I like to give credit where credit is due.
Badfinger: “Day After Day” and “Baby Blue”
It’s debatable whether or not Badfinger invented the power ballad, but they certainly brought it home.
“Baby Blue” was not a power ballad. It was a straight forward RnR song. Power Ballads have a slower tempo. That’s what a ballad is. Think slow Elvis songs with big powerful instrumentals behind him.
Bad finger was a great band
So many latter power ballads were so syrupy.....rock bands appealing to junior high girls
REO was worst offender.....I’m gonnna keep on loving you between hurls....
I could stomach Motley Crüe ballads and Metallica sellout ballads and even a couple of Brett Michaels ballads just cause CC played the choice lead chops
In the air tonight....is that a power ballad?
10cc I’m not in love
The true first power ballad is Nights in White Satan....a great song
Badge from Cream borders on power ballad
Aerosmith has several but Tyler is so despicable I refuse to acknowledge them besides their best song is straight yardbirds rip
Queensryche Silent Lucidity.....good one
Oasis Champagne Supernova....another
Cheap Trick The Flame....well it is Cheap Trick
Night Ranger.....Sister Christian....wonderland nod
Blind Faith.....Presence of the Lord....this is a gospel number slash power ballad although it finishes as a non ballad
Guns and Roses .....November Rain...I always see Stephanie Seymour’s legs in her bridal gown
Prince Purple Rain ...a contender for first place
Meat Loaf.....tie Two out of Three ain’t bad versus I would do anything for Love
Cinderella Nobody’s Fool
Pantera.....yes they had a ballad who’s name escapes me
Lynyrd Skynyrd....Tuesday’s Gone....another contender for first place
Metallica The Unforgiven or Turn the Page
Quick rant off the top of my heads of power ballads that maybe don’t suck