Some classic rock ballads just stand the test of time, like the following four beautiful tunes from 1970 that many a baby boomer might still remember. Let’s get a bit nostalgic with these pop-rock and hard rock hits, shall we?
“Hey, Hey, What Can I Do” by Led Zeppelin
This country-flavored rock ballad was famously the B-side to Led Zeppelin’s career-defining track, “Immigrant Song”. But it’s definitely good enough to stand on its own. “Hey, Hey, What Can I Do” by Led Zeppelin is a ballad best remembered for its iconic introduction, and Jimmy Page really delivers on the six-string and 12-string.
Videos by American Songwriter
“Shady Lady” by Gene Pitney
Remember this little rock ballad from Gene Pitney? “Shady Lady” was written by Bo Gentry and Tony Lordi (best known for The Bel Aires) and produced by Gentry himself. Gene Pitney turned the song into a hit in the UK, where it peaked at No. 29. Surprisingly, this lovely ballad didn’t quite make it to the US charts.
“Your Song” by Elton John from ‘Elton John’
Anyone who was upright and conscious in the year 1970 likely heard this song. “Your Song” by Elton John was everywhere you’d hear pop or rock music. In fact, this traditional pop song with some soft rock flavor was John’s first international Top 10 hit. “Your Song” reached No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and No. 7 on the UK Singles chart. And it’s the kind of rock ballad you just can’t forget, especially if you’re a fan of John and the kind of tender ballads Paul McCartney would often dish out.
“The Long And Winding Road” by The Beatles from ‘Let It Be’
Speaking of Paul McCartney, this Beatles ballad was composed by Macca himself while enjoying his farm in Scotland. This entry on our list of baby boomer ballads from 1970 is a gorgeous arrangement of orchestral soul and pop-rock, very clearly inspired by the natural Highlands and lochs and mountains of the country where McCartney’s farm stood. “The Long And Winding Road” resonated with listeners, too, and peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1970.
Photo by Robin Platzer/Getty Images
More The List
-
American singer, songwriter and pianist Ray Charles (1930-2004) performs on stage during the recording of a television show for the BBC2 channel at BBC Television Centre in London in September 1968. (Photo by David Redfern/Redferns) -
UNSPECIFIED – MARCH 05: NASHVILLE CONVENTION CENTER Photo of Brad PAISLEY, Brad Paisley performing on stage at the 39th annual Country Radio Seminar (Photo by Beth Gwinn/Redferns) -
Dolly Parton actress dbase msi. (Photo by Peter Stuart/Mirrorpix/Getty Images) -
The band 'Poison' celebrating their album going platinum at a party at the London Club in Hollywood, June 10th 1988. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images) -
Photo by Dave Hogan/Getty Images -
Elvis Presley and Scotty Moore (left) performing on The Milton Berle Show at NBC's Hollywood studio, Los Angeles, California, 5th June 1956. Presley performed 'I Want You, I Need You, I Love You' and 'Hound Dog'. Press reaction to his performance was largely negative with his gyrating movements during 'Hound Dog' proving particularly controversial. (Photo by Bettmann Archive/Getty Images) -
The Beatles by John Lennon's car after he passed his test – 15th February 1965. L-R George Harrison, John Lennon (in car), Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr. (Photo by Eyles/Daily Herald/Mirrorpix via Getty Images)
