[Latest Hits & Hall of Fame Classics] Recommended Popular Western Ballads
Grand worldbuilding, the beautiful timbre of instruments, and emotionally rich vocals…
When it comes to ballads, they’re the kind of songs that make us seek deeper emotional impact than usual, aren’t they?
In particular, Western ballads have a sweeping, larger-than-life mood that makes you want to revisit them from time to time.
How about you?
From the latest hits to hall-of-fame classics, we’ve carefully curated and listed the very best!
From sad themes and heartbreaking love songs to prayers for peace—and even some surprisingly groovy numbers—there’s a dazzling array of ballads here.
Enjoy!
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[Latest Hits and Hall of Fame Classics] Recommended Popular Western Ballads (41–50)
Don’t Know WhyNorah Jones
When it comes to Norah Jones, many people probably think of this song.
“Don’t Know Why” is a breakup song that conveys the feeling of “I don’t know why.” The mood is somewhat ennui; the melody isn’t especially dynamic, but that actually enhances the song.
It was released in 2002, yet it remains a classic that continues to be covered by many artists.
OneU2
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.
Take My Breath AwayBerlin
It’s a song released in 1986 by the California band Berlin.
It was featured in the Tom Cruise–starring film Top Gun and became a massive hit.
Its Japanese title is “Love Is Like a Breath,” and in Japan it was used in a Honda commercial.
The RoseBette Midler
The theme song of the American film “The Rose” (released in November 1979), in which she starred.
With its strikingly simple piano backing at the beginning, this song is a didactic ballad about what love is and what life is.
After listening, it seems to give you the courage to live positively.
It is a song that can be called one of Bette Midler’s signature numbers.
I Need To Be In LoveCarpenters
The Japanese title is “Seishun no Kagayaki,” and this version might actually be more famous as a title.
The lyrics seem to be about a woman who, because of her youth, couldn’t maintain a relationship well, yet puts on a brave face, hoping to find a wonderful love someday.
Karen’s gently resonant, lower voice is truly captivating.
With its beautiful melody, it can be called an eternal classic among ballads.