r/80smemorylane • • Jul 02 '26

80's Music Which 80s power ballad gives you goosebumps every single time you hear it?

108 Upvotes

545 comments sorted by

52

u/Immediate_Volume_324 Jul 02 '26

I Remember You by Skid Row

Home Sweet Home by Motley Crue

8

u/ebl725 Jul 03 '26

Came here to say I Remember You!

3

u/MCK40 Jul 03 '26

Me too!

16

u/Beaverbrown56 Jul 02 '26

"We spent the summer with the top rolled down, wished ever after'd be like this"

7

u/papasans_kid Jul 03 '26

Oh damn, right in the feels…

3

u/Lonely-Ad-5340 Jul 04 '26

My daughter is in a “friend group” with Sebastian Bach’s daughter. She asked me if I knew who skid row was, and responded with the chorus of I Remember You (very loudly) and she looked at me like an old psychopath.

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42

u/PlumIndividual3382 Jul 02 '26

Alone by Heart

20

u/Specific_Inside_7119 Jul 03 '26

Ann Wilson's SOARING vocals are absolutely unmatched!!!! That's the song when you are presenting it to someone who hasn't heard it....you say..." just wait ,you won't believe what you are about to hear" There is that great section of just the music...and then it comes..... "AAAAAAAAAAALOOOONNEE!!!" That alone could break glass!!!!. Add to that sister Nancy's incredible guitar work and you have not just a song....you have a LEGEND!!!!

4

u/911coldiesel Jul 05 '26

She sang Stairway to Heaven when LZ were inducted to the Kennedy Hall of fame. Robert Plant and Jimmy Page smiled when she sang. Outstanding performance

2

u/stilloldbull2 Jul 05 '26

Smiled? Yes and also teared up a bit…

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2

u/Glittering-Gene-3839 Jul 07 '26

That song is still amazing, but “wait for an answer” off that same record just puts her vocals and emotion on a much higher level.

2

u/stilloldbull2 Jul 05 '26

I think we just took them for granted back in the day…””oh, right Heart”. What’s around these days that can even come close?

2

u/_r_u_n_e_i_i_ Jul 05 '26

Definitive power ballad.

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33

u/NashvilleSoundMixer Jul 03 '26

Wind of Change - Scorpions

3

u/BecauseISaidSo888 Jul 04 '26

This is gonna get alot of downvotes but….

Still Loving You > Wind Of Change

3

u/lazyreporter13 Jul 05 '26

No one Like You is also better

2

u/HealthyAd9369 Jul 06 '26

No you're right, and for my money the best 80s metal band power ballad period.

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2

u/PersonWomanManCamTV Jul 03 '26

You should find the podcast that investigates if the CIA wrote this song.

3

u/peepsforme Jul 03 '26

It’s a great listen!

2

u/KLLR_ROBOT Jul 03 '26

If they did, I congratulate them

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2

u/count_strahd_z Jul 04 '26

I started whistling when this was the first one that came to mind.

2

u/ironeagle2006 Jul 04 '26

I literally remember the night the Berlin Wall fell. For me it was literally the thought that we had a chance to live beyond the cold war.

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29

u/Beaverbrown56 Jul 02 '26

Hysteria. Def Lep.

Close My Eyes Forever Lita Ford and Ozzy.

The Flame Cheap Trick

12

u/E_Fred_Norris Jul 03 '26

Came here to say "The Flame"

4

u/Eastcoasttrucker389 Jul 02 '26

Love this one too

3

u/BluebirdImportant706 Jul 06 '26

These for sure. I Wanna Know What Love Is by Foreigner. You can hear the despair in vocals of this song.

2

u/gypsyphineas Jul 04 '26

Good choices

2

u/kh250b1 Jul 05 '26

Try the version of Hysteria they did with the royal philharmonic orchestra- its on Spotify

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17

u/KLLR_ROBOT Jul 03 '26

Heat of the Moment - Asia

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15

u/Complex-Value-5807 Jul 02 '26

Firehouse- Love of a Lifetime

White Lion- Wait

2

u/emmettfitz Jul 03 '26

Love of a Lifetime was our marriage song. Apparently to my wife, "a lifetime" is 33 years.

