Ballad Songs possess a unique and almost magical ability to resonate with our deepest emotions. It’s a phenomenon that begs the question: what is it about these melodies, these lyrical stories, that can so profoundly alter our mood, sometimes within just a few opening bars? Scientists may study the neurological responses, but for those who feel it, the power of a ballad is undeniable. A simple shift in chords, a poignant vocal inflection, and suddenly we’re transported to a different emotional landscape – one of introspection, longing, or perhaps bittersweet nostalgia.
For musicians and avid listeners alike, the allure of ballad songs lies in their sonic architecture. Often, the emotional core of a ballad transcends the lyrics themselves. The melody, the chord progression, the harmonies, the vocal delivery – these elements combine to create an atmosphere that can move us deeply, even before the story unfolds in words. Of course, when lyrics and music intertwine perfectly, the impact is amplified, creating an experience that can be both cathartic and profoundly moving.
You, the listener, already understand this power. You have your own ballads that evoke these feelings, songs that serve as emotional touchstones. While upbeat anthems and energetic tracks have their place in our lives, sometimes it’s the ballad, the song that allows us to “wallow in the mire” for a little while, that truly provides solace or understanding. This exploration delves into ten such ballad songs, mostly from established artists but perhaps lesser-known gems, each with the power to stir your soul. Consider them with an open heart – you might just find a new favorite for your own moments of introspection.
1. “Everybody’s Got To Learn Sometime” – The Korgis (1980)
This ballad is simply timeless. Its enduring appeal lies in its mysterious quality, the way it effortlessly blends melancholy with a sense of gentle hope. What is it about this song that captivates so many? Perhaps it’s the slightly detuned piano chords that open the track, immediately creating a sense of vulnerability. Or maybe it’s the soaring violin solo, the subtle use of the Chinese guzheng, or the ethereal synth pads that wash over the listener.
But beyond the sonic tapestry, the lyrics themselves are an invitation, a gentle urging towards personal growth. “Change your heart. Look Around You Change your heart It will astound you.” These words, simple yet profound, resonate differently at various stages of life. Sometimes they act as a comforting suggestion, other times as a firm directive to become a better version of oneself. The chorus, with its wistful acknowledgment that “everybody’s got to learn sometime,” is a universal truth, captured in lyrics penned in a mere ten minutes. James Warren’s vocal delivery, especially on the pre-chorus – “I neeeed your loving Like the sunshine” – conveys a raw need, a human vulnerability that makes this ballad so deeply affecting. It’s a song that stays with you, evolving in meaning as you evolve.
2. “Drunk Again” – Graham Shaw (2008)
Discovery can happen in unexpected places. Finding a gem in a second-hand record store led to the unearthing of Graham Shaw, a Juno Award-winning Canadian artist deserving of far more recognition. His solo album “Raw Shaw” contains a hidden treasure: “Drunk Again,” a two-minute masterpiece of lyrical and musical synergy. The song’s obscurity is baffling, evidenced by its shockingly low view count online – a mere 50 views at the time of writing – a testament to how many great ballads remain undiscovered.
The lyrics are a poignant encapsulation of life’s dualities: “All this pain can’t stop my believing And all this joy can’t stop my grieving.” This simple yet profound observation speaks to the constant interplay of joy and sorrow that defines the human experience. Every note, every word in this ballad works in perfect harmony, creating a powerful emotional resonance. While Graham Shaw has achieved success in composing for television, his lack of widespread fame as a recording artist feels like a missed opportunity for the world to experience his musical depth. Imagine if Tom Waits had recorded this ballad song; it would undoubtedly be hailed as a classic.
3. “She” – Jeff Lynne
Jeff Lynne, a songwriting luminary and the creative force behind ELO, possesses a genius that shines brightly in his rendition of “She.” To fully appreciate this ballad, it demands to be heard at high volume, preferably through headphones, to capture every layer of its sonic depth. The sheer emotional impact of Lynne’s version is immediate; tears can well up within the first few verses.
Harmonies are a signature of Lynne’s work, and in “She,” they reach a breathtaking crescendo. Entirely sung by Lynne himself, the harmonies are intricate and unexpected, building upon the already exceptional melody by Charles Aznavour and Herbert Kretzmer. Starting with the core melody, Lynne meticulously layers harmonies, gradually increasing the emotional intensity until the song culminates in a wall of sound, a sonic emotional “beat-down.” The experience can be almost addictive, as if the listener is drawn into a bittersweet sonic wave. The beauty of “She” lies not in thinking of a specific person, but in allowing the song to wash over you, a wave of pure, sonic emotion. Jeff Lynne takes an already beautiful song and elevates it to an epic masterpiece, showcasing his unparalleled talent.
