RAG MusicMusic
Lovely Western music

A Collection of Heart-Touching Western Ballads — From Classics to the Newest Hits

Although I don’t usually listen to much Western music, I suspect there are quite a few people who have a favorite famous ballad.

Ballads don’t really demand a specific type of listener, and many people probably discover them through movie or TV drama theme songs or commercials and end up liking them.

There are many ways to define a ballad, but in this article we highlight classic Western ballads that fit the general image—from piano ballads to rock ballads, across eras—introducing wonderful songs that truly “resonate with the heart.”

We also touch on the meanings of the lyrics, so you might deepen your understanding of songs you love.

Be sure to check it out!

A Collection of Heart-Touching Western Ballads: From Classics to the Newest Songs (31–40)

That GirlSarah Elisabeth,Carlisio Keys

This track by Sarah Elizabeth and Carlicio Keys features a smooth, comfortable R&B sound.

Based in New York, a vocalist with soul-stirring expressiveness and a producer leading the evolution of contemporary R&B weave together this work.

It captures the longing for that “ideal someone” we all imagine, as well as the earnest desire to become that person, all set to a beautiful melody.

Released in February 2023, this single is sure to gently resonate with listeners.

When you want to feel confident, or spend a quiet night facing yourself, why not immerse yourself in this refined sound? It will surely fill you with energy for tomorrow.

PhotographEd Sheeran

Ed Sheeran – Photograph (Official Music Video)
PhotographEd Sheeran

There’s a timeless song that accompanies those sentimental moments when you look back on summer memories alongside your photos.

It’s a track by Ed Sheeran, the globally renowned singer-songwriter from the UK.

Featured on the acclaimed album ‘×,’ which won British Album of the Year at the 2015 BRIT Awards, this folk-pop ballad was released as a single.

Centered on a long-distance relationship, it portrays a couple reaffirming their love through photographs.

The message—that even apart, hearts remain close—gently seeps in, carried by his soft vocals and acoustic sound.

The music video, which uses real home videos from his childhood, deepens the song’s warm yet bittersweet atmosphere and is truly moving.

As summer comes to an end, why not listen to it while thinking of someone special?

Fast CarTracy Chapman

Tracy Chapman – Fast Car (Official Music Video)
Fast CarTracy Chapman

“Fast Car,” included on American singer-songwriter Tracy Chapman’s debut album Tracy Chapman.

Released in 1988, the song’s poignant acoustic guitar melody and her deep, soulful vocals capture the listener and won’t let go.

It tells the story of a protagonist who dreams of escaping a life of poverty.

They pin their hopes for freedom on a “fast car,” but their partner falls into decline, and the dream slips further away.

The raw lyrics, where hope and despair intersect, are truly moving.

In fact, the song became a worldwide hit after her performance at the Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute concert in June 1988.

When you’re yearning to change your circumstances, listening to it may quietly give you courage through the protagonist’s journey.

Lover, You Should’ve Come OverJeff Buckley

Jeff Buckley – Lover, You Should’ve Come Over (Official Video)
Lover, You Should've Come OverJeff Buckley

This is an achingly beautiful soul ballad left behind by the legendary American singer Jeff Buckley, who died far too young at 30.

It sings of the helpless regret and burning longing after a breakup.

If you’ve ever let go of someone precious because of youthful mistakes, you’ll likely find this song deeply relatable.

Wishing “I wanted you to come see me,” only to realize it’s too late—those feelings with nowhere to go are truly painful.

The track appears on the classic album Grace and was also featured in the drama FlashForward.

Even decades after its August 1994 release, it continues to move hearts.

On a quiet night when you want to be alone with your thoughts, you might let yourself sink into this heavenly voice.

Crawling Back to YouBackstreet Boys

A Backstreet Boys song that sings of searing regret—casting aside pride and, though wounded, trying to return to the one you love.

Released as a single from their 2005 album “Never Gone,” it’s also known for its U.S.

release in October of that year as part of support efforts for Hurricane Katrina victims.

Distinct from their earlier dance-pop, its piano- and strings-driven organic sound is striking.

The group’s matured harmonies overlap with the protagonist’s anguished plea for forgiveness, resonating deeply with listeners.

On a night when you’re facing your own mistakes and longing to apologize honestly, this song will surely stay close to your heart.

A collection of moving Western ballads—from classics to the latest hits (41–50)

OneU2

U2 – One (Official Music Video)
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.

CarefulSYML

SYML – “Careful” [Official Visual Video]
CarefulSYML

A deeply resonant song that truly speaks to the heart.

Released in January 2025 by the American singer-songwriter SYML, this track showcases his delicate sensibilities.

Set to a quiet melody, it conveys the desire to protect a loved one while grappling with the tendency to be overprotective—an emotional tension that strikes a chord with listeners.

SYML released his debut album, “SYML,” in 2019 and has continued to put out numerous works since.

This song is included on his third album, “Nobody Lives Here.” It’s recommended for anyone struggling with a close relationship or wanting to reflect on the nature of love.