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!

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