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Ballad Songs by Male Western Artists: Popular Song Rankings [2026]
I’ve compiled a ranking of popular ballads sung by male Western artists.
Ballads by male Western artists include many songs considered masterpieces, and quite a few have even sparked movements.
Chances are, there are many tunes here that everyone knows or has heard before.
Be sure to check them out.
Top 10 Ballad Songs by Male Western Artists – Popular Rankings [2026] (1–10)
See You Again ft. Charlie PuthWiz Khalifa1rank/position
Wiz Khalifa, an American rapper and singer.
His song See You Again ft.
Charlie Puth—featuring Charlie Puth, who’s known for hits like We Don’t Talk Anymore (featuring Selena Gomez)—is a supreme ballad that really stirs the heart.
The lyrics are wonderful too; the intro line, “It’s been a long day without you, my friend… and I’ll tell you all about it when I see you again,” is so heartrending it might just bring you to tears!
Open ArmsJourney2rank/position
Journey, the legendary band that defined an era in the ’80s.
They’ve produced many timeless songs, but among them, “Open Arms” stands out as a bittersweet yet heartwarming ballad that has earned widespread acclaim.
Steve Perry’s crystalline vocals and the song’s warm melody have touched countless listeners, winning enduring love not only in the United States but also in Japan.
Since its 1982 release, it has garnered glowing praise, even taking the top spot on VH1’s “25 Greatest Power Ballads,” a testament to its undeniable quality.
If you’re looking to dive into rock ballads, be sure to give it a listen.
Versace on the FloorBruno Mars3rank/position
The shimmering, sparkling tones of the synthesizer paint a world for two people in love.
Bruno Mars’s sweet yet bittersweet vocals create a romantic atmosphere.
This work beautifully fuses a ’90s slow jam vibe with ’80s sounds.
Included on the 2016 album “24K Magic,” it was released as a single the following year.
It received high praise, including a Grammy Award.
A song you’ll want to play on a special night with someone important.
Recommended for those who want to spend an elegant, refined time.
Viva La VidaColdplay4rank/position
This is a song by the British rock band Coldplay, whose grand strings portray the sorrow of a king who has lost his power, striking straight at the heart.
Released in May 2008 from the album “Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends,” many will remember it for winning Song of the Year at the 51st Grammy Awards.
You may also have heard it in Apple’s iPod commercials.
Among fans, it enjoys overwhelming popularity as “majestic yet bittersweet,” and “like an anthem for life.” The protagonist’s emptiness—“I once ruled the world, and now I sleep alone”—echoes the hollow feeling that can follow great success.
Reflecting on the fragility of life revealed only after reaching the top makes you want to cherish the happiness you have now.
When I Was Your ManBruno Mars5rank/position
A poignant piano ballad that sings of heartbreak and regret.
Written from the perspective of a man who has lost his lover by American artist Bruno Mars, the song captures the complex emotions of regretting past mistakes while still wishing happiness for the other person.
Released in January 2013, it appears on the album “Unorthodox Jukebox” and became a worldwide hit, reaching No.
1 on the U.S.
Billboard charts.
With its simple piano accompaniment and powerful vocals, it’s recommended for those seeking to heal the pain of a broken heart or to reaffirm their feelings for someone special.