Time for one of my supreme and excellent lists!
Issue of today: Power Ballads!
Let's face it, most are crap, but those that really strike a chord (pun most certainly not intended), so here they are, in order of...well, my rather limited memory!
1. Cinderella - Through the Rain. No, it has nothing to do with Mariah Carey, and it was made way earlier. If nothing else, you need to check this one out simply for the spectacle of enjoying the extremely throaty voice of their singer. As far as gritty ballads are concerned, this is as good as it gets!
2. Savatage - When the Crowds Have Gone. Another gritty ballad of exceptional quality. Belongs to a larger metal opera and tells the story of a musician who has spent his entire life working on his magnum opus, only to find that once it's finished, he's grown too old to ever be able to show it to the world, "when the crowds have gone", as it were. Also one that should be checked out for the spectacle of it.
3. Guess I should make a mention of at least one song by Bon Jovi, so here goes; Bed of Roses, that was it.
4. Avantasia - Anywhere. Part of the Metal Opera, tells the story of...ehm...don't have a clue, something about some guy and some...stuff. Either way, the amazing vocals of Tobias Sammet will knock you on your arse!
5. Air Supply - Making Love Out of Nothing At All. Written by Jim Steinman, the guy behind a number of smash hit power ballads. In all likelyhood, you'll find this fantastic song very similar to "Total Eclipse of the Heart", also written by Steinman.
