All masterpieces! Western pop ballads that were hits in the ’90s
The 1990s were a pivotal period in music history, with genres becoming more specialized and styles like alternative rock, R&B, and hip-hop steadily entering the charts.
At the same time, the decade produced many timeless ballads that continue to move people across generations, clearly showing just how musically rich the ’90s were.
In this article, we’ll carefully select and introduce some of the most iconic ballad hits from Western music that topped the charts in the ’90s!
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All-time classics! Western ballad songs that were hits in the ’90s (11–20)
EVERYTHING’S GONNA BE ALRIGHTSweetbox
This track samples the classic masterpiece that everyone knows, “Air on the G String,” and it became a huge hit around the world.
The group that released the song, Sweetbox, is a German music act consisting of three members: an executive producer, a sound producer, and a vocalist who changes from time to time.
The vocalist for this song was Tina Harris, and the combination of rap-style rhythmic lyrics with the smooth classical melody is really enjoyable.
I Want It That WayBackstreet Boys
A song that put the five-member American idol group Backstreet Boys on the world map.
The album Millennium, which includes this track, became their first to reach No.
1 on the U.S.
album chart and was a massive hit in Japan, even becoming a social phenomenon.
This song lets you fully savor the group’s appeal—their vocal ability that allows each of the five members to take lead—delivering a catchy melody with beautiful harmonies.
It is one of the group’s signature songs and an essential, exquisite ballad when discussing Western pop music of the 1990s.
Candle in the windElton John
This is the song that Elton John originally included on his 1973 album Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, dedicated to Marilyn Monroe.
In 1997, it was rewritten by Bernie Taupin, and Elton John performed it at the funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales; it was later released as a memorial record.
For two women—Marilyn and Princess Diana—who led different lives yet shared a similar sense of loneliness, Elton’s piano resonates gently and powerfully.
Kiss Of LifeSade
Sade, who has created numerous wonderful classics through lean song arrangements centered on Sade Adu’s mysterious and alluring smoky alto voice, remains a rare artist whose every release—though few—has become a global hit.
The song I’m introducing today, “Kiss of Life,” appears on the 1992 album Love Deluxe and was released as a single the following year.
Despite its simple structure built on just two chord progression patterns, it becomes a beautiful piece through melodic variation and a skillful band ensemble.
And although it’s a ballad, it has none of the damp, moody atmosphere—rather, it boasts a refined flavor that also connects to smooth jazz, which is remarkable.
BreatheFaith Hill
Faith Hill, an American singer who began her career as a country artist and later achieved great success in the pop music world, is not only an exceptional vocal talent but also known for her gorgeous blonde hair and striking beauty.
Released in 1999, this song is the title track of the blockbuster album Breathe—a signature ballad that cemented her career as a pop singer beyond the bounds of country music.
While retaining a country flavor, the melody soars over a more polished sound, and it’s simply outstanding—an iconic track that showcases Hill’s vocal power and expressive artistry to breathtaking effect.