One of my favorite forms of music from the 80's was the rise of "Power Ballads". How do you define a PB? Well, I guess it would vary from person to person, but for me, the most popular ones came from bands that were typically hard rocking bands that used the elements of their hard rock formula and plugged them in with what could maybe be defined as soft rock lyrics. Guitars were unplugged in some cases, or they were for at least parts of songs. The rock feel was still there with an underlying theme of love, heartbreak and/or a sense of loss. The "power ballad" wasn't exclusive only to hard rock bands, but these hard rock and/or hair metal bands did seem to do them very well. By the mid to late 80's, it seemed that every hard rock and glam metal band had at least one or two of these on each album. To me, the emotions in some PBs was awesome. I've always been connected to the power ballads. Listening to them now brings back fond memories of good times as well as a reminder of what might-have-beens if only different choices been made during the course of life. The roots of the power ballad are not exclusive to the 80's, but the 80's was definitely the time when there seemed to be the biggest and brightest times for the PB. They could easily be traced back to the 70's with songs like Love Hurts, Lady, Babe, Because the Night, (too many to list). Anyway, I'd like to start an appreciation thread of 80's Power Ballads (which can easily touch into the early 90's as well). If you enjoy these tunes, by all means PLEASE share your favorite lists, videos, lyrics, etc. Here are a few of my favorites to start things off: Steelheart - She's Gone Saigon Kick - Love Is On the Way Scorpions - Still Loving You Cinderella - Don't Know What You Got (Till It's Gone) Dokken - Alone Again Motley Crue - Home Sweet Home
A few more of my faves! Scorpions - Send Me An Angel Lita Ford (w/ Ozzy) - Close My Eyes Forever Cinderella - Nobody's Fool Def Leppard - Love Bites Warrant - Heaven Winger - Miles Away Sheriff - When I'm With You Winger - Headed For A Heartbreak OH yes, and one for Tricky! Cheap Trick - The Flame
Indeed man! I have to hold myself back here now, cuz I could just keep on posting tunes and vids. Some of my all-time favorite music to chill to.
I'm not sure if this song is really considered a power ballad or not, but if it's not, it's damn close Queensryche - The Lady Wore Black (this is a live version, but a really kickass version)
