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 Hits! A Nostalgic Collection of 80s Western Ballads (31–40)
Eternal flameThe Bangles
A classic ballad that represents the ’80s and became a massive hit around the world, including in Japan—that’s “Eternal Flame.” In Japan, it’s also known by the Japanese title “Mune Ippai no Ai” (“A Heart Full of Love”).
The song was created by the rock band The Bangles, with vocalist Susanna Hoffs singing about eternal love in a voice that’s both powerful and beautiful.
Although it’s a ballad, the lyrics are filled with happiness, so listening to it can really lift your spirits.
By the way, many famous artists have covered this song—Tomoya Nagase has performed it as well.
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.
Sister ChristianNight Ranger
A classic 80s ballad that soaks into the heart with a sense of nostalgia.
Drummer Kelly Keagy wove the lyrics with thoughts of his own sister, portraying a young person’s journey of growth and self-discovery.
Released by Night Ranger in 1983, the song appears on the album Midnight Madness and became a major hit, reaching No.
1 in Canada and No.
5 on the U.S.
Billboard Hot 100.
It also gained wide support through inclusion on film soundtracks.
It’s a track that makes you feel the love for someone special—perfect to listen to alongside memories of your youth.
Can We Spend Some TimeSURFACE
An R&B ballad that seeps into the heart with a touch of bittersweet longing.
Set to a soothing melody, it expresses the desire to spend intimate time alone with a loved one.
As one of Surface’s signature works, this song—featured on their 1988 album “2nd Wave”—became a major hit, reaching No.
5 on the R&B chart.
It’s a track packed with the charm of late-’80s R&B, sure to gently embrace anyone troubled by love.
Give it a listen when you want to feel the preciousness of the moments you share with someone special.
The FlameCheap Trick
As one of the iconic ballads of the ’80s, the song Cheap Trick released in 1988 is a gem that poignantly portrays lost love.
Robin Zander’s husky vocals brilliantly capture the feeling of late-night loneliness and the pain of heartbreak.
Featured on the album Lap of Luxury, the track reached No.
1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
It also topped the charts in Canada and Australia, winning hearts around the world.
Released during a period when the band’s future was in doubt, it became a monumental track that signaled Cheap Trick’s comeback.
It’s highly recommended for anyone dealing with heartbreak or wanting to reaffirm their feelings for someone special.