4. “I Can Let Go” – Michael McDonald (1982)
Michael McDonald’s distinctive voice, often imitated and sometimes mocked, is nonetheless an instrument of immense soulfulness, especially in his early work. “I Can Let Go” is a prime example of his vocal prowess, a ballad where his voice becomes the central emotional conduit. The piano accompaniment is beautifully melancholic, and the string arrangement adds to the song’s evocative atmosphere, but it’s McDonald’s voice that truly melts the listener.
What’s particularly fascinating about McDonald’s vocal performance is his breathing technique. Listen closely between phrases, and you’ll hear short, sharp breaths, snatched almost at the last possible moment before he sings. This unusual technique, defying conventional vocal coaching, somehow enhances the song’s emotional vulnerability. It creates a sense of hesitancy, as if he’s unsure of the words he’s about to sing, despite having written them himself. The lyrics themselves are a tapestry of emotions: regret, heartache, nostalgia, acceptance – resonating with the complexities of love lost and found. Lines like “It was so wrong. It was so right. Almost at the same time….” and “I can let go now” encapsulate the bittersweet nature of letting go. Michael McDonald’s voice, particularly in this ballad song, is pure, “sung emotion,” a masterclass in conveying feeling through vocal delivery. Its obscurity is a mystery, a song deserving of far wider recognition.
5. “Might as Well Have a Good Time” – Crosby, Stills, and Nash (1982)
Boldly stated: “Might as Well Have a Good Time” might just be CSN’s finest ballad song. While “Suite Judy Blue Eyes” and “Marrakesh Express” are iconic, this particular track possesses an even deeper emotional resonance, at least for some listeners. Despite being on an album with three hit singles, this gem remained largely unnoticed, often forgotten even by dedicated CSNY fans.
David Crosby’s vocal performance is exquisite, imbued with a wistful beauty, and the harmonies are, as expected from CSNY, breathtakingly close and meticulously crafted. They break conventional song structures, rarely repeating the chorus in the same way, varying rhythms and inflections, yet it never feels forced or showy. The sound of the ballad evokes a sense of wistfulness, while the lyrics offer a hopeful counterpoint. In the midst of life’s stresses and uncertainties, the song serves as a reminder to embrace the present moment, echoing the sentiment of the busker in Joni Mitchell’s song, “played real good for free.” Lines like “I belong on the shore Hustlin’ nickels and dimes ‘Cause it ain’t long before it’s gone You might as well have a good time” become an anthem for appreciating the fleeting beauty of life and the importance of music itself. Closing your eyes and immersing yourself in this ballad is an exercise in savoring the present.
6. “The Downtown Lights” – The Blue Nile (1989)
The Blue Nile epitomizes musical melancholy. They are the go-to band for those moments of introspection, those times when sadness becomes a desired landscape. Their music, particularly from their early albums, is characterized by its electronic textures, moody soundscapes, and Paul Buchanan’s uniquely weary, pleading vocals. His voice, dripping with emotional pain, becomes a conduit for the listener’s own inner turmoil. The lyrics, seemingly simple, are profoundly descriptive, forging a direct connection to the listener’s deepest feelings.
“The Downtown Lights,” with its late 80s production, is classic Blue Nile. The vocals entering in a different key from the intro immediately command attention: “Sometimes I walk away When all I really wanna do Is love and hold you right.” The song becomes a battle, an internal conflict between the singer’s hope for love and the gnawing uncertainty of its reality. ” How do I know you feel it? How do I know it’s true?” In these moments of darkness, distraction seems like the only escape – seeking refuge in the “downtown lights,” the city, filling the void with noise and activity. But the illusion is quickly shattered. The city, as depicted in the coda, offers no real solace: “The neon and the cigarettes The rented rooms, the rented cars The crowded streets, the empty bars….” The concluding line, “I’m tired of crying on the stairs,” reveals the emptiness behind the distraction. The Blue Nile, a famously non-prolific Scottish band, has left behind a legacy of music that masterfully captures profound sadness, a gift for those who seek to explore the depths of their emotions through ballad songs.
7. “Can We Still Be Friends?” – Todd Rundgren (1978)
For pianists, the sight of a piano often triggers an irresistible urge to play, even for a moment, to test its sound and character. In these impromptu moments, “Can We Still Be Friends?” often emerges as a piano-tester song, alongside Stevie Wonder’s joyous “Isn’t She Lovely” – a stark contrast, highlighting the duality of musical expression. “Can We Still Be Friends?” is a ballad of wistfulness, its theme evident in the title. While the lyrics may not be the primary focus for all listeners, the song’s emotional core lies in its sound.
