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

Lift Me UpRihanna

Rihanna – Lift Me Up (From Black Panther: Wakanda Forever)

A ballad by Rihanna, the songstress from Barbados, featuring a movingly beautiful melody and powerful vocals.

Released in October 2022 as part of the soundtrack for the film Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, the piece is imbued with feelings for the late actor.

Its sound gently envelops the sorrow of losing someone dear, and its lyrics offer the courage to look forward, resonating deeply.

It’s a song that stands by those who have experienced heartbreak or farewell—a heartwarming ballad perfect for a quiet, unhurried night.

Back To DecemberTaylor Swift

Taylor Swift – Back To December

It’s said to be based on her real-life experience—a bittersweet song about an ex-boyfriend she broke up with in December.

Taylor Swift, often called a “serial dater,” sings an apology in the lyrics for ruining her relationship with her ex-boyfriend.

That “ex-boyfriend” was rumored to be the American actor Taylor Lautner.

Taylor’s regretful wish—“If only I could go back to those days”—feels deeply poignant, capturing an innocence in her expression that we can no longer see now.

Honestly, We Just Need JesusTerrian

Terrian – Honestly, We Just Need Jesus (Official Music Video)

A gem-like ballad that reflects the desire to see how hearts, overwhelmed by the clamor and temptations of modern life, can be healed through pure faith.

Featuring Tarian’s powerful vocals and a melody that resonates deeply, it brings peace to a weary heart.

Released in January 2024, the song’s lyrics are striking as they seek salvation through faith in Jesus while confronting deep struggles like dependency, habits, and anxiety.

It’s a perfect track for those looking to step away from the busyness of daily life and take a moment to reflect on themselves.

Let It BeThe Beatles

Let It Be (Remastered 2009)

It’s one of the Beatles’ signature songs, with over 10 million copies sold worldwide.

Released in March 1970 as their 22nd single, it is said that Paul wrote it with his real mother, Mary, in mind.

A simple, gospel-style rock ballad, its lyrics—singing of both his mother and the Virgin Mary—have been widely embraced around the world and are especially popular in Japan.

Even generations who didn’t hear it in real time often learned it in school or came to know it through TV and other media, which speaks to its greatness.

wherever u rUMI, V

UMI, V – wherever u r (ft. V of BTS) official lyric video

A heartwarming ballad that sings of the bittersweetness and tenderness of long-distance love.

The December 2023 collaboration by UMI and BTS’s V gently conveys the strength of a bond that stays connected despite the distance.

UMI, who has roots in both Japan and the U.S., delivers soft, soothing vocals that seem to tenderly wrap around V’s feelings for his fans.

This work is a masterpiece of healing music that comforts those living apart from someone dear.

It’s a song you’ll want to listen to when you want a peaceful moment, or when a loved one far away comes to mind.

Glue Songbeabadoobee

beabadoobee – Glue Song (Official Music Video)

This is a heartwarming love song by Filipino-British singer-songwriter beabadoobee.

A beautiful melody woven from relaxed guitar tones and strings is layered with her sweet, bittersweet vocals.

The lyrics, which candidly express the joy and happiness of falling in love, are memorable and soothing to the listener.

Released in February 2023, it is said to be beabadoobee’s first happy love song.

The music video was filmed in Iloilo, Philippines, her hometown, and is filled with her personal memories alongside beautiful scenery.

It’s a recommended track not only for those starting a new romance, but for anyone who wants to feel love for someone special.

Turning TablesAdele

Adele – Turning Tables (Live at The Royal Albert Hall)

A piano ballad written by Adele and American songwriter Ryan Tedder.

It is also known for being performed by actress Gwyneth Paltrow in the April 19, 2011 episode of the TV drama Glee.