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Photo: Steven Tyler: Philippe Faraone/Getty Images for Celebrity Fight Night | Meat Loaf: Ron Pownall/Getty Images | Ann Wilson: Ed Pearlstein/Redferns/Getty Images
What is a power ballad in its purest, most intense form? Hyper-emotional? Painful? Loud? Quiet? Something in between? In short, it's a ballad with power.
That's why, when compiling this guide to the best power ballads, we chose the powerful Reason to Live Kiss group instead of a smaller scale one Beth ; Open Arms groups Journey instead Don't Stop Believing; Heaven Bryan Adams instead (Everything I Do) I Do It For You . That's exactly why More Than Words The group Extreme did not make the list at all.
It would seem that compiling a list of the 40 best power ballads of all time should be easy. If only. By the end of the marathon jury meeting, the assembled article authors about classic rock We were tearing our hair out. Luckily, there was enough hair for everyone, since we'd deliberately given ourselves a perm like a poodle. Even then, the atmosphere was more tense than our curlers. No, really. But in the end, we boiled down the power ballad's essential qualities to five key categories.
«Splash» (also known as "Crunch"). Does the song gradually build momentum, then suddenly—when you least expect it—crash with the force of a tsunami?
Song «The Soar» does it sound like she's soaring like an eagle, or, on the contrary, fluttering like a penguin?
Sincerity. Is this song heartbreaking? Tear-filled? Overly emotional? Heartbreaking? All of the above? In short: does it come from a (ideally, broken) heart?
Fluffiness - a necessary counterbalance to the surge and rise.
«"Cheese"» — This refers to overly pompous lyrics sung with pleading, often painful, emotion. This can refer to couplets such as "« I will keep loving you / That's the only thing I want »", or to exaggerated claims about falling to the ground on broken wings, how it is done in the name of love, how it is done to hold on and never say goodbye, and so on.
We carefully applied these criteria to compile our list of the 40 best power ballads, which explains the absence of Queen (too theatrical), Celine Dion (too bad), or Michael Bolton (too Michael Bolton).
And no group is represented by more than one entry, because if some communities of fans classic rock If we insisted on our own, our list would consist exclusively of Toto and REO Speedwagon songs. There's nothing wrong with that, of course, but we want to share our love of music.
So grab your smartphone, turn on the flashlight, and hold it up proudly. And hold on to your scarves. We're getting started.
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40. Badfinger - Without You (1970)
If you're only familiar with Harry Nilsson's version of this band's song, prepare to be amazed. It's minimalist, captivating, and much more rock-inspired than you might have imagined.
A memorable line from a song : « I can't live if life is without you ».
39. Eric Carmen - All By Myself (1976)
This large-scale, orchestral song, while not particularly expressive, is more than compensated for by Carmen's incredibly melancholy vocals. It's based on a work by Russian classical composer Sergei Rachmaninoff. Few people know this.
A memorable line from a song : « I think of all the friends I knew / But when I dial the phone / Nobody's home ».
38. Bryan Adams - Heaven (1985)
Forget Kevin Costner in tights being thrown over a wall—this is the real deal. Bryan Adams's classic, gruff vocal performance sounds convincingly incredulous as he sings: «I find it hard to believe that we are in heaven »" On the back of the record is a tribute to Princess Diana (stuttering).
Selecting song lyrics : see above
37. Boston - Amanda (1986)
Delicate and majestic, with powerful guitar choruses, this song went to number one in the US but didn't even make the UK charts. Sometimes we Brits lack tact. This track is technically flawless, in the best Boston tradition.
A memorable line from a song : « I don't want to spend the whole night telling you... that I'm in love with you ».
36. Queensrÿche - Silent Lucidity (1990)
Convincing proof that progressive rock can shine just as well as the best. Superbly melodic, Silent Lucidity picks up speed sharply after a velvety start. A majestic art-rock ballad—though the lyrics about "dream control" and the like might be a bit too sci-fi for some.
Selected line from the song : « I smile next to you, in silent clarity ».
35. Winger - Miles Away (1990)
This song is taken from the album Winger "« In the Heart of the Young» — the title of which is in itself a first-class ballad. Melancholic «Miles Away» was chosen as the theme song by relatives of servicemen who served in the Gulf War. The soldiers there didn't notice: they were too busy trying to keep a low profile and playing Metallica songs to deaf (at least after Metallica's attacks on 11 people) Iraqis.
