10 Power Ballads from the 1980s That Haven’t Aged Well

The 1980s were a golden era for music, especially when it came to rock. Bands weren’t afraid to wear their hearts on their sleeves, often doing so with a power ballad that endeavored to hit listeners right in the feels. While many of these tunes have become timeless classics, there are several that, despite their initial success, haven’t quite managed to carry their emotional weight into modern times. Here, we dive into eight power ballads from the 1980s that, for various reasons, have not stood the test of time as well as their creators might have hoped.

‘When I See You Smile’ – Bad English

Bad English managed to strike gold with “When I See You Smile.” Written by Diane Warren, a titan in the songwriting industry, it skyrocketed to Number One in the US. However, despite its chart-topping achievement, it’s hard to shake off the feeling that the band was just going through the motions. The song’s formulaic approach made it blend into a sea of power ballads of the time, lacking the unique essence that separates the good from the unforgettable.

John Waite’s vocal talents are undeniable, and he could indeed “sing the phone book and make it sound sincere.” Yet, this track didn’t quite showcase the depth or originality that fans know he’s capable of. Despite its initial acclaim, the track feels more like a product of its time rather than a timeless anthem, failing to evoke the same stir in today’s listeners.

‘I’ll Be There For You’ – Bon Jovi

Bon Jovi is a name synonymous with rock greatness, and truly, they have a trove of hits that prove their mettle. “I’ll Be There For You” from 1988 captured the hearts of many with its promise of undying support and love. It’s a tune that undoubtedly defined numerous romantic moments and first dances during its heyday.

However, the song’s lyrical choices and over-dramatization have not aged as gracefully. References like hearing a suitcase say goodbye may have been poetic at the time, but now they seem to border on the comical. The genuine emotion Bon Jovi intended often gets lost in the song’s exaggerated sentimentality, making it a piece more remembered than revisited.

‘Carrie’ – Europe

Europe gave us “Carrie,” a ballad that reached out to all the tender hearts in the audience, aiming to strike a chord with its emotional narrative. It’s a song that might have held a special place for those whose hearts were entangled in the throes of young love, especially if your significant other bore the name Carrie.

Yet, as years passed, “Carrie” proved to be more of a niche affection rather than a broad-reaching classic. It leaned heavily into a type of sensitivity that hasn’t resonated with listeners beyond its initial release. Europe, known for their electrifying hits, ventured into territory that, in retrospect, feels overly sentimental and somewhat disconnected from their more dynamic offerings.

‘Without You’ – Mötley Crüe

“Without You” by Mötley Crüe offered an unexpected twist from the band known for their otherwise rowdy rock anthems. In 1989, they showed a different side of themselves, declaring a kind of love that says, “without you in my life, I’d slowly wilt and die.” It was a stark departure from their usual themes, showcasing vulnerability amid their perceived indestructibility.

However, translating the raw energy of Mötley Crüe’s usual sound into the delicate strains of a love ballad didn’t have the lasting impact the band might have hoped for. The song teeters on a line between genuine sentiment and feeling somewhat out of character, which might be why it hasn’t remained a standout in their discography. While the attempt to diversify their musical expressions is commendable, “Without You” hasn’t managed to sustain its relevance over the years.

‘I Want To Know What Love Is’ – Foreigner

Foreigner’s “I Want To Know What Love Is” met listeners with a heartfelt inquiry woven into a compelling melody. Released in ’84, it resonated with countless fans, inviting them to ponder the depth and complexity of love alongside the band. Its overwhelming appeal was further amplified by a backing choir, adding a layer of grandeur to its sound.

Yet, this added magnificence is precisely where the song begins to falter for modern ears. What once felt grand now seems somewhat overstated, making the song feel more like a period piece rather than an enduring anthem. The charm and allure

‘Every Rose Has Its Thorn’ – Poison

Poison, with their glam rock aesthetic and high-energy performances, certainly left a mark on the 80s rock scene. “Every Rose Has Its Thorn” is a power ballad that many remember fondly, often through rose-tinted glasses thanks to a hefty dose of nostalgia. But detached from its era, it’s worth asking if the song’s quality exists outside of its sentimental value.

The track, bereft of the context of its time, struggles to stand on musical merit alone. Its lyrics, while aiming to be profound, carry a simplicity that leans more toward cliché than classic. Despite the cult-like affection for the song, it’s debatable whether a newcomer to the track would champion it as a standout without the accompanying memories of the bygone era.

‘Don’t Know What You Got (Till It’s Gone)’ – Cinderella

Cinderella’s “Don’t Know What You Got (Till It’s Gone)” is another ballad that resonated strongly during its time, largely helped by heavy rotation on MTV. It was a song that many connected with, serving as a harrowing reminder of love and loss, a sentiment relished in the era of big hair and epic guitar solos.

Returning to it now, one might find it bridges the gap between affecting and overwrought. Its music video, with the band playing atop a picturesque mountain, could now be viewed as grandiose to the point of parody. While there’s something to be said for the charm of 80s excess, the song teeters precariously between being a poignant piece and a dated artifact of less sophisticated tastes in music and production.

‘Forever’ – Kiss

“Forever” by Kiss is a prime example of a song that exists in the shadow of its creators’ larger-than-life personas. Kiss was a band synonymous with wild theatrics and a unique brand of hard rock. Yet, in “Forever,” we find a watered-down version of their edgy style, replaced with formulaic balladry that rendered them barely distinguishable from the myriad of hair metal acts of the era.

Paul Stanley’s affectation of deep emotional revelation, “I gotta tell you what I’m feelin’ inside,” fails to resonate due to a lack of genuine originality in the song’s delivery. Instead of trailblazing, Kiss appeared to be following a trend, one that ultimately led to “Forever” feeling like a forgettable track on their otherwise illustrious resume.

‘When The Children Cry’ – White Lion

White Lion’s “When The Child Cry” took on the lofty goal of encapsulating a message of peace and hope in a world mired by conflict. With its soft guitar melody and passionate vocals, the track aimed to stir the conscience of its listeners. Regrettably, the song’s simplistic view on world issues, coupled with a somewhat sanctimonious delivery, fails to hold up against the backdrop of the more complex and nuanced music that defines societal commentary today.

Rather than inspiring, the song may now induce cringes with its naïve perspective— “No more presidents/And all the wars will end”—suggesting an overly simplified solution to the world’s problems. While its sentiment may be admirable, it’s lost the potency and relevance it might have once held.

‘Honestly’ – Stryper

Stryper’s “Honestly” is the quintessential example of a power ballad that capitalized on the trends of its era to achieve its success. As a Christian metal band, they certainly stood out from their peers, yet this track seemed to aim for a broad appeal that ultimately translated into a lack of substance.

The song’s title, “Honestly,” comes across as ironically insincere, with its keyboard-laden backdrop and syrupy vocals offering little in the way of deep, authentic expression. Its success may be attributed to its catchiness and the market’s appetite for such ballads at the time. However, the song’s legacy is marred by its association with vapid, manipulative emotions, often parodied and seldom celebrated for its artistic merit.