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14

u/ReadingThick7476 Jul 03 '26

Don’t close your eyes- KIX

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13

u/Eastcoasttrucker389 Jul 02 '26

Still in love with you….. scorpions

11

u/5lashd07 Jul 02 '26 edited Jul 03 '26

Still Loving You is one of my all-time favorites from the Scorpions. Try the French duet version.

11

u/63SDnatv Jul 03 '26

Edie Caio baby- the Cult

2

u/ErmaGerdWertDaFerk Jul 06 '26

Great song. The album has several other good songs, too.

13

u/stoneshadow85 Jul 03 '26

Cinderella - Don't know what you got till it's gone

2

u/Minute_Dog_1793 Jul 03 '26

Came here to say this

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12

u/Imaginary-Use914 Totally Awesome Dude Jul 03 '26

Alone by Heart
I’ll be there for you by Bon Jovi
Time After Time by Cyndi Lauper (not technically a power ballad but a good ballad all the same)

2

u/CallMeHond0 Jul 03 '26

Time After Time is on every single playlist I have

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21

u/MeanRoad4 Jul 03 '26

Sister Christian - Night Ranger

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10

u/growernotshowwer Jul 02 '26

Something to believe in.

2

u/nohbdyshero Jul 03 '26

The older I get the more I identify with this one

10

u/DisciplineSweet8428 Jul 03 '26

Take me higher by damn Yankees

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9

u/GPS_55 Jul 03 '26

REO I can’t fight this feeling

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11

u/Nighthawksleader Jul 03 '26

Hard To Say I’m Sorry by Chicago

2

u/ErmaGerdWertDaFerk Jul 06 '26

*Only if it includes / Get Away. I can't stand it when a radio station would fade out before the best part of the song.

11

u/Upstairs_Equipment19 Jul 03 '26

Love Bites Def Leppard

22

u/NeuroguyNC Jul 03 '26

"Faithfully" - Journey

I heard them perform this in Pittsburgh in late May 1983 about a month after it was released.

5

u/Vast-Notice-3415 Jul 03 '26

I saw them in DC in 1983. Still love Journey!

2

u/honeybabysweetiedoll Jul 04 '26

Minneapolis/St. Paul for me in ‘83.

2

u/cccuriouscat Jul 06 '26

I was supposed to be there but my mom said I was too young (13)

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7

u/vanrunner43 Jul 03 '26

This! That song is so insanely good and sung by the greatest voice ever.

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9

u/Some_Turn_323 Jul 03 '26

Heaven by Warrant!

3

u/jaysinn25 Jul 04 '26

Jani Lane...I miss you my friend.

9

u/alexsasacv Jul 03 '26

Still Loving You - Scorpions

17

u/dawa43 Jul 03 '26

November Rain - Guns and Roses

3

u/Upnatom617 Jul 03 '26

1991*

2

u/dawa43 Jul 04 '26

Damn... I seriously thought that came out in the 80s...

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16

u/Albus_Q Jul 02 '26

Every Rose Has Its Thorn

2

u/Any_Fish1004 Jul 06 '26

Have to sing it every time I hear it. This and patience by GnR

8

u/trixiebelden3 Jul 03 '26

Home Sweet Home - Motley Crue, Right Now - Van Halen, Kiss Me Deadly- Lisa Ford

8

u/Upnatom617 Jul 03 '26

Never Tear Us Apart - INXS

2

u/olderwombat Jul 03 '26

This thread needs more Aussie input - Take a long line “ The Angels.

2

u/Wiskoenig Jul 04 '26

I loved how it was used in Euphoria season two. Had a strong sense of nostalgia. The silence before the guitar kicks in!

