Since rock music came into prominence melodic ballads have become exceedingly popular. Dwell in a detailed perspective of the best rock ballads.

Ballads have become an integral part of rock music. Over the years many bands and artists have composed ballads that have touched hearts. A ballad is a song often written in a lyrical-poetic style. Ballads weave words into a story that captivates listeners. Although balladry is associated with romance… other themes such as death, jilt, breakup, and loneliness are popular in the realms of rock music. While rock bands of the 60s and 70s that made ballads a global phenomenon, it was bands of the 80s and 90s that took balladry to a whole new level.

 

Rock ballads are exceedingly popular with listeners globally because they evoke a feeling of nostalgia. Ballads are reflective pieces of music that help listeners cherish moments on an emotional level. The style and format of a ballad composed may differ in accordance with the signature style of a band or artist. Rock ballads have heartfelt warmth that instantaneously connects with listeners. Listeners are able to subconsciously hum tunes of ballads… as the lyrics and instrumentation in these types of songs aesthetically complement each other. The lyrical aspect in ballads is of utmost importance, an entire story is told with few lines in a ballad.

Over the years the use of acoustic instruments is exceedingly popular in ballads. The use of piano and acoustic guitar in many rock ballads is testimony to the fact that acoustic instruments add textural feel to composition taking it to a whole new level. The slow tempos of rock ballads have become popular at weddings and prom parties during the slow dance session. While rock ballads in the 60s and 70s were softer tones, the 80s and 90s brought a raw edgier sound that made way for power ballads. The soft-silken texture of rock ballads has changed over the years, however what remains intact in rock ballads of yesteryears and present years is warmth, heart, and soul.

Every decade in music has had memorable rock ballads. The list below showcases the best rock ballads from different decades.

100 Greatest Rock Ballads

1. Tears in Heaven- Eric Clapton
2. Imagine- John Lennon
3. Love Hurts- Nazareth
4. Faithfully- Journey
5. Yesterday- The Beatles
6. Drive- The Cars
7. More Than Words- Extreme
8. Behind Blue Eyes- The Who
9. (Everything I Do) I Do It For You
10. Hard To Say I’m Sorry- Chicago
11. When the Smoke Is Going Down- Scorpions
12. Right Here Waiting- Richard Marx
13. Wild Horses- The Rolling Stones
14. Dust In The Wind- Kansas
15. Still Loving You- Scorpions
16. Knights In White Satin- The Moody Blues
17. Desperado- The Eagles
18. I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing- Aerosmith
19. Waiting For A Girl Like You- Foreigner
20. Wicked Game- Chris Isaak
21. Babe- Styx
22. She- Elvis Costello
23. Is This Love- Whitesnake
24. I Live My Life For You- Firehouse
25. Always- Bon Jovi
26. Ready For Love- Bad Company
27. November Rain- Guns N Roses
28. Iris- Goo Goo Dolls
29. I Remember You- Skid Row
30. Still Got The Blues (For You)- Gary Moore
31. Dream On- Aerosmith
32. With Or Without You- U2
33. Free Bird- Lynyrd Skynyrd
34. Save Your Love- Great White
35. Love Bites- Def Leppard
36. Wonderful Tonight- Eric Clapton
37. When The Children Cry- White Lion
38. More Than A Feeling- Boston
39. I Want to Know What Love Is- Foreigner
40. She’s Gone- Steelheart
41. Love Is On The Way- Saigon Kick
42. Soldier of Fortune- Deep Purple
43. Africa- Toto
44. When It’s Love- Van Halen
45. Heaven In Your Eyes- Loverboy
46. The Scientist- Coldplay
47. Carrie- Europe
48. Every Rose Has It’s Thorn- Poison
49. Keep On Loving You- REO Speedwagon
50. Beth- Kiss
51. Heaven- Warrant
52. Goodbye to Romance- Ozzy Osbourne
53. To Be With You- Mr. Big
54. Have You Ever Really Loved A Woman- Bryan Adams
55. Silent Lucidity- Queensryche
56. Don’t Know What You Got (Til It’s Gone)
57. Love Song- Tesla
58. All By Myself- Eric Carmen
59. Only Women Bleed- Alice Cooper
60. When I See You Smile- Bad English
61. More Than Words Can Say- Alias
62. Heaven- Bryan Adams
63. Changes- Black Sabbath
64. Broken Wings- Mr Mister
65. I’ll See You In My Dreams- Giant
66. How Much I Feel- Ambrosia
67. I’ll Stand By You- The Pretenders
68. The Flame- Cheap Trick
69. Open Arms- Journey
70. Fly To The Angels- Slaughter
71. (Can’t Live Without Your) Love and Affection
72. Missing You- John Waite
73. Before The Dawn- Judas Priest
74. Alone- Heart
75. When I’m With You- Sheriff
76. Come Sail Away- Styx
77. Honesty- Billy Joel
78. Sometimes When We Touch- Dan Hill
79. The Ballad of Jayne- L.A. Guns
80. Black Velvet- Alannah Myles
81. All Of My Love- Led Zeppelin
82. I’m Not In Love- 10 CC
83. Without You- Bad Finger
84. The Price- Twisted Sister
85. Home Sweet Home- Motley Crue
86. The Smile Has Left Your Eyes- Asia
87. High Hopes- Pink Floyd
88. Don’t Close Your- Eyes
89. It’s A Heartache- Bonnie Tyler
90. Patience- Guns N Roses
91. Melissa- Allman Brothers Band
92. Baby I Love Your Way- Peter Frampton
93. The Day That I Met You- Lillian Axe
94. Miles Away- Winger
95. Another Day- Dream Theater
96. Love of My Live- Queen
97. Bed of Roses- Bon Jovi
98. Sister Christian- Night Ranger  
99. Honestly- Stryper
100. Close Your Eyes Forever- Ozzy Osbourne and Lita Ford

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