[Western Music] The World of Power Ballads: A Collection of Must-Listen Gems to Start With

AmandaBoston

Boston Amanda video audio edited & remastered HQ

Boston is a quintessential American progressive and hard rock band, led by guitarist Tom Scholz, who attended MIT.

Their signature song “Amanda” is a power ballad notable for its beautiful acoustic guitar tones.

The song portrays the feelings of a protagonist who has fallen for someone they’ve long been close friends with, and is trying to confess those feelings.

It’s a power ballad that poignantly conveys the protagonist’s inner conflict: they don’t want to ruin the relationship, but they can’t stand leaving things as they are.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Yoimachi Jēn

Report a problem

If We Hold On TogetherDiana Ross

If We Hold On Together

A gentle yet powerful singing voice that resonates deep in the heart—this is a signature ballad by American singer Diana Ross.

The song celebrates universal love and bonds, declaring that with mutual trust, any hardship can be overcome.

Its poetic worldview, reminiscent of a passage from the Bible, portrays an unwavering conviction.

Released in November 1988 as the theme song for the animated film The Land Before Time, it was later included on the acclaimed album The Force Behind the Power.

In Japan, it was featured in the TV drama “Omoi de ni Kawaru Made” and famously held the No.

1 spot on the international chart for 12 consecutive weeks—a fact many of you may already know.

It’s a classic you’ll want to hear when you wish to be reminded 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.

After the Love Has GoneEarth, Wind & Fire

Earth, Wind & Fire – After The Love Has Gone (Live)

A gem of a ballad that sings of sweet, aching love lost.

Known as one of Earth, Wind & Fire’s signature classics, this song’s beautiful melody gently wraps the deep sorrow of a romance that has ended and the lingering attachment that remains, resonating deeply with the heart.

Included on the album I Am, released in June 1979, it won the Grammy the following year for Best R&B Vocal Performance.

Crafted by a trio of songwriters including David Foster, the polished composition became a major hit, reaching No.

2 on the Billboard charts.

As bassist Verdine White has shared, it’s a track born of dedication—recorded seven times in pursuit of perfect performance.

A heartwarming slow ballad, it’s recommended for moments when you want to heal from heartbreak or immerse yourself in memories of someone special.

I Want It That WayBackstreet Boys

Backstreet Boys – I Want It That Way (Official HD Video)

A pop ballad about aching love propelled America’s Backstreet Boys to global stardom.

Released in April 1999, the song reached No.

1 on the charts in more than 25 countries and earned an impressive three Grammy nominations.

While the lyrics are ambiguous, its beautiful melody and the group’s exquisite five-part harmonies are sure to soothe anyone struggling with love.

It was featured in a Samsung Electronics commercial in 2021, and even after more than 20 years, its appeal remains undiminished.

Highly recommended for those dealing with heartbreak or long-distance relationships.

I Don’t Want to Miss a ThingAerosmith

Aerosmith – I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing (Official HD Video)

A heart-stirring masterpiece of a rock ballad by Aerosmith.

This song, which expresses a powerful desire not to miss a single moment with a loved one, conveys deep affection and passion.

Released in July 1998 as the theme song for the film Armageddon, it became Aerosmith’s first No.

1 in the United States, achieving the remarkable feat of holding the top spot for four consecutive weeks.

Played during the film’s climax, the song also portrays the bond between father and daughter and the spirit of self-sacrifice, giving it meaning beyond a simple love song.

It’s a highly recommended track not only for couples, but for anyone who wants to feel the bonds with someone important.

I Will Always Love YouWhitney Houston

Whitney Houston – I Will Always Love You (Official 4K Video)

Whitney Houston, who captivated the world with her overwhelming vocal prowess.

This work, sung by the American-born artist, is a grand ballad that vows eternal love.

It portrays a self-sacrificial love that chooses separation for the other person’s happiness—a universal theme that resonates with many.

Released in November 1992, the song was used as the theme for the film The Bodyguard and became a massive hit.

It won the Grammy Award for Record of the Year and spent 14 consecutive weeks at No.

1 on the U.S.

Billboard Hot 100 chart.

If you want to feel profound love and the bittersweetness of parting, give it a listen.