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)
DriveThe Cars
The Cars are a four-piece American rock band.
Among their releases, one of their biggest hits is Drive.
It’s a ballad with a memorable synthesizer melody, portraying a man’s feelings as he wonders who’s driving his ex-girlfriend home.
The song has a gentle, wistful mood.
Incidentally, there’s a romantic story tied to it: the music video brought the director and the lead actress together, and they ended up getting married.
Right and a Wrong WayKeith Sweat
A classic overflowing with a silky allure and smooth vocals.
Released in 1987, this Keith Sweat track embodies the essence of R&B.
Its lyrics explore the complexities of love and the delicate balance within relationships, resonating deeply with listeners.
With a message for young lovers, the song teaches that true love is born from mutual understanding and respect.
Keith Sweat’s emotive vocals draw close to the listener’s heart, beautifully expressing universal themes of love.
Listening to this song, you can almost feel the emotions of young people wrestling with romance.
With a melody and lyrics that sink into the soul, it’s a track that lets you fully savor the charm of ’80s ballads.
Against All OddsPhil Collins
Phil Collins, an artist also known as a member of Genesis, is best known for his signature song “Against All Odds.” Released as a single in 1984, it was featured in the film “Against All Odds.” It reached No.
1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and won the Grammy Award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance in 1985.
Its lyrics—addressed to a lover who has gone away—make it a poignant love ballad.
In 2000, it was covered by Mariah Carey and the Irish vocal group Westlife.
Every Rose Has It’s ThornPoison
A signature ballad by Poison, one of the defining rock bands of the 1980s that gained popularity not only in their home country of the United States but also in Japan, armed with flashy looks and catchy melodies.
With an unforgettable tune and lyrics that resonate, it masterfully captures the pain of heartbreak and the complexities of love.
Released in October 1988, the song was included on their second album, “Open Up and Say…
Ahh!,” and became the band’s only number-one hit in the U.S.
It has been highly praised by media outlets such as Guitar World and Rolling Stone and is considered a landmark of ’80s hair-metal ballads.
It’s a recommended track for times when you want to heal the pain of a breakup or look back on memories with someone special.
Endless LoveLionel Richie, Diana Ross
When it comes to classic duets by Lionel Richie and Diana Ross, “Endless Love” stands out.
Released in 1981 as the theme song for the film Endless Love, it was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Original Song.
It spent nine consecutive weeks at No.
1 on the U.S.
charts and became a huge hit worldwide.
True to its title, this romantic love ballad celebrates enduring love and is well-loved in Japan as a wedding staple.
In 1994, it was covered by Luther Vandross and Mariah Carey, reaching No.
2 on the U.S.
charts.