[2026] Popular Ballad Songs in the United States: From the Latest Hits to Timeless Classics

All of MeNEW!John Legend

John Legend – All of Me (Official Video)

John Legend’s iconic song “All of Me,” with its beautiful piano melody that resonates in the heart.

Included on the 2013 album “Love in the Future,” the song was dedicated to his then-fiancée and now wife, Chrissy Teigen.

Despite its very simple arrangement of just piano and vocals, it has a powerful ability to move listeners.

Its profound message—loving someone by accepting even their imperfections—makes it a true gem of a love song.

In 2014, it topped the U.S.

charts and became a worldwide hit.

It’s an eternal classic you’ll want to listen to when you want to reaffirm your feelings for someone you love, or during special moments like a wedding.

Endless LoveNEW!Lionel Richie, Diana Ross

Lionel Richie & Diana Ross Endless Love 1982 (Audio Remastered)

Introducing a classic ballad, celebrated as a pinnacle of duet songs, born from the dream collaboration of two big stars who sustained Motown’s golden era.

Dramatically expressing their mutual “eternal love,” this piece was produced as the theme song for the 1981 film Endless Love.

It dominated the U.S.

charts at No.

1 for nine consecutive weeks and even earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song, achieving worldwide success that transcended the realm of film music.

The supreme harmony woven by Lionel Richie’s embracing vocals and Diana Ross’s sultry voice is sure to make you want to pledge your love when you listen to it with your partner at a wedding or on a special anniversary.

I Will Always Love YouNEW!Whitney Houston

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

A masterpiece ballad that moved the world as the theme song for the 1992 film The Bodyguard.

Whitney Houston’s overwhelming vocal prowess powerfully stirs the listener’s heart.

The song portrays a poignant yet profound love—stepping back so as not to stand in the way of the one you love.

Even apart, the wish for the other’s happiness resounds through her powerful voice.

In fact, it’s a cover of Dolly Parton’s country song, included on The Bodyguard album, and it set a record by topping the U.S.

singles chart for 14 consecutive weeks.

Immerse yourself in it when you’ve experienced a farewell with someone dear or on a night when you want a voice that truly touches the heart.

Just the Way You AreNEW!Billy Joel

Billy Joel – Just the Way You Are (Official Audio)

Just the sweet tone of the Fender Rhodes in the intro is enough to make your heart melt.

Billy Joel, the singer-songwriter who represents New York.

This signature ballad from his career is included on his album The Stranger, released in November 1977.

The song, which won two awards at the 21st Grammy Awards including Song of the Year, is also famous for having been written as a gift to his then-wife.

Its universal message of loving someone just as they are never fades with time.

The saxophone played by Phil Woods in the interlude is exquisite, further enhancing the song’s romantic atmosphere.

Give it a listen when you want to convey unadorned love to someone special.

When I Was Your ManNEW!Bruno Mars

Bruno Mars – When I Was Your Man (Official Music Video)

It’s an achingly sorrowful story woven with nothing but piano melody and vocals.

Bruno Mars, a global hitmaker and entertainer known for his singing and dancing, strips away all flashy production here and relies solely on his vocal power in this standout ballad.

Included on his 2012 album “Unorthodox Jukebox,” it topped the U.S.

charts in 2013.

The lyrics, in which he lays bare specific regrets—like how he should have brought her flowers—deeply move listeners.

In this work, he reveals a disarmingly vulnerable side that contrasts with his glamorous image.

Why not listen to it alone on a quiet night, reflecting on past love? It’s sure to gently comfort the pain of heartbreak.

Time After TimeNEW!Cyndi Lauper

Cyndi Lauper – Time After Time (Official HD Video)

With her distinctive fashion and powerful vocals, Cyndi Lauper continues to captivate fans around the world.

Featured on her 1983 masterpiece She’s So Unusual and reaching No.

1 on the U.S.

charts for two consecutive weeks in June 1984, this song is truly worthy of being called an eternal standard.

Co-written with Rob Hyman, this beautiful ballad gently resonates with listeners through its poignant lyrics about continuing to care deeply for someone despite missing each other.

It’s also known for being covered by jazz legend Miles Davis, a testament to the song’s craftsmanship and its high acclaim across genres.

Why not immerse yourself in it on a quiet night when you’re thinking of someone dear, or during a soothing, soul-cleansing moment?

Purple RainNEW!Prince

Prince – Purple Rain (Official Video)

Prince was an artist who moved freely across genres and crafted a one-of-a-kind sound.

Although he passed away in 2016, his musical legacy is immeasurable.

The song he released as a single in September 1984—also the theme of the film Purple Rain—is a famous ballad that moved listeners around the world to tears.

Its appeal lies in its grand, powerful melding of rock and gospel, and it was created using a highly unusual method: based on a live recording from August 1983.

Despite running over eight minutes, it reached No.

2 on the U.S.

charts and achieved major commercial success.

It’s a track of overwhelming power, perfect for those moments when you want to release the emotions deep within your heart.

Be sure to check it out.