Look, man, I get it. Power ballads are cheesy, sappy, and outright lame, right? At least, that’s what we say when our metalhead friends are around. Like you, there’s no way I have ever in my life cranked one of those bangers about deep emotions up to 11 and sang along like there was no tomorrow. No, sir. It’s all heavy all the time over here.
Videos by American Songwriter
However, if I were forced to listen to a power ballad (because that’s totally the only way it’d happen, am I right fellas?), it would need to be something extraordinary. The song would need killer guitar solos and big vocals. More than anything, it would need to come from somewhere other than some hair metal outfit. I guess what I’m saying here is, hear me out.
1. “Wanted Dead or Alive” by Bon Jovi
Let’s start slow. Bon Jovi were pretty much the kings of power ballads. I could have picked one of half a dozen of their songs to add to this list, but “Wanted Dead or Alive” is the coolest. In the lyrics, Jon Bon Jovi draws a parallel between Old West outlaws and touring musicians. And, come on, that chorus is awesome. You have to admit it.
Even if the lyrics aren’t your thing, Richie Sambora was one of the best guitarists of the 1980s, and he really shines here. Between the acoustic parts that make up the first half of the song and the mean solo he plays near the end, he shows some serious range and chops.
2. “November Rain” by Guns N’ Roses
You can say you don’t like power ballads, and I could buy it. But, don’t lie and say you don’t like “November Rain.” Guns N’ Roses released it as a single from Use Your Illusion I in 1991. However, Axl Rose wrote the song before they released Appetite for Destruction. It’s really hard to think of a better song about heartache and unrequited love.
If that doesn’t do it for you, no one can claim that Slash didn’t put in some serious work on this track. The shot of him shredding atop Rose’s piano might be one of the most iconic moments in music video history. That’s fitting, too, because it’s a legendary solo.
3. “Cemetery Gates” by Pantera
Yes, one of Pantera’s best-known songs is a power ballad. It just happens to have a little more bite than the ones released by the likes of GNR and Bon Jovi. “Cemetery Gates” gave Phil Anselmo room to show off his vocal range. While he slips into the usual gruff delivery throughout the song, he also flexes his clean singing skills. It also saw him dealing with heavy topics like death, grief, and suicide.
Beyond the impressive and vulnerable lyricism and vocal delivery, “Cemetery Gates” features some of Dimebag Darrell’s best work. The main riff is right up there with the ones from “Walk” or “Cowboys from Hell.” The solos he cranks out throughout the track are the stuff of legends. Power ballad or not, this song is hard not to like.
4. “Still Loving You” by Scorpions
A ton of hard rock bands rose to fame between the 1960s and the 1980s, and Scorpions were among the coolest. Over the course of a few decades, they proved they could do just about anything, but were experts at slow-burning power ballads like “Still Loving You” and “Winds of Change.”
The lyrics tell a story as old as time. A relationship ends, and one person is still deeply in love, begging for another chance. It’s something that everyone who has been through a hard breakup can relate to. On top of that, the guitar work, the slow build, and Klaus Meine’s emotional vocal delivery come together to create hard rock perfection.
Featured Image by Carlos Santiago/Eyepix Group/Shutterstock
Leave a Reply
Only members can comment. Become a member. Already a member? Log in.