Top Five Rock Power Ballads | #21

Top Five Rock Power Ballads – Episode 21

Recorded: June 16th, 2020

Episode Overview

In this installment of The 406 Podcast’s Top 5 series, Chewie and Pip tackle one of the most debated topics in classic rock: the greatest power ballads of all time.

Drawing from the late 1980s and early 1990s, the duo each reveal their personal Top 5 power ballads while sharing memories, stories, and musical trivia connected to some of the biggest names in rock. From Journey, Def Leppard, Van Halen, Skid Row, Poison, and Warrant to lesser-known gems from Giant and Steelheart, the discussion covers both iconic classics and underrated favorites.

Along the way, the hosts discuss memorable music videos, live performances, vocalists, songwriting, and the role these songs played in their lives growing up. The episode also includes honorable mentions, stories from college, and plenty of appreciation for the golden era of rock ballads.

Topics Discussed

What defines a power ballad
The golden age of rock ballads
Night Ranger and “Sister Christian”
Warrant’s underrated songwriting
Journey and Steve Perry’s vocals
Giant and forgotten melodic rock classics
Def Leppard’s catalog beyond the hits
Steelheart’s remarkable vocal range
Van Halen during the Sammy Hagar era
Skid Row and Sebastian Bach
Poison’s enduring popularity
Phil Collins as a songwriter
The impact of MTV on music discovery
Favorite concert memories
Honorable mentions and near misses
Future Top 5 music discussions

Episode Chapters

0:00 – Intro & Tonight’s Top 5 Topic
1:40 – Defining the Power Ballad
2:41 – Drinks, Bourbon & Aviation Gin
4:13 – #5: “Sister Christian” (Night Ranger)
6:43 – #5: “Sometimes She Cries” (Warrant)

9:21 – #4: “Faithfully” (Journey)
11:00 – #4: “I’ll See You in My Dreams” (Giant)

14:06 – #3: “When Love and Hate Collide” (Def Leppard)
16:23 – #3: “I’ll Never Let You Go” (Steelheart)

20:18 – #2: “When It’s Love” (Van Halen)
24:24 – #2: “I Remember You” (Skid Row)

27:17 – Honorable Mention: “I’ll Never Let You Go” (Steelheart)
29:09 – Honorable Mention: “Colours” (Phil Collins)
30:31 – Honorable Mention: “Heaven” (Warrant)

33:26 – #1: “Every Rose Has Its Thorn” (Poison)
35:54 – Songs That Almost Made the List
36:35 – Future Top 5 Ideas
37:24 – Outro