A classic medium-tempo ballad in Western music
Medium ballads—with passionate vocals and a comfortable tempo—are a particularly popular category among Japanese listeners.
There are many classic medium ballads in Western music as well.
This time, we’ve selected some especially recommended masterpieces of medium ballads from Western music.
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Great medium-tempo ballads in Western music (11–20)
WonderwallOasis
Wonderwall is a single released in 1995 by the British band Oasis.
It is included on the album (What’s the Story) Morning Glory? released the same year.
The title Wonderwall is a nod to the film Wonderwall, for which George Harrison composed the music.
The song has become one of Oasis’s signature tracks.
When I Come AroundGreen Day
Included on the 1994 album Dookie.
A three-piece punk band from California formed in 1987.
In contrast to the raw guitar and powerful, standout drums, this track features a strikingly melodic, emotive, and slightly wet sound.
Their wide musical range is exactly what propelled them to become a world-renowned band.
Take A BowMadonna
Included on the 1994 album “Bedtime Stories.” Born in 1958.
A singer-songwriter from Michigan.
This track features her vocals gliding over a gently drifting, water-like chord progression, with a sweet yet wistful melody that is pleasing to the ear.
Come As You AreNirvana
Included on the 1991 album Nevermind.
A three-piece rock band from Washington state formed in 1987.
The intro opens with a gloomy guitar sound carrying a heavy atmosphere, and the song unfolds in that same vein.
Kurt Cobain’s spit-out vocal delivery makes this a track that sticks in your ears.
Piano ManBilly Joel
Included on the 1973 album “Piano Man.” Born in 1949.
A singer-songwriter from New York State.
This was his very first hit.
He says the song was written based on his own experiences, and that every person who appears in the lyrics has a real-life model.
Time After TimeCyndi Lauper
Included on the 1983 album ‘She’s So Unusual.
‘ Born in 1953, a singer from New York State.
One of her signature songs, it has become a standard covered by many musicians, including Miles Davis.
Her soulful voice is deeply moving.
Great medium-tempo ballad songs in Western music (21–30)
Every Time You Go AwayPaul Young
Paul Young, hailing from England, became a massive hit around the world.
Known as a leading figure in blue-eyed soul, he won Best British Male at the 1985 Brit Awards.
This famous ballad of his is a song about searing loss, as if a piece of your heart is taken each time someone you love leaves.
The singing, fretless-bass melody is striking as well.
Released as a single from the classic album The Secret of Association, it reached No.
1 on the U.
S.
charts in July 1985.
It’s also well known for being featured in the film Planes, Trains and Automobiles.
Put it on during a sentimental night, and its gentle melody just might seep into your heart.