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Lovely ballad

[2026] Western ballad songs that suit the sea

Suddenly, but when you go to the beach to have fun, what kind of music do you listen to? Songs that suit the sea vary depending on your taste—up-tempo party tracks, pop, rock, reggae, and more.

This time, under the theme of “English-language ballads that fit the seaside,” we’re introducing classic ballads from across eras and genres.

We’ve cast a wide net, including songs themed around summer and the ocean, as well as ballads by surf-associated musicians who have deep ties to the sea.

Be sure to use this as a reference for your playlist!

[2026] Ballad Songs in Western Music That Suit the Sea (21–30)

The Last TimeEric Benét

Even when we say a ballad that suits the sea, the songs that fit can vary greatly depending on the seascape and the weather you imagine.

“The Last Time” is a perfect piece for the quiet sea late at night.

It’s sung by Eric Benét, an R&B singer from the United States.

He’s known for his falsetto, but his chest voice is also outstanding, and in this song you can savor his rich tone right from the first verse.

Be sure to check it out.

Hotel CaliforniaThe Eagles

Eagles – Hotel California (Official Audio)
Hotel CaliforniaThe Eagles

A perfect song for an ocean sunset is the Eagles’ classic “Hotel California.” The Eagles are a band that represents West Coast rock, based on the American West Coast, including California.

When you think of California, you picture the ocean and beaches, right? This song was the lead track on the album of the same name released in 1976, and both the single and the album reached number one on the charts.

With its poignant, wistful atmosphere, it sets the mood beautifully—so it might be nice to listen to it while gazing at the sea in the evening.

SailingChristopher Cross

Christopher Cross – Sailing (Official Audio)
SailingChristopher Cross

Singer-songwriter Christopher Cross from Texas is known as a leading artist in adult-oriented rock.

Released in 1980, his song “Sailing” achieved commercial success, including reaching No.

1 on the Billboard Hot 100.

It’s said to be one of the songs that led to his Grammy wins.

The beautiful, sea-themed lyrics are also a major draw, so be sure to check out the Japanese translation as well!

SonreirásIl Volo

Il Volo – Sonreirás (Official Video)
SonreirásIl Volo

Under the concept of a new Three Tenors, the vocal group Il Volo was formed.

While they are not strictly operatic tenors, they revitalized canzone, a genre whose popularity had been fading.

Around 2018, they stopped focusing on opera and began releasing songs that reflect their own musical identity.

Their song “Sonreirás” portrays the feelings of a man who has lost love due to a long-distance relationship.

The music video constantly shows a bright, open sea, but combined with the mood of the song, it comes across as an achingly bittersweet landscape.

It’s a track that reveals the power of musical direction.

Better TogetherJack Johnson

Jack Johnson is a singer-songwriter from Hawaii.

As both a singer and a surfer, his music is characterized by a relaxed sound centered around acoustic guitar.

Known as a leading figure in the surf music scene, his song “Better Together,” included on the 2005 album In Between Dreams, is also a very relaxing piece.

California GirlsDavid Lee Roth

David Lee Roth – California Girls
California GirlsDavid Lee Roth

After leaving Van Halen to pursue a solo career, former lead vocalist David Lee Roth released the single “California Girls” under his own name in 1985.

The original version of the song was a 1965 hit by the Beach Boys.

Dave’s version is unabashedly carefree from start to finish, brimming with a “Summer! Beach! Girls in bikinis!” vibe.

OceanLady Antebellum

A song by the American country music group Lady A that likens a lover to a vast ocean, expressing the desire to swim within it and stay together forever.

It opens with a beautiful piano melody, followed by Hillary Scott’s lovely vocals.

Throughout the track, the echo effect conjures vivid images of swimming in a majestic sea.

The melody resonates deep in the chest, and the harmony woven by the male chorus that enters partway through and Scott’s voice is moving, evoking a tender, aching feeling of love for one’s partner.