RAG MusicBallad
Lovely ballad

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 gems of Western ballads. Recommended popular songs (21–30)

FluxEllie Goulding

Ellie Goulding – Flux (Official Video)
FluxEllie Goulding

A gem of a ballad that delicately captures the pain of heartbreak and lingering attachment.

Ellie Goulding’s clear, translucent vocals beautifully portray the feeling of being trapped by a past love.

The simple, piano-centered arrangement enhances the emotion conveyed by the lyrics.

Released in March 2019, the track is included on the album Brightest Blue.

Its black-and-white music video also superbly reflects the song’s world.

This is a must-listen for anyone who has experienced heartbreak or carries unspoken feelings in their heart.

HumanHuman League

Included on the 1986 album “Crash.” A three-piece group from the UK formed in 1977.

At a time when their popularity was waning, this song—produced by the hit-making duo Jam & Lewis—was released and reached No.

1 in the U.S., restoring their popularity.

Cast No ShadowOasis

Oasis – Cast No Shadow (Official Lyric Video)
Cast No ShadowOasis

Included on the 1995 album “(What’s the Story) Morning Glory?”.

A five-piece rock band from Manchester formed in 1991.

The brothers Liam and Noel are known as die-hard Manchester City supporters, and they were once thrown out of a stadium for causing a disturbance during a match.

It’s a song where the world-weary vocals delivering life-lesson-like lyrics somehow linger in the heart.

Under The BridgeRed Hot Chili Peppers

Red Hot Chili Peppers – Under The Bridge [Video]
Under The BridgeRed Hot Chili Peppers

Included on the 1991 album Blood Sugar Sex Magik.

A four-piece band from Los Angeles formed in 1983.

The drums keep a steady beat, the guitar plays quiet riffs, the bass is heavy and oppressive, and the vocals sing as if speaking to you.

The desolate atmosphere feels almost crushing.

The last line of the lyrics was shocking and left a huge impact.

Saving All My Love For YouWhitney Houston

Whitney Houston – Saving All My Love For You (Official HD Video)
Saving All My Love For YouWhitney Houston

Included on the 1985 album “Whitney Houston.” Born in 1963, she was a singer and actress from New Jersey.

Set to a smooth, mellow, and moody adult melody, the song portrays a woman consumed by an affair with a married man.

No matter when you listen, her singing is truly outstanding.