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What song was the first "power ballad"?

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mac56 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Nov-27-05 06:20 PM
Original message
Poll question: What song was the first "power ballad"?
Edited on Sun Nov-27-05 06:45 PM by mac56
You know what I mean: slow and quiet start, building up gradually to a powerful, climactic end. Mainstays of FM "classic rock" stations. Back in the day, every "metal" album featured at least one. So which song started the whole trend?
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OPERATIONMINDCRIME Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Nov-27-05 06:22 PM
Response to Original message
1. I'm goin with bridge over troubled water. My 2nd favorite song of all time
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mac56 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Nov-27-05 06:23 PM
Response to Reply #1
2. What's the first?
nm
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OPERATIONMINDCRIME Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Nov-27-05 06:24 PM
Response to Reply #2
3. Dust In The Wind, By Kansas
Since I was a kid I always thought it was the perfect song. So simplistically beautiful. The string solo just touches me.
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bamademo Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Nov-27-05 07:43 PM
Response to Original message
4. American Pie
Duh!
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mac56 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Nov-27-05 09:05 PM
Response to Reply #4
10. "Duh"? What "duh"?
I don't think "American Pie" qualifies. It lacks the slow build to a big bombastic ending that is the earmark of a power ballad. More of a gentle ending and fadeout.

Your mileage may vary.
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RockaFowler Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Nov-27-05 07:52 PM
Response to Original message
5. Dream On
Come on this is the epitome of a power ballad. It starts off slow and gradual builds to the best crescendo in any song.

I love Steven Tyler's voice in that song, too
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lady raven Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Nov-27-05 08:02 PM
Response to Reply #5
6. I totally agree...
And extra points for it being written by a 17 year old.
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graywarrior Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Nov-27-05 08:03 PM
Response to Original message
7. You've Lost That Loving Feeling
Righteous Brothers
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mac56 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Nov-27-05 09:03 PM
Response to Reply #7
8. I think we may have a winner here.
Phil Spector may have been the unintentional father of the power ballad.
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Deja Q Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Nov-27-05 09:05 PM
Response to Original message
9. So Toni Basil's "Mickey" doesn't count?
I mean, if that ain't powerful (and obvious, I love it!), what could be? :rofl:
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mac56 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Nov-27-05 09:06 PM
Response to Reply #9
11. One pace throughout.
Edited on Sun Nov-27-05 09:09 PM by mac56
Needs a slow build and power ending. Also needs a little pretension that "Mickey" lacks.
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OPERATIONMINDCRIME Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Nov-27-05 09:06 PM
Response to Original message
12. And How Is There No Elvis On This LIst?
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mac56 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Nov-27-05 09:08 PM
Response to Reply #12
13. How right you are.
"If I Can Dream" is a classic power ballad. I hang my head in shame for overlooking it.

"Suspicious Minds", though a flawless pop song, has power ballad characteristics too.
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AngryAmish Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Nov-27-05 09:10 PM
Response to Original message
14. Walk This Way by Run-DMC
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