A memorable line from a song : « Sometimes, just for a moment, I reach out, hoping you're still there ».
34. Alias - More Than Words Can Say (1990)
If it had two fewer words, the title would have matched the song "Extreme" (which, as we mentioned in the introduction, is a ballad, but lacks power). It's amazing what the words "Can" and "Say" can do... supported by soulful vocals and an arrangement more lush than the Pillsbury dough man.
A memorable line from a song : « I need you now before I go crazy ».
33. The Darkness - Love Is Only A Feeling (2003)
The Darkness turns the power ballad formula on its head—and Justin Hawkins' Wordsworthian lyrics are only half the story. Instead of a gentle opening, the song kicks off with powerful drums and a riff in the style of All The Young Dudes . There's a lot of light and shadow here, but then the song fades out at the end, accompanied by the soft strumming of a bouzouki. Typically perverse. Love Is Only a Feeling proves how well The Darkness have absorbed their influences and then shaped them into a unique style.
An expressive line : « That feeling of delight that this unity of hearts achieved, I saw, I felt, I tasted and I sincerely believed ».
32. Quarterflash - Harden My Heart (1982)
Unusually, Quarterflash's lead singer, Rindy Ross, also played saxophone. Harden My Heart — a finely crafted blend of slick rock and lush synth-pop, with Ms. Ross delivering heartfelt, touching lyrics in a raspy, soulful style. For connoisseurs.
Selected line from the song : « I will harden my heart / I will swallow my tears »
31. Cinderella - I Don't Know What You've Got (Until You Lose It) (1988)
Surprisingly, this is the only track in our Top 40 with a pair of parentheses in the title. Powerful keyboards, heart-wrenching vocals, and the most powerful chorus in the Christian world. What else do you want to know? When did Cinderella perform Don't Know What You Got (Til It's Gone) ) live, the song often smoothly transitioned into another large-scale slow composition: Nobody's Fool . It was almost unbearable for ballad lovers.
A memorable line from a song : « I hear you calling from far away / It's tearing my soul apart / I just can't take another day »
30. Warrant - Heaven (1989)
As we've already mentioned, even a more or less decent power ballad often brings in big money for its composer. It's probably no coincidence that this incredibly saccharine composition was originally included on an album titled Dirty Rotten Filthy Stinking Rich . Song Heaven reached number 2 on the American charts.
A memorable line : « I don't need to be the king of the world, as long as I'm this little girl's hero. ».
29. Thunder - Love Walked In (1990)
A powerful ballad with the spirit of a British Bulldog. Love Walked In (one of the few British songs to make this list) is less glossy and repetitive than many of the other tracks on this list. It has a powerful, brash chorus, but it's a bit weak in the libido department. Note the line:« I sleep much better now that I'm not alone. »"Yes... why enjoy dirty sex when you can just get a good night's sleep?
Selecting song lyrics : see above
28. Europe - Carrie (1986)
When Cliff Richard went searching Carrie, He didn't need to look any further than the Europe album. «The Final Countdown» . Along with the title track of this album, the brilliant composition «Carrie» — it's pure banality. But America is the birthplace of the Jolly Green Giant, let's not forget — she fell in love with it, and «Carrie» reached number 3 on their charts.
A memorable line from a song : « Can't you see it in my eyes? This might be our last goodbye. ».
27. Toto - I Won't Hold You Back (1982)
This understated yet epic composition has been called "one of the best breakup songs of all time" elsewhere on this list. And we're not going to argue with that. A common theme in many male-oriented American power ballads is "I'm so emotional—love me." But such a pathetic plea escapes notice in Toto's "« I Won't Hold You Back» : The woman in question has left and she is not coming back.
A memorable line from a song : « Now that you're gone, I'm a different person/I guess I blamed myself for it ».
26. Styx — Lady (1973)
One of the first power ballads (so now you know who's to blame). Track from the album Styx II 1973 – and later a Top 10 hit in the US – Lady It begins quietly, with gentle keyboards and the faintest ringing of bells. Dennis DeYoung's piercing vocals are an acquired taste, but about halfway through the song, the all-important "crunch" arrives—virtuoso guitar work and a superb marching rhythm.
Selected line from the song : « You are my mistress of the morning / Love shines in your eyes »
25. Slaughter - Fly To The Angels (1990)
Slaughter have always been far more powerful than their "B-grade glam metal" label suggested, so it's a shame that this vibrant yet touching song first appeared on an album with a crude title. Stick It To Ya . Later, no doubt due to its references to angels, heaven, and so on, the song took on even greater poignancy as a tribute to the band's guitarist, Tim Kelly, who died in a car accident in 1998.
