[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.
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[2026] A roundup of recommended popular ballads sung by male Western artists (21–30)
Shape of My HeartSting
Sting, a singer-songwriter who represents the UK.
In the 1970s, he led The Police, a band that produced global hits one after another, and he has remained at the forefront of the scene to this day—one of the most outstanding talents in Britain.
Among his works, a ballad I especially recommend is Shape of My Heart.
It’s also known as the theme song of the film Léon: The Professional.
While it’s a song about a poker player, it also conveys Léon’s deep-seated affection and humanity, so be sure to check it out together with the film.
CarusoLucio Dalla
A ballad boasting overwhelming perfection even by global standards, “Caruso.” This masterpiece by Lucio Dalla is said to depict the late-life romance of the great tenor Enrico Caruso.
The craftsmanship of the song is remarkable: during his lifetime, Lucio Dalla reportedly composed it after visiting the hotel Caruso used and interviewing his relatives.
It is a classic that portrays a profound love that knows no bounds, even in the face of death.
Love SomeoneLukas Graham
A track included on the Danish band Lukas Graham’s third album, 3 (The Purple Album).
Its mid-tempo, gently swaying rhythm feels so pleasant.
It’s a love message from Lukas, the vocalist, dedicated to his girlfriend as well as to anyone he truly loves.
The chorus lines are especially beautiful, so be sure to pay attention to the Japanese translation as you listen.
HappierEd Sheeran
This is a single released from Ed Sheeran’s third album, Divide, which made him a global star.
With a beautiful melody, it sings about a breakup with a lover, and the lyrics are heartbreakingly sad.
It captures the feelings of a man watching his ex look happier than before.
The puppet-theater-style music video stirs up a mix of emotions, leaving an indescribable sense of emptiness.
The falsetto in the chorus imparts a curious sense of exhilaration.
Story of My LifeOne Direction
A song by the globally successful boy band One Direction, known by the nickname 1D and even hailed as “the second coming of the Beatles.” Included on their third album, Midnight Memories, released in 2013, the track gained popularity in Japan after being featured in an NTT DoCoMo commercial.
With A and B sections carried by acoustic guitar arpeggios that evoke a country feel, beautiful choral work, a catchy melody, and a chorus with an open, expansive vibe that lingers in the ear, it’s easy to see why the song is loved around the world.
