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 ballad masterpieces in Western music (41–50)
No One Is To BlameHoward Jones
Included on the 1985 album “Dream into Action.” Born in 1955.
A singer-songwriter from the UK.
The music-box-like tone in the intro instantly makes you go “oh!” The melody that runs through the whole track is gentle and lullaby-like, pleasantly soothing, and I think it pairs well with his steely vocals.
Great medium-tempo ballads in Western music (51–60)
Toy SoldiersMartika
Included on the 1988 album “Martika.” Born in 1969.
A singer and actress from California.
This is a beautiful track where her vocals and the choral ensemble shine, carried by a calm, gently flowing rhythm and a soft melody line that conveys elegance.
Broken WingsMr. Mister
Included on the 1985 album “Welcome to the Real World.
” A four-piece rock band from Los Angeles that debuted in 1984.
As a band formed by studio musicians, their performance skills are outstanding.
In this track, the bass tone is particularly striking and really enhances the melody.
It’s still a cool number even today.
Cruel To Be KindNick Lowe
This is a song released in 1979 by the UK-born multi-instrumentalist Nick Lowe.
Its Japanese title is “Koizuru Futari” (Two People in Love).
Nick Lowe is one of those musicians’ musicians with a strong following even among hard-to-please music critics.
Among his works, this one is quite pop and accessible, with a buoyant brightness that’s easy on the ears.
Sentimental StreetNight Ranger
Included on the 1985 album “7 Wishes.” A five-piece rock band from San Francisco formed in 1982.
On this track, drummer Brad handles the vocals.
His voice, a bit rougher than Jack’s, lends a mellow emotion to the song, resulting in a nicely finished piece.
So In LoveOrchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark
Included on the 1985 album “Crush.” A four-piece electropop band from Liverpool formed in 1975.
It’s a pleasant track to the ear, with Andrew’s baritone vocals resonating over a melody woven from the flowing piano tones in the background and a bass that emphasizes the low end.
Dear ArtistPilot
Pilot is a rock band from the United Kingdom that was active in the early 1970s.
Their signature song is 1974’s “Magic.” Their sound is characterized by a bright, piercing clarity.
The track “Dear Artist” from their 1975 masterpiece album Second Flight proved they were more than just an upbeat, cheerful band.
It’s a ballad with beautifully arranged strings that conveys a sense of spaciousness.