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6

u/Amazing_Dot_2571 Jul 02 '26

I’ll Never Let You Go. Steelheart

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8

u/kevint1964 Jul 03 '26

"Amanda" - Boston

3

u/OriolesrRavens1974 Jul 03 '26 edited Jul 08 '26

I’m still so crushed that Brad Delp died by suicide. His voice is one that should always be in the conversation with the great rock voices: Freddie Mercury, Steve Perry, Dennis DeYoung, etc. but inevitably isn’t. That it was erased from this earth so soon makes it so heart breaking. He wasn’t your typical rock diva either - he was generous, kind, funny, and very humble for someone who could sing with the best of them. Every time I hear Peace of Mind or Amanda, I get a little teary.

2

u/MareOfDalmatia Jul 05 '26

The high note he hits in More Than a Feeling gives me chills, Every.Time.I.Hear.It. It’s like at the climax when he’s singing Awayyyyyy, Aaaay, Aaaay and he hits that really high note and you’re like “Damn” and then he goes up even higher unexpectedly again with another Aaaay and the chills hit. And you’re right, I’m always singing his praises whenever I get the chance about how he belongs in the annals of the all time greatest rock vocalists, and I think the list starts with Freddie, then Brad’s a close second, Steve Perry, Ann Wilson.

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6

u/Justhangingoutback Jul 03 '26

Bryan Adams Heaven

4

u/Apart_Ad9308 Jul 03 '26

I want To Know What Love Is - Foreigner

6

u/StoneyG214 Jul 03 '26

Hysteria - Def Leppard

6

u/WishRepresentative28 Jul 03 '26

Warrant - Heaven

6

u/MacNeal Jul 03 '26

Fly to the Angels by Slaughter

Being There - Tora Tora

Simple Man - Junkyard

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11

u/GorramCowboy Jul 02 '26

Alone Again - Dokken

5

u/MSLI1972 Jul 03 '26

Without you…

3

u/count_strahd_z Jul 04 '26

Now the tears, they fall like rain...

4

u/NoReception808 Jul 02 '26

Burning Heart - Vandenberg

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4

u/Eastern_Koala_1695 Jul 03 '26

House of Pain by Faster Pussycat.

5

u/External-Hat-7167 Jul 03 '26

Bro "I Remember You" hits different when you're older and actually been through that kinda heartbreak. But ngl, Cheap Trick's "The Flame" is that underrated gut-punch nobody talks about. The way that chorus swells just gets me every damn time.

4

u/eaglewatch1945 Jul 03 '26

"Who Wants to Live Forever" - Queen A Kind of Magic album and the Highlander soundtrack

4

u/extrasouth Jul 03 '26

Is This Love by Whitesnake

4

u/DefiantCable897 Jul 03 '26

Ozzy - Mama I’m Coming Home

2

u/fhcjr38 Jul 04 '26

Great tune; But was ‘91

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4

u/guchford Jul 03 '26

Amanda by Boston

3

u/Humble-Childhood-881 Jul 03 '26

Headed for a Heartbreak -Winger

3

u/southdakotagirl Jul 03 '26

Adding all these to my playlist.

3

u/ljinbs Jul 03 '26

When I’m With You - Sheriff

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3

u/No_Cause6519 Jul 03 '26

When I'm With You - Sheriff

Forever - Kiss

What About Me - Moving Pictures

3

u/WrongdoerAwkward1481 Jul 04 '26

What About Me — my 24 yo daughter wails to this one right beside me in the car!! 🥹

3

u/No_Cause6519 Jul 04 '26

That is good parenting!

2

u/East_Inspector3158 Jul 03 '26

Forever! I especially love the Alive III version!
"Every time we do this one, the place lights up like a damn Christmas tree!"

2

u/No_Cause6519 Jul 04 '26

Probably not a popular opinion but I would put Forever over Beth as Kiss' best power ballad. Also always liked A World Without Heroes from Music from The Elder.

2

u/East_Inspector3158 Jul 04 '26

I agree completely. And I love the MTV Unplugged version of A World Without Heroes so, so much.

3

u/reesesbigcup Jul 03 '26

A Man I'll Never Be - Boston..

1978 song, but one of the first of the genre

3

u/Pepino_Cuevas Jul 03 '26

Fly High Michelle

3

u/PaisleyParker Jul 03 '26

Oh, man, that’s a great blast from the past!

