Nothing but classics! A nostalgic collection of ’80s Western ballads
Speaking of Western music from the ’80s, it was the heyday of MTV, with countless flashy music videos airing on TV.
There were innumerable global hits that we enjoyed with the same familiarity as domestic hit songs in Japan.
For those who spent their youth in the ’80s, chances are that a beloved classic from Western music is playing somewhere in the pages of your memories.
In this article, we’ve gathered masterpieces that focus specifically on “ballads” from ’80s Western music.
The ’80s catalog is far too deep to cover exhaustively, but please enjoy a wide range of ballad classics—from straightforward ballads to medium-tempo ballads and power ballads by rock bands.
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All timeless hits! A collection of nostalgic ’80s Western ballads (21–30)
TrueSpandau Ballet
The British rock band Spandau Ballet, whose 2022 Japan tour also made waves, is best known for their 1983 release “True.” It’s a ballad written by band member Gary Kemp with a particular woman in mind, which is why it so vividly captures a man’s genuine feelings of love.
The song is highly regarded by music fans, so give it a listen first.
And since Spandau Ballet has many other great tracks, be sure to check them out if you like this one.
Sweet LoveAnita Baker
Among ballads, some people especially like R&B.
In that case, I’d like to recommend Sweet Love.
It’s a love song in which Anita Baker sings about her feelings for her partner.
It even won the Grammy Award for Best R&B Song in 1987! The rhythmic melodies characteristic of R&B and her soaring high notes are perfectly matched.
It’s a great choice when you want to create a romantic atmosphere or simply relax.
Crazy for YouMadonna
Madonna’s “Crazy for You” is a song written specifically for the 1985 American film Vision Quest.
Released as a single the same year, it reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100.
Unlike the upbeat dance-pop image strongly associated with Madonna, this is a gentle, soothing ballad that completely changes that perception, with romantic lyrics depicting a mature relationship between two adults.
You’re The InspirationCHICAGO
“You’re the Inspiration” was released in 1984, yet it’s still loved by many people today.
It’s often used as a wedding song, so chances are you’ve heard it before.
The band behind it is the rock group Chicago.
Their gentle vocals and melody are sure to soothe you.
The lyrics are also very romantic, so I hope you’ll pay attention to them as you listen.
I Just Called to Say I Love YouStevie Wonder
Released as the theme song for the film The Woman in Red, Stevie Wonder’s I Just Called to Say I Love You was originally a song he had offered to the Japanese folk duo Bread & Butter, but Stevie released it first in 1984 for the movie.
It reached number one on three Billboard charts in the United States and also topped the UK Singles Chart.
It’s a poppy, charming ballad that straightforwardly expresses love for the other person.
I Remember YouSkid Row
Some of you might want to listen to a power ballad to lift your spirits.
If that’s you, “I Remember You” is a perfect fit.
It’s sung by the heavy metal band Skid Row.
While Skid Row is strongly associated with rough, hard-edged songs, in “I Remember You” they sing about the bittersweet feelings of a woman after a breakup.
That said, it still retains the powerful elements of heavy metal, and you’ll feel refreshed after listening.
Total Eclipse of the HeartBonnie Tyler
Welsh singer Bonnie Tyler’s biggest hit is “Total Eclipse of the Heart.” Released as a single in 1983, it reached No.
1 on both the U.S.
and U.K.
charts and was nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.
It’s a ballad that uses a total solar eclipse to express a shadow over the heart, showcasing Bonnie’s powerful vocals.
In 2017, when a total solar eclipse was visible in the United States, the song reached No.
1 on the overall U.S.
iTunes Songs chart.