Hidden gems of Western ballad songs. Recommended popular tracks.

Only Love RemainsPaul McCartney

Only Love Remains (1993 Digital Remaster)

Included on the 1986 album “Press to Play.” Born in 1942, he is a singer-songwriter from Liverpool, the former bassist of the Beatles, and a hitmaker who, together with John Lennon, led the band musically.

It’s a song expressing love for his wife, and I think the melody suits the title “Only Love Remains” very well.

Sweet SixteenBilly Idol

Billy Idol – Sweet Sixteen

Included on the 1986 album Whiplash Smile.

Born in 1955.

A musician from the United Kingdom and the vocalist of Generation X.

His nihilistic vocals, which seem to match the mournful, low, dry drums and weeping guitar sound, feel hollow and almost empty out your heart.

Bed of RosesBon Jovi

Bon Jovi – Bed Of Roses (Official Music Video)

This is a power ballad by Bon Jovi, an American rock band that evolved their sound from 1980s glam metal to a more mature hard rock style.

Released as a single in January 1993 from the acclaimed 1992 album Keep the Faith, it reached No.

10 on the U.S.

charts.

It opens with a gentle piano melody, and Jon Bon Jovi’s emotionally rich high tenor resonates achingly in the heart.

The song expresses steadfast, selfless love: a vow to shoulder any pain to bring the utmost comfort to a beloved.

A long, passionate guitar solo is another highlight, sweeping you into the song’s dramatic world.

It’s a gem best savored on a quiet night when you’re thinking of someone dear.

OneU2

U2 – One (Official Music Video)

U2 is a rock band from Ireland that has never undergone a lineup change since their debut and holds the astonishing record of 22 Grammy Awards.

This work is a single cut from their 1991 masterpiece Achtung Baby, a soul-stirring ballad that became the catalyst for the band to overcome a crisis of breaking up.

Rather than simply singing “let’s become one,” its lyrics portray both the difficulty and the preciousness of acknowledging each other’s differences, resonating deeply with listeners.

The universality of its message is evident from the huge success of the 2006 collaboration version with Mary J.

Blige.

It’s a song that quietly stays by your side when you’re struggling with relationships or reflecting on the bonds you share with someone important.

It was also featured in the film The Family Man.

Heaven In Your EyesLoverboy

Heaven In Your Eyes – Loverboy Video

Included on the 1986 album Top Gun soundtrack.

A five-piece rock band from Canada formed in 1979.

Starting with a gentle, soothing piano tone, it shifts into a slow ballad with a strong rock presence.

The vocalist’s powerful high register is also excellent.

So In LoveOrchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark

Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark – So In Love

Included on the 1985 album “Crush.” A four-piece band from Liverpool formed in 1975.

The melodic, synth-driven electropop sound merges with the simple yet powerful drum and bass rhythms—seemingly at odds—to create a beautiful track.

No One Is To BlameHoward Jones

Howard Jones – No One Is To Blame

Included on the 1985 album Dream into Action.

Born in 1955, a singer-songwriter from the UK.

Produced by Phil Collins, this song is characterized by a music-box-like timbre, and its fable-like lyrics, matching that sound, seem to lead listeners into another world.