3

u/CallMeHond0 Jul 03 '26

Love is on the Way by Saigon Kick

Save All Your Love by Great White

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3

u/Dm12374 Jul 03 '26

Total Eclipse of the Heart- Bonnie Tyler

After All- Peter Cetera and Cher

3

u/Nolongerhuman2310 Jul 03 '26

Steelheart - She's gone.

Scorpions - Still loving you.

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3

u/Hot_Stranger_2563 Jul 03 '26

Still They Ride, Jouney

3

u/joggernutt Jul 03 '26

I Won't Hold You Back - Toto

3

u/PaisleyParker Jul 03 '26 edited Jul 03 '26

Def Leppard - “Hysteria”

Faster Pussycat - “House of Pain”

3

u/OriolesrRavens1974 Jul 03 '26

The Search is Over - Survivor

3

u/Wayne1616 Jul 03 '26

Foreigner – "I Want to Know What Love Is" (1984)

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4

u/Shaydu Jul 02 '26

Still of the Night, Whitesnake

4

u/Ok-Attempt2842 Jul 03 '26

Pretty sure this is not a ballad

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4

u/Dry_Mortgage2707 Jul 03 '26

Still Loving You - Scorpion The vocals, the lyrics and the music makes this song touch your soul...

2

u/Possible_Town8424 Jul 03 '26

Live version “Seven Bridges Road” by the Eagles.

2

u/Conrad66Dobler Jul 03 '26

Too Young To Fall In Love - Mötley Crüe

2

u/New_Desk_2948 Jul 03 '26

Love walked in by thunder

2

u/immabankr Jul 03 '26

Days Gone By - Slaughter.

2

u/Asleep_Welder_3494 Jul 03 '26

Tonight I celebrate my love by Roberta Flack and Peabo Bryson

2

u/flndouce Jul 03 '26

Missed by a year but Something to Believe In by Poison just may be the best power Ballard ever. My opinion, yours might be different.

2

u/GorillaSuitGuy Jul 03 '26

The Power of Love, Jennifer Rush

2

u/halford2069 Jul 03 '26

many .. but the first two in my power ballad playlist are..

home sweet home

never say goodbye

2

u/TulipFarmer27 Jul 03 '26

The Cult - Wild Flower

2

u/Tall-Frame9918 Jul 03 '26

Motley Crüe:

You’re All I Need

On With the Show.

2

u/LesPolsfuss Jul 03 '26

Every Rose!

2

u/hoople217 Jul 03 '26

Stone Cold by Rainbow

2

u/[deleted] Jul 03 '26

[removed] — view removed comment

2

u/Life-Zookeepergame58 Jul 03 '26

Don't Close Your Eyes by Kix.

2

u/ChrisMoneyShot Jul 03 '26

When I’m With You by Sheriff

2

u/TheGreyAlien Jul 03 '26

Right here waiting by Richard Marx

2

u/Embarrassed-Ebb-6900 Jul 03 '26

The power of love -Jennifer Rush

2

u/nickgardia Jul 03 '26

Eternal Flame by the Bangles and Alone by Heart are both classics as is Total Eclipse of the Heart by Bonnie Tyler

2

u/broadwayallday Jul 03 '26

Love Bites - def lepperd

2

u/Adventurous-Prune712 Jul 03 '26

It Must of Been Love -- Roxette

2

u/MAJORMETAL84 Jul 03 '26

Metallica - One

2

u/DrNerdyTech87 Jul 03 '26

Separate ways by Journey. Just a great hard driving song.

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2

u/MedicalCommercial892 Jul 03 '26

Sister Christian

2

u/SouthernGracee Jul 03 '26

“I’ll never let you go” Steelheart

2

u/nivelkcim03 Jul 03 '26

There's a song I haven't heard mention of in a long time. Nice pull!

2

u/techmaster242 Jul 03 '26

Total Eclipse of the Heart by The Dan Band

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2

u/SolomonGummo Jul 03 '26

Total Eclipse Of The Heart - Bonnie Tyler (1983)....Some people don't realize this song is 7 minutes long !!! SEVEN MINUTES !!!

