Piano ballads of Western music—from timeless hits to the latest songs
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.
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Piano Ballads of Western Music: From Classic Hits to the Newest Songs (11–20)
drivers licenseOlivia Rodrigo
‘drivers license,’ sung by Olivia Rodrigo, a singer-songwriter from California, is a hit that debuted at No.
1 on both the U.S.
and U.K.
singles charts.
Even as the chord sounds change, the piano keeps playing the same single note, creating a steady, understated sense of forward motion.
You might also feel that reducing the number of notes played simultaneously makes the chorus feel more expansive.
She was one of the most talked-about artists of 2021, so be sure to give it a listen!
The ScientistColdplay
“The Scientist” is a song by the British rock band Coldplay.
It was released as a single from their 2002 album “A Rush of Blood to the Head.” The album as a whole makes prominent use of piano, and “The Scientist” is a ballad that features an upright piano.
The muted, warm tone characteristic of an upright piano suits the song well and resonates gently, doesn’t it?
HappyLeona Lewis
“Happy,” sung by Leona Lewis, who debuted from the UK talent show The X Factor, is a song about a woman seeking happiness.
Released in 2009, it reached No.
2 on the UK Singles Chart and was a hit in other European countries as well.
Compared to the powerful performance that brings the chorus’s rhythm to the forefront, the first verse features a gentle, piano-centered arrangement.
The pre-chorus showcases beautifully arpeggiated piano.
It’s a track where you can enjoy a variety of piano tones across each section!
Let It BeThe Beatles
When it comes to iconic piano ballads that almost everyone knows, The Beatles’ “Let It Be” surely comes to mind.
It’s also famous as a practice piece for piano accompaniment.
The recording of the song is said to have focused on Paul McCartney’s piano-and-vocal performance.
The piano phrase that appears every four measures is very striking and sticks in your ear.
It’s perfect for practicing accompaniment through chord playing, so if you want to work on singing with piano or accompaniment, definitely give it a try!
November RainGuns N’ Roses
“November Rain” is a song by Guns N’ Roses, one of America’s most iconic rock bands.
Released in 1992 as a single from their third album, Use Your Illusion I, it became a massive hit, selling over one million copies worldwide.
It’s performed with lead vocalist Axl Rose singing and playing the piano, featuring a signature rock-ballad piano tone that’s bright and cutting.
It’s a classic rock ballad—be sure to give it a listen!
Now You’re Not HereSwing Out Sister
“Now You’re Not Here” is a song by the British group Swing Out Sister, written specifically as the theme for the drama “Mahiru no Tsuki” starring Yuji Oda and Takako Tokiwa.
Released only in Japan, the single sold 300,000 copies and won the Grand Prix Single Award in the Western Music category at the 11th Japan Gold Disc Awards.
The piano melody in the intro, with its heavy reverb, creates a wonderfully dreamlike atmosphere.
Piano Ballads of Western Music — From Classic Hits to the Newest Songs (21–30)
RunLeona Lewis
Originally by the band Snow Patrol, whose members hail from Ireland and Scotland, the song was covered by Leona Lewis in 2008.
It unfolds from a low, bass piano melody into a sweeping ballad.
Leona’s vocals are soul-stirring, and I also recommend the music video, where she sings powerfully against a vast landscape with an almost divine presence.