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.
- Nothing but classics! A nostalgic collection of ’80s Western ballads
- [2025] A roundup of recommended popular ballads sung by male Western artists
- I Want to Be Healed from the Heart: Recommended Western Ballads Sung by Female Vocalists
- A collection of popular Western rock ballads: a roundup of moving, tear-jerking masterpieces.
- All masterpieces! Western pop ballads that were hits in the ’90s
- Classic Western songs that soothe the soul
- [2025] Tear-Jerking Love Songs by Western Bands: A Roundup of Recommended Hits
- Piano ballads of Western music—from timeless hits to the latest songs
- A Collection of Heart-Touching Western Ballads — From Classics to the Newest Hits
- [Western Music] The World of Power Ballads: A Collection of Must-Listen Gems to Start With
- Hidden gems of Western ballad songs. Recommended popular tracks.
- [Western Music] Ballads that resonate with the heart: Classic love songs
- Popular and trending recent Western pop ballads
Great medium-tempo ballads in Western music (51–60)
Jealous GuyRoxy Music

Roxy Music, the British band led by Bryan Ferry, a man who’s like the very embodiment of dandyism.
They covered John Lennon’s classic “Jealous Guy.” The song is about John apologizing to his partner Yoko for his jealousy, but Roxy’s version amplifies the sensuality and decadent atmosphere to an irresistible degree.
Released in 1981, it reached number one on the UK Singles Chart.
Love Is Like OxygenSWEET

Sweet is a British pop rock band that debuted in the early 1970s.
Although they were initially marketed in an idol-like fashion, this work left a powerful impression of them as a truly skilled band.
The Japanese title is “Love Is Like Oxygen,” and it was released in 1978.
The melody in the chorus is very memorable, and the performance is compelling.
The Only Living Boy in New YorkSimon&Garfunkel

Included on the 1970 album “Bridge over Troubled Water.” A New York–born music duo who debuted in 1964.
The “Tom” that appears at the beginning of the lyrics refers to Garfunkel.
The sound of the acoustic guitar and Simon’s understated vocals blend to create a beautiful harmony.
It’s a great song.
SaraStarship

Included on the 1985 album “Knee Deep in the Hoopla.” A six-piece rock band from San Francisco formed in 1985.
It’s a track where the mid-tempo rhythm and moody, melancholic melody set the stage for high-toned vocals that really hit you in the heart.
Masterpieces of medium-tempo Western ballads (61–70)
The Long And Winding RoadThe Beatles

This is a song included on Let It Be, the last album released while The Beatles were still active.
It was released in 1970.
The version widely known to the public is a grand arrangement featuring an orchestra, but originally it was a simple, piano-centered version.
In both versions, the beauty of the melody line can only be described as outstanding.
Bless the beasts&childrenCarpenters

The Carpenters’ “Bless the Beasts and Children” was used as the theme song for the 1971 film of the same title.
Animals and children are vulnerable beings; the song brings to the forefront a message of protecting them.
Its appeal lies in a pure image—like a single ray of light piercing through clouds to the earth—and Karen’s warm, heartfelt vocals.
Johnny BThe Hooters

Included on the 1987 album “One Way Home.” A six-piece rock band formed in 1980.
The tones of strings and blues harp evoke a certain sense of melancholy, and the wistful vocals—riding on a sorrowful, unfolding melody—make this a striking track.





