Unexpected musical partnerships that rocked the charts
Starship were hardly a household name when they released this epic ballad in 1987, but it topped charts around the world. The song's appearance on the soundtrack of romantic comedy 'Mannequin' helped drive its success.
This song had already been released twice by different artists by the time Heart scored a hit with it in 1987. But it's this version, with its synth-led chorus and slow-build vocals, that everybody loves to sing along to.
One of the most anthemic breakup songs of all time, Phil Collins apparently wrote this song about the end of his marriage. It was written for the 1984 soundtrack to the film of the same name, but the song is more memorable than the movie.
Although it had moderate success on its release, this 1981 belter might have slipped into relative obscurity were it not for a cover by the cast of the TV show 'Glee.' Its 2010 re-release was a hit, and, with its killer keyboard riffs, this power ballad is now considered a classic.
Written by Meatloaf collaborator Jim Steinman and previously released by girl group Pandora's Box, this soaring single was apparently inspired by the classic novel 'Wuthering Heights.' Dion did great justice to the soulful song with her hit 1996 version.
Guns N' Roses really know how to pull on the heart strings when they hold back on the screeching guitars. Written by singer Axl Rose, the 1992 tearjerker was a hit worldwide.
Going through a breakup? Here's Tina Turner to help see you through the pain. Crank up the vocals and sing your heart out to her 1989 classic power-pop ballad.
Canadian rock band Nickelback may have their detractors, but there's no doubting the power of their 2001 hit. It's almost impossible not to sing along with the chorus.
The Darkness cited Aerosmith as a major influence, and indeed the American band showed how to do a power ballad in style with this 1998 classic from the soundtrack to the movie 'Armageddon.'
This song is possibly better known for its cover versions–including a 1994 hit for Mariah Carey–but it's the stripped down 1970 original that really raises the roof.
British hair-rock revivalists the Darkness deliberately set out to record a stirring power ballad with this 2004 romantic track. The band may have faded into obscurity, but this song lives on.
The acoustic guitars were a departure from Extreme's rockier riffs, but that didn't stop this 1991 track becoming a worldwide hit. Softer than your average power ballad, it remains a sing-along classic.
British rockers Def Leppard were huge throughout the power ballad high season of the 1980s, but they actually recorded this arms-aloft classic as a new track for their 1995 greatest hits album, 'Vault.'
You might be hard pressed to name the band, but this 1985 track is instantly recognizable. Poppier than your average power ballad, it's a synth-led classic that was a huge hit worldwide.
Heavy rockers Van Halen are also masters of the power ballad. Released in 1988, 'When It's Love' was an instant hit and stadium-pleasing classic.
Another of Guns N' Roses' surprisingly soft numbers, 1989's 'Patience' is an acoustic number whose heartfelt, hopeful lyrics and memorable melody have made it an enduring lighters-aloft favorite.
Sources: (Louder Sound) (Smooth Radio)
See also: Famous songs with hidden messages
Hair-metal band Cinderella might have been forgotten about altogether if it weren't for this 1998 moment of power ballad perfection. With tinkling pianos, regret-fueled lyrics, unplugged electric guitars, and epic hairstyles, it's a classic of its time.
Before the cars, there was the band! With husky vocals, wistful lyrics, and plenty of hair-swirling, this 1989 number is a late '80s classic.
Irish stadium-rockers U2 scored their first number one hit in the US with this 1987 classic. Bono's soaring vocals and pained lyrics made it a critically-acclaimed hit that's a radio staple to this day.
Michael Jackson was on dramatically good form with his 1995 call to arms about the state of the planet. Attempts to sing along might fall flat, but it's near impossible not to try.
From the soundtrack to the movie of the same name, 1984's 'Purple Rain' is one of Prince's best-loved musical moments. He may have loved to turn up the funk, but this slow number can really rouse a crowd.
Taken from the soundtrack to the 1991 film 'Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves,' Bryan Adams' unmistakeable power ballad hung around the charts for an entire summer.
Seal was apparently so embarrassed after writing this 1994 release that he promptly threw it to one side. But when producer Trevor Horn worked some technical wizardry, its power ballad potential was realized, and Seal became a household name.
German band Scorpions wrote this anthemic, politically-charged 1991 hit about the fall of the Soviet Union, and the song was frequently used to soundtrack footage of the falling Berlin Wall. With over 14 million copies sold around the world, it's one of the best-selling singles of all time.
The slow buildup, the impassioned vocals, the rousing chorus...Bonnie Tyler's 1983 hit is possibly the most perfect power ballad. It was penned by power ballad genius Jim Steinman, who scored similarly huge successes with artists like Meatloaf and Celine Dion.
Just what Meat Loaf wouldn't do for love remains a mystery, but there's no questioning the success of this power ballad hit. Penned by long-time collaborator Jim Steinman, it topped the charts in 28 countries and won Meat Loaf a Grammy in 1994.
An absolute legend among power ballads, this is arguably one of the best rock songs from the 1980s. Rockers Poison had a global hit with this, and it still gets heavy radio rotation today.
Bryan Adams has a solid track record in creating memorable power ballads. His 1985 hit 'Heaven' is another enduring classic.
Proving beyond all doubt that the 1980s were the absolute pinnacle of hair-rock balladry, Skid Row created an enduring hands-in-the-air classic with 1989's 'I Remember You.'
Whether you're in the front row of a stadium or just singing along to the radio, there's nothing quite like a power ballad to stir the emotions. These rousing anthems inspire an almost instinctive reaction to punch fists into the air, as you belt out those heartfelt lyrics.
Power ballads are frequently associated with the 1980s, and indeed it helps to have a 1980s-style mane of hair to fling around as you sing, but power ballads aren't confined to one particular decade. And not all of them were released by big name bands, either–some hugely popular power ballads were essentially one-hit wonders.
Ready to get singing? Browse this gallery to discover the best power ballads ever.
The best power ballads of all time
Time to raise your lighters in the air!
MUSIC Songs
Whether you're in the front row of a stadium or just singing along to the radio, there's nothing quite like a power ballad to stir the emotions. These rousing anthems inspire an almost instinctive reaction to punch fists into the air, as you belt out those heartfelt lyrics.
Power ballads are frequently associated with the 1980s, and indeed it helps to have a 1980s-style mane of hair to fling around as you sing, but power ballads aren't confined to one particular decade. And not all of them were released by big name bands, either–some hugely popular power ballads were essentially one-hit wonders.
Ready to get singing? Browse this gallery to discover the best power ballads ever.