The chord progression, oscillating between major and minor keys, creates a sense of gentle melancholy. The harmonies, gradually enveloping the song, add layers of emotional depth. Todd Rundgren’s singular talent is showcased as he performs all instrumental and vocal parts himself. The bridge is the song’s crowning glory – enchanting bell chimes, snippets of vocals in unexpected places, evoking an elusive, nostalgic feeling, perhaps a childhood memory. This bridge, recurring twice and serving as the song’s fade-out, connects to something deeply personal, a feeling just beyond articulation. Todd Rundgren’s eclectic songwriting style may contribute to his songs being more recognized than his name, but “Can We Still Be Friends?” remains a testament to his ability to craft emotionally resonant ballad songs.
8. “Sentimental Thing” – Joe Jackson (1989)
Joe Jackson, a consistently underrated songwriter, created a masterpiece in “Sentimental Thing,” a ballad from his criminally overlooked album “Blaze of Glory.” Jackson’s songwriting is defined by its extreme versatility, his musical imagination matched by his technical ability. Known for his cynical perspective on romantic love, often expressed with caustic wit, “Sentimental Thing” transcends cynicism, delving into a devastating portrayal of love’s decay.
Sung by Drew Barfield, with an epic string arrangement and an operatic coda by Joy Askew, the ballad song lays bare the cold brutality of love turned indifferent. The lyrics are gut-wrenching in their honesty: “We always were the kind of people To take it hard when things would go wrong Little things would bother me And little things would make you cry….” The song progresses through the banality of a breakup, the mundane questions of what to do with leftover symbols of love – flowers, evenings, a ring – culminating in the stark realization of emotional emptiness. “So tell me why I’m feeling nothing And tell me how you can’t even cry Little things are logical But if there’s a god above then can it be that love was Just another sentimental thing.” “Sentimental Thing” is a powerful and haunting ballad, a testament to Joe Jackson’s songwriting genius and the often-overlooked depths of his musical catalog.
9. “Sky Blue and Black” – Jackson Browne (1993)
Jackson Browne holds a place of profound influence for many songwriters, capable of crafting songs that resonate deeply with universal emotions, uncovering layers of meaning that deepen with time. His ability to write with such depth even in his early twenties is remarkable. Beyond personal introspection, Browne has consistently addressed social justice and political issues in his music, sometimes to the detriment of mainstream success. “Sky Blue and Black,” from the album “I’m Alive,” is a gem of a ballad song, exploring themes of unconditional love and regret.
The song’s wistful tone is matched by lyrics that speak of love that persists even after a relationship ends, even when one acknowledges their own failings. “But the moment has passed by me now To have put away my pride And just come through for you somehow” The bridge intensifies the emotion, expressing a willingness to have done anything for the loved one, “And I’d have fought the world for you If I thought that you wanted me to….” The self-assessment is stark and honest: “You’re the hidden cost and the thing that’s lost in everything I do Yeah and I’ll never stop looking for you…. That’s the way love is.” Browne’s weary, soulful voice amplifies the raw honesty of the lyrics, creating a ballad song of profound emotional depth.
10. “Has Anyone Ever Written Anything For You?” – Stevie Nicks (1985)
Stevie Nicks, a legendary voice in music, penned “Has Anyone Ever Written Anything For You?” in a mere five minutes, a testament to the intensity of the emotions that fueled its creation. This ballad song, though not a major hit, possesses the instant mood-altering power described earlier. Imagine hearing it after a moment of euphoria, and suddenly being transported to a state of introspection and melancholy – such is its power.
The song opens with direct, conversational questions: “Has anyone ever written anything for you? In all your darkest hours Have you ever heard me sing?” Then, a gentle command: “Listen to me NOW,” followed by the intimate declaration, “This is YOUR song.” The “you” becomes fluid, shifting with each listen, perhaps referring to the listener, a desired recipient of song, or even a projection of oneself. The bridge arrives like a sudden downpour: “And the rain comes down!” – magnificent and sweeping. The song then recedes into a whisper, Nicks’ voice becoming intimately close: “So, if not for me, then Do it for yourself If not for me then Do it for the world.” The ballad fades, leaving the listener changed, even if only momentarily, a testament to the enduring power of a well-crafted ballad song.
CODA
Hopefully, this exploration of ballad songs resonated with you. These songs, each in their own way, tap into the deep well of human emotion. Choosing just ten was a difficult task, and for those seeking further emotional immersion, a longer list of near-misses follows. Thank you for engaging with these ballads and considering their power.
Further Listening:
- “Lord Is It Mine” – Supertramp
- “Skyline Pigeon” – Elton John
- “Midnight Blue” – ELO
- “Wishing” – ELO
- “Be My Number Two” – Joe Jackson
- “Bon Voyage” – Little Heroes
Thank you for reading. Your comments are welcomed and encouraged – what are your thoughts on these ballads, and ballad songs in general?
