Ballad Songs by Male Western Artists: Popular Song Rankings [2026]

On Bended KneeBoyz II Men46rank/position

Boyz II Men – On Bended Knee

“On Bended Knee” is a song released in 1994 by the American R&B group Boyz II Men.

The song expresses the feelings of a man who longs to reconcile with his lover.

After their breakup, he reflects on his actions and, as the title suggests, pleads on bended knee for her to come back—an earnest and heartfelt portrayal.

What beautifully elevates this straightforward emotion is the vocal harmony.

Boyz II Men were especially renowned for their exquisite choral work.

Pay special attention to the chorus, where the harmonies are at their most beautiful.

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Yoimachi Jēn

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Water Runs DryBoyz II Men47rank/position

Boyz II Men – Water Runs Dry

Boyz II Men, a group that has gained worldwide popularity with their overwhelming choral performances.

Even those not well-versed in R&B are likely familiar with them.

They produced numerous classic songs from the 1980s through the 1990s, and among them, the ballad that especially suits the sea is “Water Runs Dry.” As you can see from the music video, it’s a work inspired by the ocean, crafted into a unique kind of R&B that blends a refreshing feel with a sense of depth.

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Ryo

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No Matter WhatBoyzone48rank/position

Boyzone – No Matter What

Originally written by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Jim Steinman for the 1996 musical “Whistle Down the Wind.” It was covered by the Irish boy band Boyzone and became the biggest hit single of 1998 in the UK.

JACKIE BROWNBrent Faiyaz49rank/position

Brent Faiyaz – JACKIE BROWN [Official Video]

With a soul-stirring voice and lyrics rich with insight, Brent Faiyaz breathes fresh air into the R&B scene.

Featured on his second album, Wasteland, released in July 2022, this track is a gem of a ballad that portrays a heart wavering between love and success.

By contrasting his current partner with a past lover, he compellingly questions his own lifestyle and choices.

Inspired by the film Jackie Brown, the song vividly showcases the depth of Faiyaz’s musicality.

It’s the perfect listen for nights when you want to surrender yourself to a voice that resonates with the heart.

My HometownBruce Springsteen50rank/position

Bruce Springsteen – My Hometown (Official Video)

Included on the 1984 album “Born in the U.S.A.” Born in 1949, a singer-songwriter from New Jersey.

Against a calm, gentle melody, he sings in a husky voice—almost as if speaking—about his hometown intertwined with his own upbringing, and his vocals put us in a nostalgic mood.