RAG MusicBallad
Lovely ballad

[2026] A curated list of recommended popular ballads sung by male Western artists

Stirring melodies and sounds that move the heart, messages conveyed through emotional vocals—the forms vary, but ballads have always been loved in every era.

Even those who usually listen to intense rock or dance tracks may sometimes feel like lending an ear to a ballad.

In this article, we’ll introduce must-hear Western ballads—specifically, classic ballads sung by male vocalists!

From grand, string-laden numbers to fine folky tunes and catchy pop ballads, the first half highlights recent hits, while the latter half features timeless classics.

If you’re ready to cry your heart out to music, be sure to check these out.

[2026] A curated list of recommended popular ballads sung by male Western artists (81–90)

WHY (feat. Luke Combs)Jon Bellion

Jon Bellion, Luke Combs – WHY feat. Luke Combs (Official Music Video)
WHY (feat. Luke Combs)Jon Bellion

A multi-talented artist from New York State, Jon Bellion, released a collaborative track featuring country star Luke Combs in May 2025.

Written just 48 hours before the birth of his first child, the song is a candid ballad about Bellion’s anxieties and love as he prepares for fatherhood, and it’s slated to be included on the album “FATHER FIGURE.” Its profound lyrics explore the fear and conflict of loving, while the sound—starting with folk-tinged acoustics and gradually swelling into something grand—are truly beautiful, resulting in a masterpiece where Bellion’s and Combs’s distinct musical styles blend seamlessly.

I’M NOT IN LOVE10cc

Keyboards or piano, guitar, and vocals.

Its dreamy melody makes it a perfect song for the autumn-to-winter season.

The harmony between the lead and backing vocals is truly beautiful, and the instruments like the keyboard provide wonderful support.

The gentle “I’M NOT IN LOVE,” which feels like being wrapped in a soft aurora, will warmly resonate even with first-time listeners.

Perfect for when you want to relax.

A Different CornerGeorge Michael

George Michael – A Different Corner (Official Video)
A Different CornerGeorge Michael

The gentle, soft string sound in the intro of “A Different Corner,” like a Christmas song, evokes an image of a green forest spreading out before you as you take a slow, deep breath.

Then comes George Michael’s tender, conversational singing voice, making you feel as if you’re reading a story.

It’s like slowly walking through the woods while breathing deeply, then relaxing by the lakeside.

Recommended for when you’re tired, too.

Let it soothe you.

If I Ever Fall In LoveShai

“If I Ever Fall In Love” is the title track from the American R&B group Shai’s debut album, released in 1992, and a hit that topped the U.S.

R&B chart.

The dynamic lead vocals and the airy falsetto play off each other in perfect balance, and the melodic approach feels wonderfully smooth and tastefully executed.

It’s a late-night ballad that’s sure to hit just right—highly recommended with a drink in hand.

Heart VacancyThe Wanted

A ballad released in 2010 by the British boy band The Wanted.

It was produced by British songwriter Wayne Hector and the Danish trio Lucas Secon, Jonas Jeberg, and Cutfather.

The music video was filmed in New York.

AngelAerosmith

Aerosmith – Angel (Official Music Video)
AngelAerosmith

A smooth power ballad released as a single in 1988 by the American rock band Aerosmith.

It was written by lead singer Steven Tyler and Desmond Child.

The song received heavy airplay on radio stations and reached No.

3 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

[2026] A roundup of recommended popular ballads sung by male Western artists (91–100)

No Matter WhatBoyzone

Originally written by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Jim Steinman for the 1996 musical “Whistle Down the Wind.” It was covered by the Irish boy band Boyzone and became the biggest hit single of 1998 in the UK.