Around,” used as the theme song for the film Four Weddings.

It was highly praised in the UK as surpassing the original and became a major hit.

It’s still very popular as a rock ballad, too, and remains beloved today.

The interplay with the guitar, the members’ harmonies, and the heartfelt lead vocal are all beautiful, aren’t they?

Raise the rankinglower

Love of a LifetimeFireHouse

Firehouse – Love Of A Lifetime

Love of a LifetimeFireHouse

A romantic song about unwavering devotion and everlasting love.

It’s also a popular choice for a bride and groom’s first dance at weddings.

Released as a single by FireHouse in 1991, it reached No.

5 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

Raise the rankinglower

Love You MoreJLS

JLS Love You More – BBC Children In Need Single 2010

Love You MoreJLS

A song released as a single in 2010 by the British boy band JLS.

Grammy-winning songwriter and producer Toby Gad, known for his work with Beyoncé and Fergie, was involved in its production.

The track reached No.

1 on the charts in the UK and Scotland.

Raise the rankinglower

FaithfullyJourney

Journey – Faithfully (Official HD Video – 1983)

FaithfullyJourney

It’s a classic by the American band Journey, who were active in the ’80s, featuring a rock sound layered over a piano accompaniment.

It became a massive hit not only in the United States but worldwide.

Above all, the quintessential rock ballad sound and the powerfully melancholic vocals make it a tear-jerker.

It stands as a landmark of the 1980s, an era when music began to diversify and artists thrived with a variety of expressions.

Raise the rankinglower