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 from Western Music — From Classic Hits to the Newest Tracks (61–70)

And So It GoesBilly Joel

Billy Joel – And So It Goes (Official Video)

And So It GoesBilly Joel

A track released in 1990 by Billy Joel.

Inspired by his relationship with supermodel Elle Macpherson, it was written in the early 1980s.

It became a hit in countries such as the United States, Canada, and Japan, and has been covered by artists including Carmen Rasmusen.

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Don’t Forget About MeCLOVES

CLOVES – Don’t Forget About Me

Don't Forget About MeCLOVES

It’s a song by the Australian singer-songwriter CLOVES.

The low piano tone at the beginning and her deep voice have a rugged, intriguing charm.

The instrumentation is simple, yet her vocals in the chorus feel mystical, giving the track a nostalgic vibe.

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This Year’s LoveDavid Gray

DAVID GRAY – This Year’s Love (Official Music Video)

This Year's LoveDavid Gray

It’s a song by the British singer-songwriter David Gray, and the gently played piano melody is soothing.

I also like that the tone stays consistent throughout with a slow tempo.

It feels like the kind of track you’d want to listen to in a café on a rainy day, coffee in hand.

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Candle In The WindElton John

Candle In The Wind (Live In Australia)

Candle In The WindElton John

A track written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin as a tribute to actress Marilyn Monroe, who died in 1962.

In 1997, the lyrics were rewritten for Princess Diana.

It was sampled in People Like Us and Wobbly’s 2010 track “Pain.”

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I BelieveFantasia

Fantasia – I Believe [Lyrics]

I BelieveFantasia

A track by R&B singer-songwriter Fantasia, also known as the winner of TV show American Idol Season 3.

It is her debut single, released in 2004.

It reached No.

1 on the charts in the United States and Canada and won a Billboard Music Award.

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