Piano ballads of Western music—from timeless hits to the latest songs

HappyLeona Lewis

Leona Lewis – Happy

“Happy,” sung by Leona Lewis, who debuted from the UK talent show The X Factor, is a song about a woman seeking happiness.

Released in 2009, it reached No.

2 on the UK Singles Chart and was a hit in other European countries as well.

Compared to the powerful performance that brings the chorus’s rhythm to the forefront, the first verse features a gentle, piano-centered arrangement.

The pre-chorus showcases beautifully arpeggiated piano.

It’s a track where you can enjoy a variety of piano tones across each section!

AngelsRobbie Williams

Robbie Williams – Angels

The single released in 1997 by Robbie Williams, who had been active as a member of Take That, is “Angels.” It reached number 4 on the UK Singles Chart and became a worldwide hit.

The piano is played by British singer-songwriter Guy Chambers, whose simple, resonant low-register accompaniment supports Williams.

“Angels” has also been covered by various artists, so be sure to give it a listen!

All of MeJohn Legend

John Legend – All of Me (Official Video)

John Legend’s “All of Me” is his biggest hit, released in 2013.

Its popularity grew steadily after its release, and in 2014 it reached No.

1 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Performed as a piano-and-vocal piece, the understated accompaniment highlights his voice.

In the chorus, the piano traces the melody, adding a more emotional expression.

It stands alongside Pharrell Williams’s “Happy” as one of the defining songs of 2014 and a quintessential piano ballad!

Let It BeThe Beatles

Let It Be (Remastered 2009)

When it comes to iconic piano ballads that almost everyone knows, The Beatles’ “Let It Be” surely comes to mind.

It’s also famous as a practice piece for piano accompaniment.

The recording of the song is said to have focused on Paul McCartney’s piano-and-vocal performance.

The piano phrase that appears every four measures is very striking and sticks in your ear.

It’s perfect for practicing accompaniment through chord playing, so if you want to work on singing with piano or accompaniment, definitely give it a try!

Now You’re Not HereSwing Out Sister

Swing Out Sister – Now You’re Not Here

“Now You’re Not Here” is a song by the British group Swing Out Sister, written specifically as the theme for the drama “Mahiru no Tsuki” starring Yuji Oda and Takako Tokiwa.

Released only in Japan, the single sold 300,000 copies and won the Grand Prix Single Award in the Western Music category at the 11th Japan Gold Disc Awards.

The piano melody in the intro, with its heavy reverb, creates a wonderfully dreamlike atmosphere.

November RainGuns N’ Roses

Guns N’ Roses – November Rain

“November Rain” is a song by Guns N’ Roses, one of America’s most iconic rock bands.

Released in 1992 as a single from their third album, Use Your Illusion I, it became a massive hit, selling over one million copies worldwide.

It’s performed with lead vocalist Axl Rose singing and playing the piano, featuring a signature rock-ballad piano tone that’s bright and cutting.

It’s a classic rock ballad—be sure to give it a listen!

Momma SongBenson Boone

Benson Boone – Momma Song (Official Music Video)

Benson Boone, a young American talent who drew attention through his American Idol appearance and growing popularity on social media, is the focus here.

The work introduced here is a moving ballad he released in May 2025, singing of his boundless love and gratitude for his mother.

As you listen, the bittersweet feelings of thinking about the mother waiting in a distant hometown—and the warmth of the love he received from her—seem to melt into your heart along the beautiful piano melody.

The gentle piano tones intertwine with his delicate vocals, quietly touching the listener’s heartstrings.

This touching track is also included on his second album, American Heart, slated for release in June 2025.

It’s a song that will be there for you when you want to express gratitude to your family.