A memorable line from a song : « Now that it rains, it seems like the sun never shines ».
24. Cheap Trick - The Flame (1988)
A successful power ballad can be both a curse and a source of big money. Record label Epic doubted Cheap Trick's songwriting abilities and hired outside writers to work on the album. album Lap Of Luxury 1988. The best track of the album was song The Flame . Full of angst and, appropriately, slow-paced, it was written by the previously unknown team of Bob Mitchell and Nick Graham. The pair did a superb job, but despite the great success The Flame (US No. 1 single), she became a liability for Cheap Trick. But you can't please some people.
A memorable line from a song : « I'm going crazy, I can't sleep / I'm too far, I'm too deep in love with you ».
23. Cher - I Found Someone (1987)
Some might be turned off by Cher's inclusion. "Why not Pat Benatar or Bonnie Tyler?" you might ask. Ugh! Cher outshines such lightweights. Just compare it to Laura Branigan's version of the same song, and you'll see what we mean. Cher is at the peak of her pseudo-metal prowess here; her resonant voice transforms this Michael Bolton composition from weak chicken soup into a rich beef stew.
A memorable line from a song : « I found someone who will relieve me of my heartache. ».
22. Kiss - Reason To Live (1987)
It's surprising that Kiss doesn't have more songs like this. Reason to Live, in their repertoire; Paul Stanley certainly has a first-class voice for power ballads (although, admittedly, on the song God of Thunder he is less expressive). Taken from the ultra-commercial album Crazy Nights , this song even climbed higher on the UK chart than in the US (No. 33 vs. No. 64). It hits the mark because it's simultaneously uplifting and heartbreaking. It builds and crashes down on the listener in equal measure.
A memorable line from a song : « I sailed through dark and endless nights / And survived ».
21. Skid Row - I Remember You (1989)
In this kitsch-filled tune, Sebastian Bach turns his "get the hell out of here!" image inside out. The lyrics read like an intimate love letter: you can almost hear Seb's tears spilling from his wide eyes and splashing onto the soggy, ink-stained pages.
A memorable line from a song : « I paint a picture of days gone by when love was blind and you tried to make me see ».
20. Peter Cetera - The Glory of Love (1986)
No list of power ballads would be complete without a mention of a knight in shining armor riding to the rescue of a maiden. Enter Cetera (former vocalist/bassist of the energetic band Chicago) on a horse with a belly full of sugar lumps… meaning both Pete and the horse. This cloyingly sweet song, a soundtrack to a martial arts film, is as cloying as Hi-Karate aftershave.
A memorable line from a song : « We will live forever knowing that together we did it all for the glory of love. ».
19. Bad English - When I See You Smile (1989)
Though largely forgotten these days, Bad English were once true stadium rockers who delivered with equal intensity and tenderness. Featuring vocalist John Waite (formerly of the Babys) and guitarist Neal Schon (Journey and Santana), the band is in top form on this delightful anthem, written—again—by Diane Warren.
A memorable line from a song : « What can the touch of your hand do? / It's incomparable to anything ».
18. Mister Mister - Broken Wings (1985)
No list of power ballads would be complete without mentioning Broken Wings. Unlike Ozzy Osbourne (see. Goodbye to Romance ), Mr. Mister went even further and made it the title of the song. Smooth and melodic, Broken Wings It also has a pulsating undertone that keeps it from becoming too sentimental and cloying.
A memorable line from a song : « You are the half of my flesh and blood that makes me whole.".
17. Mötley Crüe - Home Sweet Home (1985)
«Home Sweet Home» was the first album that allowed us to touch the soft white skin of Mötley Crüe. It's a typical story (in the spirit of «Beth »" by Kiss) about a battered rocker returning to his lover after months of touring. When Vince Neil yells, "« I'm on my way/I'm on my way-and-and »"," most listeners wave "Welcome Back" flags; the sensible minority rush to lock their doors.
A memorable line from a song : « Just take this song and you'll never feel/Left all alone ».
16. Foreigner - I Want To Know What Love Is (1984)
The song's ubiquity at the time of its release may have somewhat blunted its popularity today. However, «I Want To Know What Love Is »" still hovers like a bird of prey. And vocalist Lou Gramm relishes his role as the overlord of evil; by the song's end, he's alone, broken, betrayed, abandoned, distraught. An empty shell of a man. And he still has no idea what love is.
