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

music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and for over 18 years I’ve contributed to music magazines, disc guide books, mooks, and web media. As a writer my main field is Western music, but as a listener for over 35 years, I always try to keep my curiosity alive with the motto “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in bands, where I was a bassist who handled songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve played include bass, guitar, and piano. I began studying English in my mid-40s and continue to do so today.
Former vocal coach specializing in Western musicRyo
With the motto “Learn the basics and enjoy putting them into practice,” I worked as a vocal coach specializing in Western music. As a teen, I questioned the idea that “Western music equals English,” and started listening to songs from around the world. Today, I devour music from over 80 countries and run a personal blog introducing tracks. I often listen to genres like nuevo flamenco, bolero, canzone, and R&B. I’ll keep updating articles daily to find the one perfect song you’re looking for!

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] Best Popular Ballads Sung by Male Western Artists (31–40)

Grande AmoreIl Volo

Il Volo – Grande amore (2015 Videoclip)

Grande AmoreIl Volo

The legendary vocal trio The Three Tenors—Luciano Pavarotti, Plácido Domingo, and José Carreras.

Il Volo is a vocal group formed as a revival of The Three Tenors, and they’re hugely popular, touring not only their home country of Italy but all around the world.

Grande Amore is one of their signature songs, a ballad rooted in opera.

It’s a highly dramatic piece, so if you enjoy spinto-style opera, be sure to check it out!

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Right Here WaitingRichard Marx

Richard Marx – Right Here Waiting (Official Music Video)

Right Here WaitingRichard Marx

Richard Marx is an American singer-songwriter.

After Lionel Richie recognized his demo tape, he took part in Lionel’s album.

This song is a love letter he set to music for actress Cynthia Rhodes, whom he was dating at the time.

This led to his marriage to Cynthia.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

I’m YoursJason Mraz

Jason Mraz – I’m Yours (Official Video) [4K Remaster]

I'm YoursJason Mraz

Jason Mraz is a musician from the U.S.

state of Virginia.

This song reached number one in countries around the world and sold 1 million copies in the United States alone.

Thanks to this song, he was nominated for Song of the Year and Best Male Pop Vocal Performance at the 51st Grammy Awards.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

HappierEd Sheeran

Ed Sheeran – Happier (Official Music Video)

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.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Ten Feet TallWrabel

Wrabel – Ten Feet Tall (Original Version)

Ten Feet TallWrabel

With the rather eccentric title ‘Ten Feet Tall,’ you can’t really tell what kind of song it is until you actually listen—but once you hit play, you’re swept away by its lush vocals and instrumentation.

Reading the lyrics reveals an additional literary depth that is another part of its charm.

Also, be sure to look up and enjoy the remix that Afrojack plays.

That version has a strong anthem feel and is timeless EDM.

Raise the rankinglower

Murakami Shinpei

Report a problem

[2026] Recommended Popular Ballads Sung by Male Western Artists (41–50)

Supermarket FlowersEd Sheeran

Ed Sheeran – Supermarket Flowers [Official Audio]

Supermarket FlowersEd Sheeran

When you think of Ed Sheeran, many people probably imagine upbeat melodies and vocals.

But “Supermarket Flowers” is a lovely ballad that pleasantly subverts that image.

It’s relatively minor among his hit songs, yet it’s beloved by many fans.

The lyrics are beautifully crafted with little gap from the melodic image, so be sure to check out the Japanese translation as well!

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Too Good At GoodbyesSam Smith

Sam Smith – Too Good At Goodbyes

Too Good At GoodbyesSam Smith

A ballad by British singer-songwriter Sam Smith.

It seems to depict a relationship where the other person deftly sidesteps a heart that keeps giving.

Hurting each other, one-way feelings.

Growing used to it, becoming fed up with yourself, and the love cooling off.

It’s more heartbreaking than simply not having your feelings reach them, isn’t it? It’s included on the album The Thrill of It All.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem