10 Boring Classic Rock Ballads from the 1980s

The 1980s was a decade full of iconic music that still resonates with fans today. Amidst the upbeat pop hits and groundbreaking rock anthems, there were also numerous ballads that, despite their initial popularity, might now strike some listeners as somewhat dull compared to their more energetic counterparts. Let’s take a look at some of these slower tunes that might not excite today’s listeners as they did back in the day.

Foreigner – “I Want to Know What Love Is”

Released in 1984, this song quickly climbed the charts to become a worldwide hit. “I Want to Know What Love Is” features a gospel choir and an emotional vocal performance. While it showcases a powerful message of love and longing, modern audiences might find its pace slow and the melody somewhat predictable after numerous listens over the decades.

REO Speedwagon – “Can’t Fight This Feeling”

Another love ballad that made significant waves in the mid-80s was REO Speedwagon’s “Can’t Fight This Feeling”. The song speaks about a long-brewing love that the singer can no longer keep to himself. It’s a soft rock staple with stirring lyrics and soothing melodies. However, its lengthy intro and repetitive choruses might not hold the attention of current listeners used to more dynamic and varied compositions.

Chicago – “Hard to Say I’m Sorry”

Featured in the 1982 album “Chicago 16”, this song is all about seeking forgiveness and reconciliation. It has touching lyrics and a harmonious blend of vocal and instrumental setups. Today, however, the synthesizer-heavy arrangement and the overly smooth production may not appeal to those who prefer more raw and authentic sounds.

Air Supply – “Making Love Out of Nothing at All”

The high drama and intense vocals of Air Supply are on full display in this song. When it was released, it became instantly popular for its emotional depth. Despite its initial success, the song now seems overly theatrical, with its extremely polished production and drawn-out metaphors not quite landing with an audience accustomed to more straightforward and gritty music.

Phil Collins – “One More Night”

Phil Collins is known for his distinctive voice and the ability to stir emotions. “One More Night” is no exception, offering listeners a soft, steady rhythm and heartfelt lyrics. While this song was played repeatedly on the radio during its heyday, its repetitive lines and slow tempo might be seen as too monotonous for today’s fast-paced musical tastes.

Toto – “I’ll Be Over You”

Toto managed to blend soft rock with a jazz influence in “I’ll Be Over You”. Even with its beautiful guitar solo and smooth vocals, the song now feels a bit subdued and lacks excitement. It may fail to capture the interest of those who haven’t grown up listening to it, despite its technical merits.

Heart – “Alone”

“Alone” by Heart pushes the boundaries of a traditional ballad with powerful vocal delivery. While it was a big hit and showcased strong vocal prowess, its formula has been so replicated in numerous ballads that followed, making it feel less original today.

Journey – “Open Arms”

Despite being one of Journey’s biggest hits, “Open Arms” is a quintessential slow ballad that lacks the rock edge present in some of their other famous tracks. This quintessential prom song from the 80s, with its straightforward piano arrangement and sentimental lyrics, might not resonate as much with those looking for something with a bit more energy or complexity.

Peter Cetera – “Glory of Love”

This song might be known best as part of the soundtrack for “The Karate Kid Part II”. It carries a strong sentimental value, packed with love and commitment themes. However, its somewhat clichéd lyrics and predictable melody could appear too bland for some modern listeners.

Billy Idol – “Eyes Without a Face”

Known for his punk rock persona, Billy Idol took a softer approach with “Eyes Without a Face”. The song has a haunting quality to it, due to its soft vocals and the chorus’ contrasting backing vocals. Even though it’s beautifully produced, its slow tempo and repetitive chorus may not hold everyone’s interest today.