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 (21–30)

Sweet LoveAnita Baker

Anita Baker – Sweet Love {Actual Video}
Sweet LoveAnita Baker

Anita Baker is a singer from the United States.

“Sweet Love,” released in 1986, is one of her signature works.

It can be considered one of the quintessential love ballads of the 1980s.

Her voice has warmth, and on top of that, her vocal technique and expressive power are all top-notch.

Even today, it doesn’t feel dated—a masterpiece that sings of universal love.

Ordinary WorldDuran Duran

Duran Duran – Ordinary World (Official Music Video)
Ordinary WorldDuran Duran

Included on the 1993 album “Duran Duran.” A four-piece rock band from Birmingham formed in 1978.

It’s a graceful and very pleasing number, with Simon’s vocals riding over a gently paced mid-tempo rhythm and a pop, moody melody.

Sitting In The ParkGangway

Gangway – Sitting In The Park (LP)
Sitting In The ParkGangway

Gangway is a band from Denmark in Northern Europe.

This work is an impressive piece with a color that sits somewhere between a ballad and power pop.

There’s also a version of the same song with a more acoustic arrangement, but this one, rich in electropop elements, is more vivid.

Released in 1988.

Every Time You Go AwayPaul Young

Paul Young – Everytime You Go Away (Official Video)
Every Time You Go AwayPaul Young

Paul Young, hailing from England, became a massive hit around the world.

Known as a leading figure in blue-eyed soul, he won Best British Male at the 1985 Brit Awards.

This famous ballad of his is a song about searing loss, as if a piece of your heart is taken each time someone you love leaves.

The singing, fretless-bass melody is striking as well.

Released as a single from the classic album The Secret of Association, it reached No.

1 on the U.S.

charts in July 1985.

It’s also well known for being featured in the film Planes, Trains and Automobiles.

Put it on during a sentimental night, and its gentle melody just might seep into your heart.

Open ArmsJourney

Journey – Open Arms (Official Video – 1982)
Open ArmsJourney

Included on the 1981 album “Escape.” A five-member rock band from San Francisco formed in 1973.

The contrasting tones of the hard guitar and soft piano blend well, and the high-pitched vocals, sung over the woven melodies, fuse nicely to create a satisfying result.

Something About YouLevel 42

Level 42 is a funk/fusion rock band from the United Kingdom.

They were popular throughout the 1980s for their sophisticated sound.

“Something About You” is a track from their 1985 album World Machine.

It’s catchy and perfect for dancing.

Love Is The AnswerUtopia

Although it’s not very well known in Japan, this is truly a hidden masterpiece of a ballad.

The Japanese title is “Love Is the Answer.” Todd Rundgren is a multi-talented artist who continues to be active today, doing everything from songwriting and composing to singing, playing instruments, and producing.

This piece was released as a song by Utopia, the band he was part of.

It’s also famous for the cover hit by England Dan & John Ford Coley.

A song distinguished by its flowing, beautifully crafted melody line.