A memorable line from a song : « I've had sorrow and pain in my life / I don't know if I can go through it again ».
15. Asia - The Smile Has Gone From Your Eyes (1983)
Pomp, ceremony, and sentimentality combine beautifully in this heartfelt, slow-burning composition written by the late Asia vocalist and bassist John Wetton. The lyrics are full of self-pity (see below), but we all like to wallow in sadness, right?
A memorable line from a song : « I saw you standing hand in hand / And now you come to me, a lonely man ».
14. Velvet Revolver - Fall To Pieces (2004)
With this song, Velvet Revolver created a true 21st-century power ballad. Weiland's raspy, searing vocals, Slash's ringing guitar riff, and Duff's embrace make Fall to Pieces a fitting, slightly overly emotional modern classic.
A memorable line from a song : « I'm keeping a diary of memories / I'm lonely, I can't breathe »
13. Scorpions - Wind Of Change (1990)
Whistling is an underrated technique in this genre of music, and Scorpions exploit its potential to the fullest here. The album's central theme Wind of Change, It may be more political than romantic, but that doesn't diminish its passion.
Selected line (for Russian-speaking readers): "« Let your balalaika sing/What my guitar wants to say »
12. Night Ranger - Sister Christian (1984)
With consummate skill, Night Ranger restrain their rocker tendencies just enough to keep you on the edge of the pavement as this pantheon of power ballads zips past. (Indeed, it feels like a car race.) Sister Christian — it's a great combination of soft, mint-like moments and bravado that can crush anyone.
A memorable line from a song : « Are you driving?/What is your flight cost? »
11. Ozzy Osbourne - Mama, I'm Coming Home (1991)
Ozzy knows his way around a power ballad, but few have surpassed him. «"Mama I'm Coming Home"» , which features a delightfully kitschy solo from Zakk Wylde and tender words from Lemmy himself, who wrote no fewer than four songs on the album. «No More Tears »"But that final chorus...
A memorable line from a song : « I saw your face hundreds of times, every day, while we were apart ».
10. Bon Jovi - Always (1994)
Maybe an album Slippery When Wet cemented Bon Jovi's status as the stadium rock megastars you weren't supposed to like, but perhaps it was the truly epic album Always 1993 gave the New Jersey heroes their defining power ballad. Originally written for the 1993 crime thriller «Romeo Is Bleeding» , Jon Bon Jovi kept the song for himself after a preview of the film left him feeling somewhat disappointed. Instead, it was released the following year on a greatest hits compilation. Cross Road — and, as it turns out, it didn't hurt the song at all. Their most banal hit? Almost certainly. Their most extravagant, knee-deep, chest-clutching song? We think so.
A memorable line : « I can't sing love songs / The way it's supposed to be / Well, I guess I'm not that good anymore / But baby, that's just me ».
9. Def Leppard — Love Bites
This song, originally included on Def Leppard's triumphant album «Hysteria» , appeared in the same year as «Is This Love» by Whitesnake. Both songs were clearly aimed at the American market, where power ballads are most popular. This move paid off: «Love Bites» reached number one in the US after its release as a single in the summer of 1988.
Producer Robert John "Mutt" Lange got Joe Elliott to deliver a stunning vocal performance on the song. «Love Bites» . The paranoia in the opening lines is palpable: "When you make love, do you look in the mirror? Who do you think of? Does he look like me?" The dialogue-driven chorus is flawless. And, ingeniously and unusually, the song ends on a somber note: when love bites, Elliott warns, "« it will be hell »"Don't even think about it. We still have teeth marks.
Selecting song lyrics : see above
8. Reo Speedwagon - Can't Fight This Feeling (1984)
In all honesty, we could have included any of several contenders from REO Speedwagon on the list. Like Keep on Loving You to infinity, Can't Fight This Feeling Pushes all the right buttons on the power ballad machine… and serves hot chocolate with six spoons of sugar and a Cadbury's Flake bar on top. As sweet and sticky as you like. Vocalist Kevin Cronin sounds a little sentimental, but who cares—we're not talking about extreme deathcore.
A memorable line from a song : « My life has been a whirlwind since I saw you/I'm going round in circles in my mind ».
