[Latest Hits & Hall of Fame Classics] Recommended Popular Western Ballads

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.

XOBeyoncé

Beyoncé – XO (Video)

It’s that famous Beyoncé ballad—tender yet full of hope.

The lyrics are captivating, overflowing with love for the other person, and it feels like the song gives voice to the love the soul longs for.

Give it a listen when you’re thinking of someone special or when you want to take a positive step forward.

Too Much Lives Will Kill YouQueen

Too Much Love Will Kill You

With its profound title, “Too Much Love Will Kill You,” this song is a deeply heartrending ballad.

Moreover, it was included on an album released after Freddie’s passing.

Indeed, did Freddie’s decision—spurred by fans’ expectations—to push his ailing body and continue performing live ultimately hasten his death?

We Are The ChampionsQueen

Queen – We Are The Champions (Rock Montreal)

Released as a double A-side with “We Will Rock You,” it became Queen’s best-selling song in the United States at that time.

These two tracks are often interpreted as a single continuous piece, and since their release, Queen consistently performed them back-to-back at the end of their live shows.

It can be considered a classic ballad that fully conveys Freddie’s magnificent vocal prowess.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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WolvesSelena Gomez, Marshmello

Selena Gomez, Marshmello – Wolves

Here’s a powerhouse EDM track from the ultimate tag team: DJ Marshmello and singer Selena Gomez.

It builds brilliantly from Selena’s beautiful solo vocals as the beat comes in and ramps up the energy.

The contrast between the calm leading up to the chorus and the catchy, high-energy hook makes for a perfectly balanced, exhilarating listen.

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Murakami Shinpei

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HeroMariah Carey

Mariah Carey – Hero (Official HD Video)

It’s a ballad known as a classic from years past.

The melody is moving, of course, but did you know the lyrics are also truly wonderful? With foreign songs, we often don’t understand the words and end up enjoying only the melody, but I encourage you to read the Japanese translation of the lyrics along with the music.

It’s very touching.

I especially recommend this song when you’re feeling down—it’s one that gives you strength.

You Raise Me UpCeltic Woman

Celtic Woman – You Raise Me Up (Live)

This song is by the Ireland/Norway musical duo Secret Garden and is included on their 2002 album Once in a Red Moon.

In Japan, the cover by the Irish female group Celtic Woman is particularly well known.

It carries the message that your support gives me courage.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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