With Valentine’s Day in the rearview mirror, what better way to feel that spark in your heart again than by listening to some iconic 80s power ballads. These are personal picks that never fail to make me believe that surely love exists somewhere. Whether you want to be reminded of that special someone or cry to a good song, here are three power ballads from the 1980’s that should grace everyone’s ears this Valentine’s Day season.
“Alone” – Heart
Released on May 15, 1987, Heart’s 1987 album, Bad Animals, contains one of the greatest power ballads ever made, “Alone” which went on to reach number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 on July 11 of that year. Regarded by the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as the first female-fronted hard rock band, Heart combines powerful emotion filled vocals with powerful lyrics and enchanting rhythm that just make you want to do nothing but yearn. You can’t help but get chills from Ann Wilson’s heart wrenching performance, especially at the beginning of the song singing, “‘Til now, I always got by on my own, I never really cared until I met you.” Alone is for those who’ve met someone special and are reflecting on their prior loneliness, a beautiful song by an iconic group.
“Hysteria” – Def Leppard
Released on August 3, 1987, Hysteria is Def Leppard’s fourth studio album with the title tracks being the band’s first top 10 hit on the US Billboard Hot 100. The secret ingredient in this song that really makes it addicting is the guitar melody throughout the song. Hysteria’s lyrics offer up the relatable notion of feeling uncontrollable emotion when being with someone who just makes you get that feelin’. Surprisingly, guitarist Phil Collen reveals that despite the meaning of the song commonly being associated with love, he says it’s more about finding enlightenment. Regardless, you should definitely consider listening to Hysteria at max volume at least one time this Valentine’s Day.
“Keep On Loving You” – REO Speedwagon
Released on November 21, 1980, Keep On Loving You was the first single of the band to reach the number one spot on the US Billboard Hot 100 in March of 1981. The origin of this song came after Kevin Cronin, lead vocalist of the band, was inspired by learning that his wife had cheated on him. His belief is that people can change and that some relationships are worth fighting for. If the word longing was turned into a song this is exactly how it sounds. “I don’t wanna sleep, I just wanna keep on loving you.” If that doesn’t sound like love I don’t know what does.
