Rock Power Ballads of the 80s and 90s Quiz

Answer: Metallica

Metallica's "Black Album" was a huge commercial success with the single "Enter Sandman". The metal band surprised listeners with a love song! "Nothing Else Matters" was written by lead singer James Hetfield for his girlfriend and was not originally for the album. But when released, the power ballad drew a new audience for the San Francisco based band.

Answer: Aerosmith

"Amazing" was released on Aerosmith's 1993 album "Get A Grip". The love song was enhanced by the band's second music video starring actress Alicia Silverstone and became a MTV favorite. Don Henley of the Eagles sings background vocals on the epic single.

Answer: Loverboy

Loverboy had two major power ballads in their discography. "Heaven In Your Eyes" from the "Top Gun" soundtrack and "This Could Be The Night" from their 1986 album "Loving Every Minute Of It" showed the softer side of the Canadian rock band. The power ballad reached number ten on the Billboard Hot 100 Singles chart.

Answer: KISS

KISS released the epic power ballad "Beth" in the 1970s and returned in 1992 with "Every Time I Look At You" on their "Revenge" album. The song was written and sung by lead singer Paul Stanley. It was the fifth single on the album.

Answer: Warrant

The Hair Metal band, Warrant, had two power ballads on their "Cherry Pie" album in 1991. "Heaven" was the lead single and became an MTV favorite. "Blind Faith" was the fourth single and featured an epic chorus, acoustic guitars, and even a banjo. The song reached the Top 40 of the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 singles chart.

Answer: Poison

Poison's signature ballad, "Every Rose Has Its Thorn" was released in 1988 on their "Open Up and Say....Aah!" album. It reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 Singles chart. This was the only number one for the band. Rumors persisted that the song was written by Bret Michaels about his ex-girlfriend, Pamela Anderson, and her relationship with drummer Tommy Lee.

Answer: Foreigner

In 1984, Foreigner brought out the church choir for their power ballad "I Want To Know What Love Is". In 2010, Rolling Stone magazine placed the song onto their list of the greatest songs of all-time. In the 2020s, Foreigner would bring local high school choirs on stage to sing with the band in concert for the song.

Answer: Saigon Kick

Saigon Kick may be a one hit wonder in the world of rock music history but they created an incredible power ballad, "Love Is On The Way". The acoustic ballad was released in 1992 on their album "The Lizard". "Love Is On The Way" went to number twelve on the Billboard Hot 100 Singles chart.

Answer: Creed

Written in 1998, "With Arms Wide Open" won the Grammy Award for Best Rock Song. The Orlando rockers were known for their grunge sound but the power ballad is a fan favorite. Lead singer and writer Scott Stapp wrote the lyrics after hearing that he was about to become a father for the first time.

Answer: Rolling Stones

With songs like "Angie", the Rolling Stones were not strangers to softer love songs. In 1989 on their "Steel Wheels" album, they released "Almost Hear You Sigh". The power ballad went to the top of the charts on the Billboard Album Rock Tracks chart. While not a song played often in concert, many fans cherish this love song.

Answer: Bon Jovi

Bon Jovi turned up the emotion with "Always" on their first greatest hits album "Crossroad" in 1994. The star studded music video featured Carla Gugino, Keri Russell, and Jack Noseworthy. In 2024, the original music video joined the illustrious list on YouTube of songs reaching one billion views.

Answer: INXS

The Australian rockers showed a softer side with "Beautiful Girl" in 1994. While it may have sounded like a romantic song title, it was written by band member Andrew Farris about his new daughter. The sweet introduction with the simple piano keystrokes grabbed the listener and brought to mind the early days of Lou Reed. Lead singer Michael Hutchence captured the emotion beautifully.

Answer: Whitesnake

Whitesnake's multi-platinum self-titled album in 1987 had two Billboard Hot 100 singles that reached the Top Ten. "Here I Go Again" and the power ballad "Is This Love" showed the romantic side of the Hair Metal band. Both singles featured lead singer David Coverdale's girlfriend, Tawny Kitaen, in sexy music videos.

Answer: Depeche Mode

Depeche Mode originally wrote "Enjoy The Silence" as a slower ballad. When it was released in 1990, the song added a little bounce to the tempo but still kept the emotional intensity. When it was released, "Enjoy The Silence" became the group's highest charting single in the US, reaching number eight on the Billboard Hot 100.

Answer: Alice In Chains

Layne Staley's version of "Nutshell" on "MTV Unplugged" in 1996 was the last time the epic song was performed with Layne. He passed away in 2002 from a heroin overdose. The lyrics of "Nutshell" are a cry for help and lead guitarist Jerry Cantrell delivered an unforgettable guitar solo to match the emotion of the lyrics.