Piano ballads of Western music—from timeless hits to the latest songs
The tones born from the piano—a percussion instrument and a string instrument—overflow with a charm that captivates the hearts of us Japanese and won’t let go.
When we think of popular music where the piano takes center stage—playing a bubbly melody when we’re happy and a tune that gently accompanies our hearts when we’re feeling down—it has to be ballads.
In this article, we bring together timeless masterpieces of piano-centered Western ballads, spanning from classic favorites to the latest hits, resonating across generations.
Enjoy a richly varied selection that transcends genres—not only classic piano-and-voice ballads, but also rock ballads, jazz, pop, and more.
Piano Ballads of Western Music: From Classic Hits to the Latest Songs (1–10)
Stay With MeSam Smith
“Stay With Me” is a song by British singer-songwriter Sam Smith and a celebrated masterpiece that won four Grammy Awards.
It reached No.
2 on the U.
S.
charts and No.
1 in the U.
K.
, becoming one of his signature tracks.
The piano’s powerful yet slightly muffled tone perfectly suits the heartbreak sung about in “Stay With Me.” Its restrained, no-frills approach complements the drum groove and further elevates the song’s presence.
Be sure to pay attention to the piano when you listen!
Piano ManBilly Joel
Billy Joel’s “Piano Man” is his first hit song, released in 1973.
It’s based on Joel’s own experiences, and it’s said that the people who appear in the lyrics are modeled on real individuals.
The intro, which begins with a jazzy, rolling piano phrase, is very stylish.
In the instrumental break, you can also hear Joel’s piano solo, which carries a slightly bluesy feel.
“Piano Man” is a track that lets you fully enjoy Joel’s piano, so be sure to give it a listen!
HeroMariah Carey
Mariah Carey’s signature song “Hero” is a sweeping piano ballad.
Released as a single from her 1993 album “Music Box,” it became a worldwide hit, reaching the top 10 on charts in many countries.
The piano’s beautiful tone shines, and the moment the intro begins, you can’t help but be drawn in.
When Mariah starts singing, her technical vocals are supported by a restrained accompaniment.
It’s a quintessential piano ballad—an absolute must-listen!
Goodbye My LoverJames Blunt
James Blunt’s “Goodbye My Lover” is a track from his debut album, Back to Bedlam, released in 2004.
It was released as a single in 2005 and reached No.
9 on the UK Singles Chart.
The piano for “Goodbye My Lover” was reportedly recorded with a piano set up in a bathroom, giving it a distinctive tone and natural reverb.
James has said that “everyone sings in the shower and apparently plays the piano in the bathroom,” so give it a listen—you can really feel it! It’s a rare and fascinating sound.
When I Was Your ManBruno Mars
“When I Was Your Man” is a song by Bruno Mars released in 2013, issued as a single from his second album, “Unorthodox Jukebox,” which came out in 2012.
The track is a piano ballad about a man who still has feelings for his ex, and it was recorded with Bruno performing in a stripped-down, voice-and-piano style.
The forceful, singer-songwriter touch of the piano playing seems to express the depth of his lingering feelings.
It’s one of the most popular songs among Bruno’s fans, so definitely give it a listen!
Because Of YouKelly Clarkson
“Because of You” is a 2005 song by Kelly Clarkson, who debuted from the popular American audition show American Idol.
The song, which expresses the pain she felt over her deteriorated relationship with her father, became a major hit, ranking high on charts around the world.
The grand piano is played to its fullest, producing a rich and powerful tone.
As a classic piano ballad, it’s a highly recommended track for anyone who hasn’t heard it yet!
HelloAdele
“Hello” is a single by British singer Adele, released in 2015.
It dominated the charts at number one in countries around the world and became a massive hit, selling 12.
3 million copies globally.
The piano in “Hello” stays in a low register throughout, creating a weighty feel that matches the lyrics expressing the sorrow of “wanting to apologize to the person I hurt, but they won’t even pick up the phone.” Don’t you think the piano’s tone perfectly complements Adele’s powerful vocals?