What makes power ballads by rock/metal bands cool?

Can you give an example of regular vs cool? I’m not sure I understand the difference, lol.

I think it’s the ‘power’ behind the songs. There’s something a little moving about using the same equipment you use for a standard rock song to create something long and moving.

‘November Rain’ by Guns n Roses comes to mind.

I honestly think that seeing the ‘soft side’ of an artist makes it more powerful. Ballads are mostly personal (‘Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald’ notwithstanding), so watching a larger-than-life figure share this personal intimacy is powerful. And also cool

@Mamradpivo Agreed – I was also thinking of a couple of GnR songs at the time of writing.

Ordinary ballads, in my opinion, don’t back the emotion in the words with musical emotion. Bands that play a heavier style of music generally have more of a full sound, which means the music amplifies the emotion in the words.

Also the restrained style used in a power ballad contrasts beautifully with the full on sound you know the same band is capable of producing.

Yes it’s a blend of emotions, profound lyrics, beautiful and touching music that make power ballads simply irresistible and mesmerizing. GNR – November Rain. Bon Jovi – Always. Extreme – More Than Words. Def Leppard – Love Bites. Journey – Don’t Stop Believin’. They are some of the best from a long list.