10 Soft Rock Ballad Songs That Will Never Get Old

What’s rock and roll without a good power ballad? These songs slow things down but hit just as hard, packed with raw emotion and real stories. Whether they were written in the middle of heartbreak or as heartfelt dedications, every track on this list has a backstory worth hearing—and feeling. These ballads prove that even the loudest rockers have a softer, more emotional side when it comes to telling their truth through music.

10. “Every Rose Has Its Thorn” by Poison
Back in 1988, Poison dropped their biggest hit yet—“Every Rose Has Its Thorn,” the third single off their Open Up and Say… Ahh! album. The power ballad quickly became the band’s signature song, even topping the Billboard Hot 100 for three straight weeks. Frontman Bret Michaels wrote it after a tough breakup, inspired by the moment he called his girlfriend and another guy picked up the phone. Talk about heartbreak turned into a rock anthem.

9. “Always” by Bon Jovi
In 1994, Bon Jovi dropped “Always,” a power ballad that became one of their biggest hits, selling over 4 million copies worldwide. Originally written for a movie that ended up flopping, the track was shelved—until a friend of Jon Bon Jovi’s found it collecting dust and urged him to release it. It ended up on their Cross Road greatest hits album and became an instant fan favorite. Sometimes the best songs almost don’t make it!

8. “Carrie” by Europe
Swedish rockers Europe struck a chord with “Carrie,” the emotional power ballad from their third album, The Final Countdown. Released as the fourth single, it quickly climbed to No. 3 on the US Billboard chart and became one of their biggest hits. Frontman Joey Tempest wrote the song in memory of his girlfriend who passed away in a car accident, turning his heartbreak into a heartfelt goodbye with the hope they’d meet again someday.

7. “November Rain” by Guns N’ Roses
Written by Axl Rose, “November Rain” became the standout single from Guns N’ Roses’ Use Your Illusion I. Though Axl started writing it back in 1983, the song didn’t officially drop until 1991. It quickly became one of rock’s most iconic ballads, hitting No. 2 on the Billboard chart and landing at No. 5 on Q magazine’s list of the 1000 best songs of all time. Inspired by a rocky love story, it’s part of a loose trilogy with “Don’t Cry” and “Estranged.”

6. “I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing” by Aerosmith
Aerosmith’s epic ballad “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” became an instant hit after it was featured in the 1998 blockbuster Armageddon, starring Bruce Willis. Written by Diane Warren, the song shot to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and stayed there for four weeks. It even scored an Oscar nomination. Fun fact: the title came from something James Brolin once said about missing Barbra Streisand during an interview—“I don’t want to miss a thing.”

5. “Without You” by Mötley Crüe
Known for their wild image, Mötley Crüe surprised everyone by delivering one of rock’s most heartfelt ballads with “Without You.” Released as the third single from their 1989 album Dr. Feelgood, the song showed a softer side of the band. Inspired by drummer Tommy Lee’s relationship with actress Heather Locklear, “Without You” captured a genuine love story and proved that even the most rebellious rockers have a tender side.

4. “Is This Love” by Whitesnake
“Is This Love,” a power ballad from Whitesnake’s self-titled seventh album, became one of their biggest hits. The song, which was initially written for Tina Turner by guitarist John Sykes and frontman David Coverdale, was fortunately retained by the band. It resonated with fans worldwide, making it soar up the charts in both the U.S. and the U.K. The touching song’s lyrics ponder lost love and that all too common moment when you realize what you had, only after it’s gone.

3. “Nothing Else Matters” by Metallica
One of Metallica’s best-known songs, “Nothing Else Matters,” was released in 1992. The heartfelt ballad, which was included on their epic self-titled Black Album, reached No. 11 on the Billboard chart and became popular all over the world. Frontman James Hetfield penned it while thinking about his ex-girlfriend and experiencing homesickness while on tour. A fan favorite that began as a private moment revealed a more contemplative, gentler side of the band.

2. “Still Loving You” by Scorpions
In July 1984, legendary German rockers Scorpions released one of the most unforgettable power ballads ever — “Still Loving You.” Written by Rudolf Schenker and Klaus Meine, the track appeared on their hit album Love at First Sting and quickly struck a chord with fans around the world. With over 1.7 million copies sold, this emotional love anthem earned its spot as one of the greatest rock ballads of all time.

1. “Stairway to Heaven” by Led Zeppelin
“Stairway to Heaven” is hands down one of the most iconic rock ballads ever recorded. Released in 1971 on Led Zeppelin’s fourth studio album, guitarist Jimmy Page and vocalist Robert Plant crafted it. Over the years, critics and fans alike have praised it as the greatest ballad of all time. Page’s legendary guitar solo remains a standout in rock history, while Plant’s lyrics were inspired by the book Magic Arts in Celtic Britain by Lewis Spence.