Lovely Western music

[Western Music] The World of Power Ballads: A Collection of Must-Listen Gems to Start With

music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and for over 18 years I’ve contributed to music magazines, disc guide books, mooks, and web media. As a writer my main field is Western music, but as a listener for over 35 years, I always try to keep my curiosity alive with the motto “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in bands, where I was a bassist who handled songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve played include bass, guitar, and piano. I began studying English in my mid-40s and continue to do so today.

Have you ever heard the term “power ballad”? It refers to songs in the ballad style that incorporate emotional guitar solos and solid, heavy drums, often featuring rich backing vocals, beautiful strings, and piano.

In fact, they’ve been around since the 1970s.

For those who know the golden age of Western music in the 1980s, the term is familiar, but many younger music fans may not know it well.

Even bands from heavier genres of the time, like heavy metal and hard rock, usually had at least one classic power ballad on their albums.

This time, we’ll be introducing some of the greatest power ballads in Western music!

[Western Music] The World of Power Ballads: A Selection of Must-Listen Gems (21–30)

I Want It That WayBackstreet Boys

Backstreet Boys – I Want It That Way (Official HD Video)

I Want It That WayBackstreet Boys

A pop ballad about aching love propelled America’s Backstreet Boys to global stardom.

Released in April 1999, the song reached No.

1 on the charts in more than 25 countries and earned an impressive three Grammy nominations.

While the lyrics are ambiguous, its beautiful melody and the group’s exquisite five-part harmonies are sure to soothe anyone struggling with love.

It was featured in a Samsung Electronics commercial in 2021, and even after more than 20 years, its appeal remains undiminished.

Highly recommended for those dealing with heartbreak or long-distance relationships.

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In conclusion

As mentioned at the beginning, if you listen to albums released by heavy metal and hard rock bands—especially from the ’80s—you’ll usually find at least one power ballad.

Grunge and alternative rock emerged as a counter to that trend, but even now, well into the 2020s, the appeal of the power ballad has never faded.

Those emotionally stirring melodies that move people’s hearts will continue to be loved forever.