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 masterpieces in Western music (41–50)

Change Of HeartEric Carmen

ERIC CARMEN Change Of Heart (#19 USA/1978) HQ
Change Of HeartEric Carmen

Eric Carmen, who achieved great success after going solo from the power pop band the Raspberries, is known for many songs that reflect the influence of classical music, thanks to his solid musical education from a young age.

This 1978 release is a calm, mid-tempo love ballad—an underrated gem that isn’t as well known as it deserves to be.

More Than WordsExtreme

Extreme – More Than Words (Official Music Video)
More Than WordsExtreme

Included on the 1990 album Pornograffitti.

A four-piece rock band from Massachusetts formed in 1985.

This track features the gentle tones of Nuno’s acoustic guitar paired with soft, harmonized vocals; the beautiful blend is utterly captivating to listen to.

Keeping The Dream AliveFreiheit

Keeping The Dream Alive – Muenchner Freiheit – 1988
Keeping The Dream AliveFreiheit

Freiheit is a German band.

Their official name is “MÜNCHENER FREIHEIT,” and they are a very popular group in Germany.

This work was released as a single from the 1988 album “FANTASY,” and reached No.

14 on the UK charts.

Effectively employing an orchestra, it presents a grand, expansive soundscape that transcends the bounds of pop and stands as a masterpiece reminiscent of classical music.

It’s such a high-quality song that it’s almost puzzling it isn’t more widely known.

Father FigureGeorge Michael

George Michael – Father Figure (Official Video)
Father FigureGeorge Michael

Included on the 1987 album “Faith.” Born in 1963.

A singer-songwriter from London and a former member of Wham!.

This single, from the first album he released after disbanding Wham!, features an R&B-influenced melody that showcases his strengths and makes for a wonderful track.

What’s In A KissGilbert O’Sullivan

Gilbert O’Sullivan – What’s In A Kiss
What's In A KissGilbert O'Sullivan

Gilbert O’Sullivan is a British singer-songwriter known for his masterpiece ballad “Alone Again.” Perhaps because the impression of “Alone Again” is so strong, he tends to be seen as a one-hit wonder, but in fact he has created many fine works.

The Japanese title of this piece is “A Kiss on the Breeze.” Released in 1980, it’s a medium-tempo ballad for which the adjective “refreshing” is a perfect fit.

No One Is To BlameHoward Jones

Included on the 1985 album “Dream into Action.” Born in 1955.

A singer-songwriter from the UK.

The music-box-like tone in the intro instantly makes you go “oh!” The melody that runs through the whole track is gentle and lullaby-like, pleasantly soothing, and I think it pairs well with his steely vocals.

New MistakeJellyfish

Jellyfish is a power pop band from the United States.

“New Mistake” is a track from their 1993 album Spilt Milk, which is steeped in a full-on ’70s vibe from start to finish.

With its unusual chord progressions, twisted sonics, and lush harmonies, it’s packed with irresistible appeal for anyone who loves this kind of sound.