[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 (21–30)

Bad DayDaniel Powter

Daniel Powter – Bad Day (Official Music Video) [HD]

Bad DayDaniel Powter

Daniel Powter is a musician from Canada.

This song was released as a single from his first album, Daniel Powter.

It earned a platinum certification in Ireland and gold certifications in the United Kingdom, France, and Australia.

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WHY (feat. Luke Combs)Jon Bellion

Jon Bellion, Luke Combs – WHY feat. Luke Combs (Official Music Video)

WHY (feat. Luke Combs)Jon Bellion

A multi-talented artist from New York State, Jon Bellion, released a collaborative track featuring country star Luke Combs in May 2025.

Written just 48 hours before the birth of his first child, the song is a candid ballad about Bellion’s anxieties and love as he prepares for fatherhood, and it’s slated to be included on the album “FATHER FIGURE.” Its profound lyrics explore the fear and conflict of loving, while the sound—starting with folk-tinged acoustics and gradually swelling into something grand—are truly beautiful, resulting in a masterpiece where Bellion’s and Combs’s distinct musical styles blend seamlessly.

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[2025] A roundup of recommended popular ballads sung by male Western artists (31–40)

HappierEd Sheeran

Ed Sheeran – Happier (Official Music Video)

HappierEd Sheeran

This is a single released from Ed Sheeran’s third album, Divide, which made him a global star.

With a beautiful melody, it sings about a breakup with a lover, and the lyrics are heartbreakingly sad.

It captures the feelings of a man watching his ex look happier than before.

The puppet-theater-style music video stirs up a mix of emotions, leaving an indescribable sense of emptiness.

The falsetto in the chorus imparts a curious sense of exhilaration.

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CarusoLucio Dalla

Caruso / Lucio Dalla

CarusoLucio Dalla

A ballad boasting overwhelming perfection even by global standards, “Caruso.” This masterpiece by Lucio Dalla is said to depict the late-life romance of the great tenor Enrico Caruso.

The craftsmanship of the song is remarkable: during his lifetime, Lucio Dalla reportedly composed it after visiting the hotel Caruso used and interviewing his relatives.

It is a classic that portrays a profound love that knows no bounds, even in the face of death.

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Shape Of My HeartBackstreet Boys

Backstreet Boys – Shape Of My Heart (Official HD Video)

Shape Of My HeartBackstreet Boys

A song released as a single by the Backstreet Boys in 2000.

It was produced with the involvement of Max Martin, one of the most influential songwriters and producers in pop music.

The track was nominated for a Grammy Award.

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Too Good At GoodbyesSam Smith

Sam Smith – Too Good At Goodbyes

Too Good At GoodbyesSam Smith

A ballad by British singer-songwriter Sam Smith.

It seems to depict a relationship where the other person deftly sidesteps a heart that keeps giving.

Hurting each other, one-way feelings.

Growing used to it, becoming fed up with yourself, and the love cooling off.

It’s more heartbreaking than simply not having your feelings reach them, isn’t it? It’s included on the album The Thrill of It All.

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Right Here WaitingRichard Marx

Richard Marx – Right Here Waiting (Official Music Video)

Right Here WaitingRichard Marx

Richard Marx is an American singer-songwriter.

After Lionel Richie recognized his demo tape, he took part in Lionel’s album.

This song is a love letter he set to music for actress Cynthia Rhodes, whom he was dating at the time.

This led to his marriage to Cynthia.

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