7. Whitesnake - Is This Love (1987)
A powerful ballad with a touch of pathos. This masterpiece from the Whitesnake album 1987 starts slow and pulsating, with David Coverdale's vibrato ("« I should have been more careful than letting you all go. »") is strangely haunting. Like the bulge in Dave's pants, this song just grows and grows. By the end, he has an erection so big he could ride one of the scariest rides at Disneyland without his parents. Still, «Is This Love» More sentimental than vulgar. And that repeated "tinkle-tinkle" phrase on the keyboard is genius.
A memorable line from a song : « I need you to be here/To tell me it's okay/'Cause I don't think I can take it anymore ».
6. Heart - Loneliness (1987)
This song was written by Billy Steinberg and Tom Kelly, who later created «Eternal Flame» , a ballad hit by The Bangles. For the album "Heart," the songwriters made a key lyric change from the original version.« Alone» . They changed the chorus line "I always fared well on my own" to "Til now, I always got by on my own" - much more emotional.
This stunning song reached number one in the US and number three in the UK. Ann Wilson's voice soars as she tells the story of a confirmed loner who suddenly finds true love. But there's a catch:« The secret still belongs to me »" (In other words, whoever he is, he is unaware of her feelings.) Giving the title a double meaning, Anne later asks: "« How can I be alone with you? »"What a fantastic song!
A memorable line from a song : « I didn't care until I met you / And now I'm shaking ».
5. Meat Loaf - Two Out Of Three Ain't Bad (1978)
Much of Meat Loaf's work is too theatrical to be considered here. In this genre, restraint, brimming with sentimentality, is as important as bold outpourings of emotion. But in song Two Out of Three Ain't Bad Loaf nails it. His shaky voice sounds 100% sincere, and he delivers Jim Steinman's blazing lyrics like he's got a gun to his head. But then again, there's an interesting twist: despite all his complaints about wanting and needing her, Meat says he'll never love her. Hence the song's title.
A memorable line from a song : « You've been cold to me for so long/I cry icicles instead of tears ».
4. Guns N' Roses - November Rain (1991)
In the song November Rain Guns N' Roses struck a delicate balance: beautiful without being saccharine, full of suffering without being deadly. Beyond urging his enemies to enter the ring, Axl Rose was a master at penning touching, romantic lyrics. When the rest of GN'R finally embraced his vision, and thanks to one of those guitar solos from Slash, Axl's song ebbs and flows, dodges and dives… It's as sad and fragile as holding a dead bird. (Remember the video from Stephanie Seymour's funeral? Blah blah blah!)
A memorable line from a song : « It's hard to hold a candle/In the cold November rain »
3. Journey - Open Arms (1982)
In the US, Journey were the undisputed sultans of this musical marathon (the song reached number 2 there). But with typical British reserve, we had a hard time accepting a band that promoted so much love, touch, and tenderness among its fans. Open Arms songs has a common theme with our two chart-toppers: its sentimentality is offset by piercing, heartbreaking vocals (in this case, performed by the incomparable Steve Perry).
A memorable line from a song : « We sailed together/We drifted apart/And now you're next to me ».
2. Poison - Every Rose Has Its Thorn (1989)
Previously, the group Poison did not show any signs of mental weakness (remember at least Talk Dirty To Me ?), so when they released the fragile EveryRose Has Its Thorn, It shocked everyone. This poignant composition is undoubtedly the finest hour for vocalist Bret Michaels. His tearful delivery (and especially his pronunciation of "cowboy" as "kee-ar-b-hoy") elevates this sad song to the pinnacle of power ballads. Even the bad boys with big hair are bluesy.
A memorable line from a song : « Instead of making love... we went our separate ways ».
1. Aerosmith - I Don't Want To Miss A Thing (1998)
Aerosmith experimented with the power ballad formula back in 1973 with a light and airy composition Dream On . 25 years later, thanks to a collaboration with composer Diane Warren and participation in the film «"Armageddon" by I Don't Want to Miss a Thing reached number one in the US and number four in the UK.
It's a piercing, epic composition, featuring one of Steven Tyler's most passionate performances yet. He takes what is essentially a weak song and transforms it into a work of soul-stirring grandeur through wild vocal pyrotechnics.« Forever, forever… and FOREVER! »"). Ms. Warren—who is more in the league of Celine Dion and Whitney Houston—must have been stunned by this interpretation of her song. Literally, "Boyz from Boston" transformed a chaste romantic novel into a passionate love story.
A memorable line from a song : « Because even when I dream about you, even the sweetest dream won't help ».