Melodic Rock came into prominence in the glam 80s. The AOR scene is often associated with melodic rock bands. This article brings to light a comprehensive list of the best melodic rock songs.

While the AOR scene started to find the light in the late 70s, it was the dawn of the 80s that sprung a plethora of pathways for stadium acts. Melodic rock is often used as an umbrella term to describe melodically structured rock songs in various rock genres. With technological breakthroughs, the sound of rock bands evolved in a new direction in the 80s. New studio recording techniques emerged in the 80s adding new dimension to sound.

How Melodic Rock Came into Prominence

Album Oriented Rock which sprung forth from the progressive scene in the 70s became an excessively popular format in the 80s and 90s. FM radio stations promoted album tracks of rock bands and solo artists in a big way. The sophisticated and polished rock sounds that emerged in the early 80s contributed significantly towards the popularity of AOR formats.

Many rock bands in the 80s added aesthetic value to melody through musical interplay.

The melodic aspect in rock songs in the 80s and 90s was resurrected to dizzy heights propelled by sublime guitar solos in songs. Acoustic guitar intros in songs became hugely popular with hair metal bands. A number of rock bands incorporated melodic rock in their musical styles and helped shape new rock genres.

Melodic Rock and its associated Formats

Melodic rock is often associated with formats such as rock ballads, soft rock, slow rock, classic rock and power ballads. Aside from playing singles, radio stations also started promoting longer tracks from rock albums thereby contributing towards increased album sales of bands rather than just compilation album sales. Melodic rock songs are associated with passion and nostalgia, and it all makes perfect sense when you get down to listening to your favourite tracks.

Many rock bands in the 80s and 90s gained prominence because of airplay on radio stations. Also, music television stations, MTV in particular helped bands reach a new level, thanks to their various segments featuring classic rock and melodic rock. Aside from bands in the US and UK, a large number of bands from Europe emerged bringing a new sound in melodic rock. The power metal genre drew heavily from melodic rock weaving an ethereal sound.

While melodic rock has been prevalent since the emergence of rock, it was the 80s that generically brought about the true essence and meaning of the format. Melodic rock songs of the 70s, 80s and 90s have inspired a new breed of musicians. Melodic rock can only get bigger and find a larger audience in the years ahead. Long live melodic rock!

The space below showcases an epic list of Melodic rock songs

100 Greatest Melodic Rock Songs

1. Dust In The Wind- Kansas
2. I’ll Be There for You- Bon Jovi
3. Africa- Toto
4. Here I Go Again- Whitesnake
5. This Could Be The Night- Loverboy
6. Don’t Stop Believing- Journey
7. Future World- Helloween
8. Waiting For Love- Alias
9. I’ll Be Over You- Toto
10. More Than A Feeling- Boston
11. Turn Up The Radio- Autograph
12. Little Lies- Fleetwood Mac
13. When The Heart Rules The Mind- GTR
14. Alone- Heart
15. Dreamer- Europe
16. Soldier of Fortune- Deep Purple
17. Sister Christian- Night Ranger
18. Hysteria- Def Leppard
19. Talk To Me- Stevie Nicks
20. Forever- Kiss
21. Love Hurts- Nazareth
22. Babe- Styx
23. Innocent Days- Giant
24. Keep On Loving You- REO Speedwagon
25. Silent Lucidity- Queensryche
26. Waiting For A Girl Like You- Foreigner
27. The Flame- Cheap Trick
28. Too High To Fly- Dokken
29. Is This Love- Whitesnake
30. Don’t Know What You Got (Till It’s Gone)
31. I Love You- Saigon Kick
32. Every Rose Has It’s Thorn- Poison
33. Goodbye To Romance- Ozzy Osbourne
34. Temple of The King- Rainbow
35. Carrie- Europe
36. All By Myself- Eric Carmen
37. I Remember You- Skid Row
38. Love Song- Tesla
39. I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing- Aerosmith
40. Born To Lose-UFO
41. Without you- Badfinger
42. Heaven- Warrant
43. She’s Gone- Steelheart
44. I Believe In You- Y&T
45. Love Of A Lifetime- Firehouse
46. Silence Is Broken- Damn Yankees
47. Always Gonna Love You- Gary Moore
48. Still Loving You- Scorpions
49. Never Say Goodbye- Bon Jovi
50. Still In Love With You- Thin Lizzy
51. Second Chance- 38 Special
52. July Morning- Uriah Heep
53. Iris- Goo Goo Dolls
54. When I See You Smile- Bad English
55. Miles Away- Winger
56. When I’m With You- Sheriff
57. Love Bites- Def Leppard
58. Can’t Stop Loving You- Van Halen
59. Fly To The Angels- Slaughter
60. Faithfully- Journey
61. I’ll Never let you Go (Angel Eyes)- Steelheart
62. The Smile Has Left Your Eyes- Asia
63. It’s a Heartache- Bonnie Tyler
64. When I Look Into Your Eyes- Firehouse
65. Sweet Child O’ Mine- Guns N’ Roses
66. Hazard- Richard Marx
67. Endless Rain- X Japan
68. November Rain- Guns N’ Roses
69. When The Children Cry- White Lion
70. Can’t Fight This Feeling- REO Speedwagon
71. Poison- Alice Cooper
72. Ready For Love- Bad Company
73. Dream On- Aerosmith
74. Close My Eyes Forever- Lita Ford and Ozzy Osbourne
75. Farewell To You- White Lion
76. Still Got The Blues- Gary Moore
77. I Live My Life For You- Firehouse
78. The Price- Twisted Sister
79. I Want To Know What Love Is- Foreigner
80. High Enough- Damn Yankees
81. Angie- The Rolling Stones
82. Feel Like Making Love- Bad Company
83. Mere Than Words- Extreme
84. 18 and Life- Skid Row
85. Save Your Love- Great White
86. I’d Do Anything For Love (But I Won’t Do That)- Meat Loaf
87. Angelia- Richard Marx
88. Don’t Close Your Eyes- Kix
89. Come Sail Away- Styx
90. Love Walks In- Van Halen
91. Angel Eyes- Jeff Healey Band
92. Home Sweet Home- Motley Crue
93. Patience- Guns N’ Roses
94. Rainbow Eyes- Rainbow
95. Wish You Were Here- Pink Floyd
96. You And Me- Lifehouse
97. Saigon Kick- Love Is On The Way
98. Beth- Kiss
99. Only Women Bleed- Alice Cooper
100. Honestly- Stryper

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