Top Ten Rock Ballads of Rockstars, Female and Male Singers

Many people remember rockstars for their hard rock music. However, not all songs by rockstars were fast and heavy. Some were slow and actually meaningful to listen to. This article will explore my choices for the top ten rock ballads.

1. I Remember You by Skid Row. Skid Row for me was an incredible rock band. Sebastian Bach had an unbelievable voice, one that not many could imitate. The song I Remember You was popular for many years, and many cover bands tried to recreate the song when out performing live. This song is at the top of my list because of how memorable it was to anyone who listened to rock music back in the day, and because of how hard it was for any singer to try and sing the way Sebastian Bach did. The tune was great to listen to. I would have chosen another song by Skid Row from a newer album, Quicksand Jesus, but I know most of you out there would have no idea what I was talking about with this one.

2. I'll Never Let You Go by Steelheart. Okay, I would have put this one first, but not as many people are familiar with it. Steelheart and Michael Matijevic, the lead singer, never gained the popularity that Skid Row and some of the other metal and rock bands did. However, Michael Matijevic had a much clearer voice than Sebastian Bach. Sebastian carried out some high notes, but he also had some screaming in them. Michael Matijevic's voice was pure and clear. This also happens to be one of my favorite songs of all time. I don't think I have ever heard anyone perform this song, other than myself at karaoke. (Hey, I didn't say I pulled it off perfectly, but I have tried!)

3. Fly to the Angels by Slaughter. Do you remember this band? They really didn't have many hits. But, this song took the cake for rock ballads. It was a beautiful tune. The song is very hard to sing, and the lyrics are also meaningful. If you don't already know it, download it on iTunes and listen to it!

4. Miles Away by Winger. Yes, Winger. Many of you may be saying that Winger wasn't a true rock band, that they were too nice or too good looking. Well, I would agree with the good looking part, especially the lead singer. However, Miles Away deserves to be recognized as one of the top rock ballads. It held its own for many weeks with radio play and on MTV (back when they actually played music).

I was lucky enough to be friends with the members of Winger, and saw many of their shows. Winger went on to create a third album, called Pull. It was on a different level than their first two albums with mostly rock music, and it didn't do as well. However, many of the songs from that album were what I would call deeper and more motivational songs in general.

5. To Be With You by Mr. Big. Mr. Big really only had one hit that I can remember. The band was definitely a hair rock band, but they didn't go very far or cross generations like some of the other rock bands.

6. We Belong by Pat Benatar. Pat Benatar was probably about the best rockstar chick that ever lived. I think she really knew how to rock. This song was one of her slower ones, and I still listen to it today.

7. Alone by Heart. If Pat Benatar was one of the greatest single chick rockers, Heart definitely was the best pair of chick rockers. It didn't hurt that the two were sisters. Heart spent many years on the chart with unstoppable rock songs, including many rock ballads. I think the most unforgettable of their rock ballads is Alone, but These Dreams was also good.

8. Is This Love by Whitesnake. Remember Tawny Kitaen on the hood of Whitesnake's car? That was an incredible video. Well, this song didn't accompany that video, but the song was still a memorable rock ballad.

9. Take It On the Run by REO Speedwagon. I hear still this song today sung by many cover bands that do classic rock.

10. The Search is Over by Survivor. I have to admit, I'd love to hear my boyfriend sing a meaningful song like this to me!