Extra points for writer Jonathan Cain’s oft-told story that Prince asked him permission to use the same chord progression in ‘Purple Rain’.True to form, The Cars added a bit of cerebral intrigue to their classic power ballad; this one’s really about the singer’s attraction to a self-destructive woman. 1. It's been played a squajillion times on the radio since it came out in 1971, and it doesn't show any signs of going away – much to the chagrin of Robert Plant who has repeatedly said that some of the lyrics make him squirm. Meat Loaf - 'I'd Do Anything for Love (But I Won't Do That)' It doesn't get more epic than this. Thumping keyboards, tortured vocals, and the biggest chorus in Christendom. Choice lyric: ‘I can’t live/If living is without you’ Please refresh the page and try again.Louder is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. © Copyright 2020 Rolling Stone, LLC, a subsidiary of Penske Business Media, LLC. That’s because if certain Let us know what you think of our selection. © Watch clips from the winners, including Prince, Pearl Jam, Marvin Gaye and Led ZeppelinLast week we asked our readers to vote for their favorite ballad or slow jam of all time. It went to #1 on pop charts around the world. Their one ballad hit is a bit of an oddity, however, since Wetton sounds like he’s doing his best to be Greg Lake. 'Useful Idiots' With Alex Morse, Mayor of Holyoke, Massachusetts The lush soundscape (thanks to co-producer Mutt Lange) is darkly seductive, while the song proves what a great singer Ben Orr was – and what the best power ballads are made of.Plenty of classic songs have been reinvented as power ballads, but this is one of the rare cases where the grandiose arena-rock version gets to the heart of the song better than the understated original (by no less than The Everly Brothers, in this case).It took most of their career for the prog kings to get around to a classic-model power ballad, but they nailed it on this one, with Jon Anderson’s unusually straightforward lyrics getting an assist from some of the loveliest late-period Yes harmonies.This soulful gem might have topped our list if only it had become a monster hit, which is usually a requisite for the best power ballads. Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury,

Too many “hair bands” have been left off of this list, to the detriment of this list! This … Not a lot of people know that.

In the meantime, grab hold of that lighter and hold it proudly aloft.If you’re only familiar with Harry Nilsson’s version of this band’s song, prepare to be amazed. The song doesn’t even need its great chorus, that “change this looonely life” delivery is enough of a payoff.In the middle of a two albums full of outlaw rock, Axl Rose tapped into his sensitive side. 1 for 10 weeks (2011) What … Hyper-emotional? 100 Greatest Rock Ballads. What more do you wanna know? Jump ahead a decade with the best 2000s ballads or take a look at the best ballads of all time. Looking for more of these love songs? Top 50 'Love' Songs of All Time PHOTOS: Pop Star Hookups & Breakups 20 Best Love Songs By Real Couples | 30 Biggest Break-Up Songs. Her name was actually Christy, but making it Christian added to the song’s mythos. Let It Be - Beatles 4. Madonna is such an underrated and underestimated ballad artist. In short: it’s a ballad with power. During the HOLY SHIT!!! Last week we asked our readers to vote for their favorite ballad or slow jam of all time. So it makes perfect sense that Lake really did sing the song, when he briefly took Wetton’s place in the band in 1983.At over 12 minutes, this is as “over the top” as it gets, with the grandiosity and wordplay that’s a trademark collaboration between Yes, there are some far more obvious Journey songs we could pick, but ‘Faithfully’ has one of Steve Perry’s most effective vocals, plus a touching lyric about trying to keep love alive when you’re a rocker on the road. In its purest, most drenched? If you’re only familiar with Harry Nilsson’s version of this band’s song, prepare to be amazed. Unchained Melody - Righteous Brothers 6. "We Found Love" - Rihanna feat.