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.
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Hidden gems of Western ballad songs. Recommended popular tracks (11–20)
SaraStarship
Included on the 1985 album “Knee Deep in the Hoopla.” A six-piece band formed in 1985 by members of Jefferson Airplane.
The mournful sound of the harmonica is striking.
Mickey’s vocals lyrically sing about his breakup with her, and it’s a bit tear-jerking.
Please Don’t Make Me CryUB40
Included on the 1983 album “Labour of Love.” A six-piece reggae band from the UK formed in 1978.
The band’s name was taken from the name of the UK unemployment benefit application form.
With a laid-back rhythm and a melancholic melody in the background, the vocalist’s heartfelt singing about the sorrow of heartbreak is deeply moving.
Heaven In Your EyesLoverboy
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.
Only Love RemainsPaul McCartney
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.
Mandolin RainBruce Hornsby & The Range
Included on the 1986 album The Way It Is.
A five-piece rock band formed in 1984.
Bruce Hornsby’s gently wistful piano tone and the slow, flowing melody fit perfectly with the lyrics about the sorrow of being rejected, and listening to it really hits you in the heart.