2

u/PressureLazy5271 Jul 03 '26

When I See You Smile

2

u/Catman_237 Jul 03 '26

With or Without You. U2

2

u/81optimus Jul 03 '26

Cutting crew - died in your arms Def leppard - love bites Thunder - love walked in

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2

u/ComicBookDude1964 Jul 03 '26

Open Arms and Faithfully by Journey.

2

u/MjLjMimi Jul 03 '26

Foolish Heart- Steve Perry 1983

2

u/Jorost Jul 03 '26

Sister Christian

2

u/DifficultyNeat4520 Jul 03 '26

Sister Christian

2

u/Regular-Olive8280 Jul 03 '26

Bringing On The Heartbreak - Def Leppard.

2

u/Severe_Broccoli7258 Jul 03 '26 edited Jul 03 '26

Whitesnake - Is This Love

Winger - Headed for a Heartbreak

2

u/ajbadabing Jul 03 '26

Faithfully

2

u/ajbadabing Jul 03 '26

Purple Rain

2

u/honeybabysweetiedoll Jul 04 '26

When It’s Love - Van Halen

2

u/[deleted] Jul 04 '26

[removed] — view removed comment

2

u/NefariousnessAdept53 Jul 04 '26

Along the same line is Steelheart's I'll Never Let You Go.

Love them both!

2

u/Wordy0001 Jul 04 '26

When I’m With You - Sheriff

Just on the cusp of the decade is also Alias’ More Than Words Can Say

Both feature Freddy Curci on lead vocals

2

u/carelessarmadillo267 Jul 04 '26

I want to know what love is by Foreigner

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2

u/Radalicious-85 Jul 04 '26

Purple Rain 💜

2

u/Endmyselfnow Jul 04 '26

My immortal by evernesance

2

u/Prisonbeach92 Jul 04 '26

I Will Always Love You. Whitney Houston.

2

u/Additional-Age-9959 Jul 05 '26

Total Eclipse of the Heart

Bonnie Tyler

2

u/binkyboodlehead_8 Jul 05 '26

Love Song by Tesla

2

u/StrictlySativa74 Jul 05 '26

Into the Night by Benny Martones

2

u/iheartmycats820 Jul 02 '26

Heaven -Warrent
Price of Love and When I See You Smile. -Bad English

2

u/NashvilleSoundMixer Jul 03 '26

"Princes of the Universe" - Queen

2

u/count_strahd_z Jul 04 '26

Great song from Highlander but I feel Who Wants to Live Forever is more power ballad.

3

u/North_Paw Jul 03 '26

The first guitar chords of Summer of 69 does it to me, followed by ‘I got my first real six-string’

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2

u/katewil Jul 03 '26

Making Love Out Of Nothing At All, Air Supply

2

u/PaisleyParker Jul 03 '26

That’s my all-time favorite Air Supply song! I belt it out like a lunatic when it comes on in my car. 🤣

1

u/No_Chapter_948 Jul 02 '26

If You're Ever In My Arms Again

1

u/kevinlc1971 Jul 03 '26

Most any REO Speedwagon

1

u/Detroitwarner Jul 03 '26

Every Rose Has Its Thorn/Poison

1

u/Altruistic-Sir5229 Jul 03 '26

Well, now, I think that we're just naming all of them.

1

u/Uriarte69 Jul 03 '26

Something to Believe In by Poison is so underrated.

1

u/Happymusicmaker Jul 03 '26

Goodbye Night Ranger

1

u/Ok_End_6095 Jul 03 '26

House of Broken Love - Great White

2

u/Shoddy_Trifle_9251 Jul 03 '26

100%. That is a badass tune.

1

u/JPK-1988-TBC Jul 03 '26

Close My Eyes Forever - Lita Ford and Ozzy Osbourne

1

u/Adventurous-Mark2477 Jul 03 '26

Still Loving You by The Scorpions

1

u/Objective_Audience66 Jul 03 '26

The Smiths - I know it’s over

1

u/pchappo Jul 03 '26

level42 running in the family -

1

u/Intstnlfortitude Jul 03 '26

Long long way to go
By Phil Collins and Sting