[2026 Edition] Tear-Jerking! A Roundup of the Best New Western Pop Ballads

Glue Songbeabadoobee

beabadoobee – Glue Song (Official Music Video)

It’s a song distinguished by heartwarming, romantic lyrics and a beautiful melody.

Set to a relaxed tempo, it gently sings of the joy of falling in love and the happiness that comes with it, soothing the listener’s heart.

It’s said to be Beabadoobee’s first happy love song, and that sentiment comes through across the entire track.

Released in February 2023, the song drew attention as a new work following her second album, Beatopia.

The music video, shot in her homeland of the Philippines, is also a must-see.

It’s a recommended listen not only for those in love, but for anyone who holds feelings for someone.

Old PhoneEd Sheeran

Ed Sheeran – Old Phone (Lyric Video)

A superb ballad by Ed Sheeran, the popular British singer-songwriter, celebrating the importance of personal experiences and bonds.

Centered on acoustic guitar with a minimal arrangement, the delicate vocals create a song that truly resonates.

This track is from the album “Play,” scheduled for release in September 2025, and was released as a single in May 2025.

Its sincere lyrics and beautiful melodic lines evoke the atmosphere of his early work and can be considered quintessential Ed.

At a promotional event held in Ipswich, Massachusetts, fans from around the world brought mementos, creating a warm and welcoming mood.

It’s the kind of song to listen to quietly on nights when you want to look back on cherished memories and relationships with loved ones.

Heartbreak AnniversaryGiveon

GIVĒON – Heartbreak Anniversary (Official Music Video)

A soul-stirring ballad that confronts the pain of heartbreak.

Giveon’s rich baritone voice exquisitely captures the emotions of remembering a lost love.

Released in March 2020, the song quickly dominated the charts.

It earned high acclaim, including a nomination for Best R&B Performance at the 2021 Grammy Awards.

The lyrics delicately portray the complex feelings that surface on the anniversary of a breakup, resonating deeply with anyone who has had a similar experience.

When you want to find solace in the sorrow of losing someone important, give it a listen.

Free FallingJames Arthur

James Arthur – Free Falling (Official Video)

A song by James Arthur that he says suddenly came to him while sitting at the piano.

Included on his January 2024 album Bitter Sweet Love, this moving ballad explores self-worth and the uncertainty of time.

James’s distinctive baritone voice stirs deep emotion.

Having won The X Factor in 2012 and produced numerous hits since, this track could be seen as the culmination of his musical career.

With a unique style that weaves in elements of R&B, soul, and hip-hop, it resonates with listeners.

It’s a must-listen for anyone feeling lost in life or wanting to confront themselves.

Monsters In The HouseKelly Jones

Kelly Jones – Monsters In The House (Official Video)

The single from Welsh singer-songwriter Kelly Jones’s new release, due out in May 2024, is a superb track that signals a bold new direction for him.

Set to a piano-led, melancholic sound, his powerful performance lays bare the subtle emotions of confronting loneliness and inner conflict in life.

His warm vocals quietly draw close to the listener, offering gentle encouragement—truly memorable.

Known as the frontman of the rock band Stereophonics, this work stands as proof that he’s breaking new ground as a solo artist.

It’s a song I especially recommend to anyone feeling weary of life.

Forget MeLewis Capaldi

Lewis Capaldi – Forget Me (Official Video)

This is a ballad whose overwhelming vocal power, expressing the pain of heartbreak, strikes straight to the heart.

Released in September 2022, it served as the lead single from Lewis Capaldi’s second album, “Broken by Desire to Be Heavenly Sent.” With a rich baritone voice, it conveys the struggle between an inability to forget the past and the need to move forward.

The lyrics, born from personal experience, will resonate deeply with listeners.

Having even held a solo concert in Japan on January 9, 2020, his soulful voice is sure to be a source of comfort for anyone carrying the pain of a broken heart.

wherever u rUMI, V

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

It’s a wonderful song that gently weaves the feeling that, even while sensing distance from a loved one, your hearts remain side by side—conveyed through a soft, translucent vocal performance.

Born from the collaboration between UMI and V, the track was released in December 2023 and created with love and gratitude for fans ahead of V’s enlistment.

The tender tone of the piano and the warm resonance of the strings beautifully bring the lyrics’ world to life.

Anyone who resonates with the idea that hearts stay connected even when apart will find this song healing.

It’s especially recommended for a quiet night alone, while thinking of someone dear.