RAG MusicBallad
Lovely ballad

A classic medium-tempo ballad in Western music

Medium ballads—with passionate vocals and a comfortable tempo—are a particularly popular category among Japanese listeners.

There are many classic medium ballads in Western music as well.

This time, we’ve selected some especially recommended masterpieces of medium ballads from Western music.

Great medium-tempo ballad songs in Western music (1–10)

I Will Always Love YouWhitney Houston

Whitney Houston – I Will Always Love You (Official 4K Video)
I Will Always Love YouWhitney Houston

Whitney Houston, a great singer who etched her name in music history, hails from the United States.

Her immensely famous signature ballad is actually a cover of a song originally released in 1974 by country singer Dolly Parton.

The piece portrays a bittersweet yet profound love, choosing to step away for the future of a beloved.

Released in November 1992, it became a worldwide sensation as the theme song for the film The Bodyguard.

Its 14 consecutive weeks at No.

1 on the U.S.

charts is now the stuff of legend.

Whitney’s overwhelming vocal prowess elevates what could be a simple heartbreak song into a grand tale that vows eternal love—one that deeply resonates with anyone standing at a crossroads in life.

I Want To Know What Love IsForeigner

Foreigner – I Want To Know What Love Is (Official Music Video)
I Want To Know What Love IsForeigner

A song by the British-American rock band Foreigner, known as a leading example of stadium rock that incorporates hard rock and AOR.

Included on their fifth album, Agent Provocateur, it became one of their signature tracks, reaching No.

1 on both the U.S.

and U.K.

charts in 1985.

It expresses a poignant yearning to understand what true love is, overcoming the heartache and loneliness experienced in past relationships.

Lou Gramm’s soulful vocals combined with a gospel choir create a majestic harmony that brings a sacred atmosphere capable of stirring the listener’s soul.

It’s an emotional ballad whose prayer-like message resonates deeply when you’re searching for something in life.

In Your EyesPeter Gabriel

Peter Gabriel – In Your Eyes
In Your EyesPeter Gabriel

From an intro infused with world music elements, this masterpiece immediately draws you into a grand realm of love.

Created by the innovative British musician Peter Gabriel, the track appears on his acclaimed 1986 album So.

It’s a universal love song that sings of a soul-deep bond—finding salvation, a future, and a place to return within a loved one’s eyes.

With the prayerful vocals of Senegalese singer Youssou N’Dour, the entire piece radiates a sacred aura.

Featured in the iconic 1989 film Say Anything… during the scene where the protagonist holds up a boombox, it became known as a timeless anthem of love.

On a night when you want to feel the presence of someone special anew, why not surrender to this song’s warm yet passionate sound?

Every Breath You TakeThe Police

The Police – Every Breath You Take (Official Music Video)
Every Breath You TakeThe Police

The Police are a British band that rose to prominence in the late 1970s with their innovative musical style that blended rock with reggae elements.

This work is their signature song, released in May 1983.

In Japan, it’s frequently heard in commercials, so many people may recognize the melody.

At first glance, it seems like a romantic love song, but the lyrics depict a slightly unsettling side—intense obsession with and surveillance of a lover.

This imbalance between the sweet melody and stalker-like lyrics becomes a compelling charm that captivates listeners.

Featured on the classic album Synchronicity, the song spent eight consecutive weeks at No.

1 on the U.S.

charts.

It is a masterpiece ballad that is not merely beautiful, but one that delves into the depths of human psychology.

Bed of RosesBon Jovi

Bon Jovi – Bed Of Roses (Official Music Video)
Bed of RosesBon Jovi

This is a power ballad by Bon Jovi, an American rock band that evolved their sound from 1980s glam metal to a more mature hard rock style.

Released as a single in January 1993 from the acclaimed 1992 album Keep the Faith, it reached No.

10 on the U.S.

charts.

It opens with a gentle piano melody, and Jon Bon Jovi’s emotionally rich high tenor resonates achingly in the heart.

The song expresses steadfast, selfless love: a vow to shoulder any pain to bring the utmost comfort to a beloved.

A long, passionate guitar solo is another highlight, sweeping you into the song’s dramatic world.

It’s a gem best savored on a quiet night when you’re thinking of someone dear.