Want to impress that special someone for Valentine’s Day?
If you have a pulse, odds are you’re at least mildly addicted to Guitar Hero, so why not use those shredding skills for something sweet by learning how to play a nice love song to make your sweetie swoon?
Yeah, that’s lame.
Instead, you should play a rockin’ power-ballad with a wild guitar solo in the middle!
Nothing says “Happy Valentine’s Day” like a cheesy monster ballad, so check out these classics and pick one to share with that special metalhead in your life.
Top Love Songs for Power Ballad Fans
10. Cinderella—Don’t Know What You’ve Got (Till It’s Gone)(Video)
It’s no surprise that these fellas were pals of Bon Jovi, but with more of an Aerosmith/Rolling Stones vibe. Bonus points for the video featuring frontman Tom Keifer playing piano…at the beach…in a red sequined jacket. Fancy.
9. Skid Row—I Remember You
You remember Sebastian Bach, right? After his career with Skid Row, he turned to Broadway (Jesus Christ Superstar, in the title role) and television (playing a rockstar wannabe on Gilmore Girls).
8. Motley Crue—Home Sweet Home (Video)
Before Tommy Lee was Pamela Anderson’s ex-husband and the star of an infamous video and a boring reality show, he was writing heartrending ballads like this for Motley Crue. Yeah, we were surprised, too.
7. Extreme—More Than Words (Video)
Yes, this lovely acoustic guitar song is undeniably wuss-tacular, sensitive ponytails and all. But, you know all the words already, even if you don’t want to admit it. The best part of this video is that during the performance, the drummer is reading a magazine in the background because he’s so bored. Meanwhile, the bassist is petting a dog.
6. Mr. Big—To Be With You
See the explanation above, minus the dog.
5. Poison—Every Rose Has Its Thorn
Back in the ‘80s, Poison won all the girls’ hearts with their big hair. In 2007, formerly dreamy frontman Bret Michaels stars on his own reality/dating show, Rock of Love, featuring a horde of skanky girls trying to win his heart (and figure out whether he’s wearing a wig under his bandana).
4. Night Ranger—Sister Christian
Does this need an explanation? Didn’t think so.
3. Led Zeppelin—Stairway to Heaven
Maybe this isn’t really a power ballad? We’re not sure. But we are sure you’ve been dying to find an excuse to play this famous riff.
2. Bon Jovi—I’ll Be There For You
Seriously, you could use pretty much any song this New Jersey hair-metal group ever recorded. There’s no use trying to resist, these dopey songs are really, really catchy.
1. Damn Yankees—High Enough (Video)
Featuring members of Styx and Night Ranger, the true star of this unlikely super-group is the Motor City Madman himself, guitarist/hunter Ted Nugent. Ted’s known for his wild guitar solos and ruthless slaughter of furry little animals, but try to imagine this nutty bow-hunter as your own personal Cupid.
Did we forget to add your favorite Monster Ballad to our list? Leave a comment and let us know what song you’ll play for your sweetheart this Valentine’s Day!