10 Best Power Ballads of the 90s

They say hard rock is all about the music (and the hair of course) but what do these musicians do when they fall in love? Write love ballads of course! That’s right, usually known for banging their heads and thrashing their guitars, hard rock musicians can also be quite mushy, especially when it comes to having their heart broken.

Grab some tissues and turn up the music, here are the best power ballads of the 90s.

10. November Rain – Guns N’ Roses

Probably one of the most famous songs in the world, let alone this list, “November Rain” is also a fan favourite when it comes to the Guns N’ Roses back catalogue. At a lengthy 8:57 seconds long, the song holds the privilege of being the longest song ever to reach the top 10. Depressing to say the least, “November Rain” tells the story of a failed relationship. Perfect for a ballad.

Best lyric: Nothin’ lasts forever. And we both know hearts can change. And it’s hard to hold a candle. In the cold November rain.

9. I Would Do Anything for Love – Meat Loaf

Meat Loaf’s most famous composition earned him a Grammy and a life time of questions with regards to what exactly, “that” is. In 1998 Meat Loaf even attempted to explain the lyrics while starring in a VH1 special, stating that the definition of “that” would have been clearer if the lyric had been “and I won’t do that” instead of “but I won’t do that.” Ahhhhh!

Best lyric: Maybe I’m crazy, but it’s crazy and it’s true. I know you can save me, no-one else can save me now but you.

8. The Unforgiven – Metallica

Released as a second single on their famed fifth album, Metallica (also known as The Black Album) the song was a far cry from their usual material. Spawning two sequels, “The Unforgiven II” and “The Unforgiven III”, the songs deal with the themes of redemption and forgiveness.

Best lyric Never free. Never me. So, I dub thee unforgiven.

7. The Deeper the Love – Whitesnake

Released as a second single from the band’s album, Slip of the Tongue, “The Deeper the Love” was a hit across the globe. The song, which singer David Coverdale regards as one of his favourites, is also famed for its music video starring none other than Coverdale’s then wife, actress Tawny Kitaen.

Best lyric: So, when the sun goes down. An’ those nights are growing colder. I will be there. Looking over your shoulder.

6. I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing – Aerosmith

Written for the 1998 movie, Armageddon, which stars frontman Steven Tyler’s daughter, Liv Tyler, the song is instantly recognizable. Going on to be Aerosmith’s biggest hit, the song is also notable for being nominated for an Academy Award for best original song and a Golden Raspberry award for worst original song.

Best lyric: Don’t want to close my eyes. I don’t want to fall asleep. ‘Cause I’d miss you baby. And I don’t want to miss a thing

5. When Love and Hate Collide – Def Leppard

Sadly, the last song to feature guitarist Steve Clark (the song was written while Clark was in rehab), “When Love and Hate Collide” documents the end of a turbulent relationship. Deciding to rerelease the song in 2008, the band enlisted the vocals of Taylor Swift, citing her voice as a natural fit to the music. Whatever you say Def Leppard.

Best lyric: You could have a change of heart if you would only change your mind.Instead of slamming down the phone girl for the hundredth time.

4. Mama I’m Coming Home – Ozzy Osbourne

Dedicated to his wife, Sharon, “Mama I’m Coming Home” was actually written by rock legend Lemmy and engineer Tom Fletcher. The song is probably one of Ozzy’s most famous and was well received by critics. Extremely sentimental (which makes it perfect for a ballad) “Mama I’m Coming Home” is now an instant classic.

Best lyric: I’ve seen your face a hundred times. Everyday we’ve been apart.

3. Can’t Stop Loving You – Van Halen

Van Halen certainly know how to write a love song. Released in 1995 on their tenth album, Balance, “Can’t Stop Loving You” was written in homage to the Ray Charles’s song “I Can’t Stop loving You”. The song, which was written by every member of the band, details the relationship between love, friendship and familiarity.

Best lyric: There’s a time and place for everything. For everyone. We can push with all our might. But nothin’s gonna come.

2. Under the Bridge – Red Hot Chili Peppers

Written by vocalist Anthony Kiedis, the song represents the feelings of loneliness, hopelessness and addiction. An instant success, the song is probably one of the band’s most famous tracks, winning a number of awards and inspiring several other artists across the globe.

Best lyric: Sometimes I feel Like I don’t have a partner. Sometimes I feel like my only friend is the city I live in. The city of angels.

1. Wind of Change – Scorpions

Composed and written by lead vocalist, Klaus Meine, “Wind of Change” holds the record for being the bestselling song by a German artist. The song, which was released just after the infamous failed coup which lead to the collapse of the Soviet Union, celebrates the end of the Cold War and is now seen as a message of hope.

Best lyric: Take me to the magic of the moment. On a glory night. Where the children of tomorrow dream away (dream away). In the wind of change.