Piano ballads of Western music—from timeless hits to the latest songs

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.

The tones born from the piano—a percussion instrument and a string instrument—overflow with a charm that captivates the hearts of us Japanese and won’t let go.

When we think of popular music where the piano takes center stage—playing a bubbly melody when we’re happy and a tune that gently accompanies our hearts when we’re feeling down—it has to be ballads.

In this article, we bring together timeless masterpieces of piano-centered Western ballads, spanning from classic favorites to the latest hits, resonating across generations.

Enjoy a richly varied selection that transcends genres—not only classic piano-and-voice ballads, but also rock ballads, jazz, pop, and more.

Piano Ballads of Western Music — From Classic Hits to the Newest Songs (51–60)

Waiting Outside The LinesGreyson Chance

Greyson Chance – Waiting Outside The Lines

Waiting Outside The LinesGreyson Chance

A track released in 2010 by American pop-rock singer Greyson Chance.

It was first performed live on the TV show The Ellen DeGeneres Show in October 2010.

The music video, directed by Sanaa Hamri, was filmed in Los Angeles.

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AgainJanet Jackson

Janet Jackson – Again (Official Music Video)

AgainJanet Jackson

A ballad released in 1993 by Janet Jackson.

It was used in the film Poetic Justice and was nominated for both the Golden Globe Awards and the Academy Awards.

The track was a hit worldwide and reached No.

1 on the U.S.

charts.

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Hidden AwayJosh Groban

Josh Groban – Hidden Away [Official Music Video]

Hidden AwayJosh Groban

It’s a song by American singer Josh Groban released in 2010.

I’m soothed by Josh’s rich yet sweet-sounding voice and the piano tone that seems to reflect his sincere character.

He looks handsome playing the piano in the music video, and his gentle gaze makes my heart skip a beat.

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I’ll Be ThereMariah Carey

Mariah Carey – I’ll Be There (MTV Unplugged – HD Video)

I'll Be ThereMariah Carey

Originally released in 1970 by The Jackson 5.

This version by Mariah Carey was performed on MTV Unplugged and released in 1992.

It became a hit around the world and was certified Gold in three countries.

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StayRihanna ft. Mikky Ekko

Rihanna – Stay ft. Mikky Ekko

StayRihanna ft. Mikky Ekko

A collaboration between Rihanna and Nashville singer-songwriter Mikky Ekko.

An emotional ballad featuring a simple piano melody, it was released in 2013.

It was sampled in Booba’s 2014 track “Je Sais.”

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