Hidden gems of Western ballad songs. Recommended popular tracks.
I put together a playlist of hidden gems among Western ballads.
It mainly features tracks from albums released in the 1980s, a decade that produced a wealth of dramatic ballads.
For those in their forties and up, it might bring back some memories.
Hidden gem ballads in Western music: recommended popular songs (1–10)
In Your EyesPeter Gabriel
From an intro infused with world music elements, this masterpiece immediately draws you into a grand realm of love.
Created by the innovative British musician Peter Gabriel, the track appears on his acclaimed 1986 album So.
It’s a universal love song that sings of a soul-deep bond—finding salvation, a future, and a place to return within a loved one’s eyes.
With the prayerful vocals of Senegalese singer Youssou N’Dour, the entire piece radiates a sacred aura.
Featured in the iconic 1989 film Say Anything… during the scene where the protagonist holds up a boombox, it became known as a timeless anthem of love.
On a night when you want to feel the presence of someone special anew, why not surrender to this song’s warm yet passionate sound?
Save A PrayerDuran Duran
Included on the 1982 album Rio.
A four-piece band from the UK formed in 1978.
The synthesizer’s tones feel somewhat otherworldly, and as you listen to the melody that matches them, you get the sense of wandering into a mysterious world—such a song.
nothing gonna change my love for youGlenn Mederios
Included on the 1987 album “Glenn Medeiros.” A singer born in 1970 from the state of Hawaii.
A cover of the single released by George Benson in 1985.
Many musicians have covered this song in Japan, but in his version—perhaps because he was only 17 at the time—his youthful vibe really comes to the forefront.
Say you, Say meLionel Richie
Included on the 1986 album “Dancing on the Ceiling.” It’s a song written specifically for the 1985 film “White Nights.” Born in 1949, he’s a singer-songwriter from Alabama and a member of The Commodores.
The key change in the middle is surprising, but he handles this basically slow ballad with effortless skill—impressive as always.
A Groovy Kind Of LovePhil Collins
A single released in 1988.
It’s included on the soundtrack for the film “Buster,” which came out the same year.
Born in 1951, he’s a London-born musician and the drummer of Genesis.
His daughter is the actress Lily Collins.
Hearing him sing over the melancholy melody line makes my chest tighten.
Fast CarTracy Chapman
“Fast Car,” included on American singer-songwriter Tracy Chapman’s debut album Tracy Chapman.
Released in 1988, the song’s poignant acoustic guitar melody and her deep, soulful vocals capture the listener and won’t let go.
It tells the story of a protagonist who dreams of escaping a life of poverty.
They pin their hopes for freedom on a “fast car,” but their partner falls into decline, and the dream slips further away.
The raw lyrics, where hope and despair intersect, are truly moving.
In fact, the song became a worldwide hit after her performance at the Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute concert in June 1988.
When you’re yearning to change your circumstances, listening to it may quietly give you courage through the protagonist’s journey.
Don’t Give UpPeter Gabriel
Included on the 1986 album “So.” It’s a duet number produced with Peter Gabriel inviting the UK-born singer Kate Bush.
The song unfolds with Peter pouring out his pain while Kate encourages him, and the music video is memorable for the two singing while embracing each other.