The 80s and 90s were important decades in music history. Some of the best acoustic rock ballads and power ballads performed by bands and artists came in this era. Here’s a list of the best from that glam age of music.
The 80s and 90s were important decades in music history. Some of the best acoustic rock ballads and power ballads performed by bands and artists came in this era. Here’s a list of the best from that glam age of music.
AOR (Album-Oriented Rock) format became increasingly popular in the 80s and 90s. Balladry in songs reached a new level. Acoustic guitar interspersed with loud strains of electric guitars, bass, drums and keyboards gave acoustic rock ballads new meaning. Glam metal and hair metal bands ruled supreme.
Passion driven guitar solos alongside gut wrenching raspy high-pitched vocals in power ballads stamped their authority in the magical 80s and 90.
Every album released by a rock band or artist during this period had slow songs which had untamed raw power. The sheer intensity and delivery of vocalists from bands in the 80s and 90s took emotional quotient to higher ground. Screaming melodic guitar solos in acoustic rock ballads accompanied by shrill high pitched vocal harmonies was manna for the ears. Power ballads released by bands and artists made their way on music charts.
Hair bands received formidable airplay on music channel MTV in the 80s and 90s. Record companies released compilations of ballads that disappeared off counters like hot cakes. Just when it seemed the magical madness would never end, without warning the hard edged sound and lyrical balladry disappeared, making way for a heavier grunge and alternative sound. Few hair bands managed to survive the grunge onslaught. Post 2000 many bands from the 80s and 90s have made a comeback with new albums and reunion concerts. This list is a trip down memory lane. Relive the momentous times gone by.
1. Skid Row- I Remember You
2. Whitesnake- Is This Love
3. Poison- Every Rose Has Its Thorn
4. Mr. Big- To Be with You
5. Queensryche- Silent Lucidity
6. Europe- Carrie
7. Motley Crue- You’re All I Need
8. White Lion- When the Children Cry
9. Steelheart- She’s Gone
10. Scorpions- Still Loving You
11. Warrant- Heaven
12. Winger- Miles Away
13. Loverboy- Heaven in Your Eyes
14. Great White- Save Your Love
15. Bad English- When I see You Smile
16. Extreme- More Than Words
17. Damn Yankees- High Enough
18. Firehouse- When I Look Into Your Eyes
19. Kix- Don’t Close Your Eyes
20. Saigon Kick- Love Is On The Way
21. Stryper- Honestly
22. Ozzy Osbourne- Mama, I’m Coming Home
23. Slaughter- Fly To The Angels
24. Van Halen- When It’s Love
25. Kingdome Come- What Love Can Be
26. Journey- Open Arms
27. Foreigner- I Want To Know What Love Is
28. Tesla- Love Song
29. Kiss- Forever
30. Cinderella- Don’t Know What You Got (Till It’s Gone)
31. Def Leppard- Love Bites
32. Steelheart- I’ll Never Let You Go (Angel Eyes)
33. Boston- Amanda
34. Dokken- Alone Again
35. Giant- I’ll See You in My Dreams
36. MSG (McAuley Schenker Group) - Anytime
37. L.A. Guns- The Ballad Of Jayne
38. Night Ranger- Goodbye
39. Cinderella- Heartbreak Station
40. Winger- Headed For a Heartbreak
41. Bon Jovi- I’ll Be There for You
42. Alias- More Than Words Can Say (I Need You Now)
43. Firehouse- Love Of A Lifetime
44. Ennuf Z’ Nuff- Fly High Michelle
45. Sheriff- When I’m With You
46. Faster Pussycat- House of Pain
47. Cheap Trick- The Flame
48. Great White- The Angel Song
49. REO Speedwagon- Can’t Fight This Feeling
50. Styx- Show Me The Way
51. Bad Company- If You Needed Somebody
52. Trixter- Surrender
53. Nelson- (Can’t Live Without Your) Love And Affection
54. Bon Jovi- Always
55. Journey- Faithfully
56. Night Ranger- Sister Christian
57. Eric Clapton- Tears In Heaven
58. XYZ- What Keeps Me Loving You
59. Firehouse- I Live my Life For You
60. Guns N' Roses- Patience
61. Motley Crue-Without You
62. Ratt- Givin' Yourself Away
63. Danger Danger- Don't Walk Away
64. Warrant- Sometimes She Cries
65. REO Speedwagon- Keep On Loving You
66. Loudness- Lost Without Your Love
67. Heloween- A Tale That Wasn't Right
68. Bon Jovi- Bed Of Roses
69. Nazareth- Dream On
70. Scorpions- Wind Of Change
71. Aerosmith- Angel
72. Survivor- The Search Is Over
73. Manowar- Heart Of Steel
74. Little Ceaser- In Your Arms
75. Iron Maiden- Wasting Love
76. April Wine- Just Between You and Me
77. Krokus- Screaming In The Night
78. Bruce Dickenson- Tears Of a Dragon
79. Vandenberg- Burning Heart
80. Lita Ford and Ozzy Osbourne- Close My Eyes Forever
81. Mr. Big- Just Take My Heart
82. Vixen- Love Is a Killer
83. Motley Crue- Home Sweet Home
84. Lillian Axe- The Day That I Met You
85. Tangier- On The Line
86. Danger Danger- I Still Think About You
87. House Of Lords- What's Forever
88. Slaughter- Days Gone By
89. Sleez Beez- I Don't Want To Live Without You
90. XYZ- When I Find Love
91. Tyketto- Standing Alone
92. Bon Jovi- Never Say Goodbye
93. Damn Yankees- Where you Goin' Now
94. W.A.S.P. - Forever Free
95. Nelson- Only Time Will Tell
96. Keel- Tears Of Fire
97. Vinnie Vincent Invasion- Love Kills
98. MSG (McAuley Schenker Group) - Never Ending Nightmare
99. House OF Lords- Remember My Name
100. Britny Fox- Save The Weak
The above mentioned power ballads and acoustic rock ballads are some of the best from the 80s and 90. There were many monster hits that did not make it to this list. Picking just 100 was a painstakingly difficult task. Feel free to mention songs by bands or artists you feel should have been included. This list is not the end, it’s just the beginning, help it grow. Here’s hoping the lost days of melodic ballads make a comeback! Cheers! Spread the Music!
Other articles by Realityspeaks
100 Greatest Female Guitar Players
100 Greatest High Pitched Rock Vocalists and Metal Vocalists
100 Greatest Metal Love Songs and Metal Ballads
The 60s and 70s were memorable decades in the Hindi film industry. Here’s an epic showcase of the best Bollywood movies of the 60s and 70s.
The 80s and 90s were awe inspiring decades for romanticism and lyrics in various genres. Dwell in an epic list of rock love songs from that unforgettable era.
Lyrics with character and soul connect instantly with listeners. This article showcases a list of meaningful rock songs with thought provoking lyrics.