Top 10 ♥ 80s Power Ballads... and Wedding Songs
My Favorite 80s Power Ballads and... Wedding Music?
My first thought when I hear "Power Ballad" is a love song that originate from hard rock bands like Poison and Nazareth. I'm now thinking that any Monster love song hit is applicable to to the term. John Waite's "Missing You" (hear and see it below) is one of those examples that comes to mind just by hearing the emotion behind the music and words. Amazingly these songs have replaced the old standards for bridal dances and wedding reception slow dancing numbers, too.
This is my selection of the best of the best. As always I may be swayed by a song I've forgotten, so if you don't see or hear one of your favorites on this page, please let me know by leaving the song and band name in the guest books comments. If you can remind me of one that takes the place of my selections, I'll be happy to include it, and credit you by profile page or your relevant lens or web page. I've said it before... I'm fickle when it comes to my favorites listings, so you might just change my mind. :D
Enjoy the sounds of the 1980s Power Ballads! It was a great era for music.
Photo and Banner Credit: Me. :D
Get the CD albums of these Power Ballads songs...
Every Rose has it's Thorn ~ Bret Michaels of Poisen - 1988
This is the latest of this collection, and I do think it's my favorite of all the 80's power ballads. However, the lyrics are not a good example of a romantic wedding song, but could be considered a warning that you need to work to make being together great.
Missing You ~ John Waite - 1984
This is another song that is a cautionary tale... but it still makes my list. :D
Amanda ~ Boston - 1986
A wedding bride named Amanda? Perfect!
"You and I
I know that we can wait
And I swear, I swear it's not a lie girl
Tomorrow may be too late
You, you and I girl
We can share a life together..."
I Want to Know What Love is ~ Foreigner - 1984
Simple, but heartfelt lyrics for a wedding...
"I want to know what love is
I want you to show me
I want to feel what love is
I know you can show me"
I have a little extra loyalty for Lou Gramm (Grammatico) since he's a local guy from Rochester, NY which is just north of where I live in the Greater Rochester suburbs. But he and Foreigner definitely deserve my loyalty cuz they really did rock!
Side note: I am often loyal just out of locality... so since we do not have a football team, my loyalty belongs to the Buffalo Bills no matter how well or badly they do. Now careful with the comments, cuz I do moderate. :D
Search is Over ~ Survivor - 1985
Can you name one wedding where this wasn't part of the slow dance play list?
"I was living for a dream, loving for a moment
Taking on the world, that was just my style
Now I look into your eyes
I can see forever, the search is over
You were with me all the while"
CD Albums for the rest...
We Belong ~ Pat Benatar - 1984
I think the music moguls must have talked Pat into the almost "power suit" jacket.
If I'm not mistaken this song has also turned turned into an solidarity anthem for group gatherings as well as being a great Bridal dance song.
"We belong to the light, we belong to the thunder
We belong to the sound of the words we've both fallen under
Whatever we deny or embrace for worse or for better
We belong, we belong, we belong together"
Love Bites ~ Def Leppard - 1987
Um, this may be best as the last bride and groom send-off song. It's more for the wedding night. :D
Open Arms ~ Journey - 1982
A prerequisite for wedding dancing. :D
"So now I come to you, with open arms
Nothing to hide, believe what I say
So here I am with open arms
Hoping you'll see what your love means to me
Open arms"
More than Words can Say ~ Alias - 1989
Warning: The sound isn't the best, but it is live.
Another "gotta have" for wedding receptions.
"I need you now
More than words can say
I need you now
I've got to find a way
I need you now
Before I lose my mind
I need you now"
Can't Fight this Feeling ~ REO Speedwagon - 1984
Long engagement? This is the song for you!
"I tell myself that I can't hold out forever
I say there is no reason for my fear
'Coz I feel so secure when we're together
You give my life direction, you make everything so clear"
What's your Favorite 80's Power Ballad?
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