While many aspects of 80’s pop have always flown a little bit over my head, such as the over-reliance on drum machines and stodgy arrangements that favor filler noise over tasteful craft, one fad that I am bummed to have missed is power ballads. In fact I am 100% in favor of power ballads making a comeback.
Bonnie Tyler provided us one of the truly iconic entries in the power ballad genre in “Total Eclipse.” Featuring a handful of infinitely-quoted lyrics, a hugely dramatic production, and a soaring vocal part, this song borders on STATMYALTIYCHBBITGSOAT, specially during the chorus.
Then those keyboard solos kick in and everything it’s a bit too hammy, even for my tastes. But I suppose that’s all part of the package when it comes to power ballads.
I also am obliged to mention the utterly bananas music video (Lady Gaga ain’t got shit), memorably parodied in the Literal Video series.
Click here for the full list
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fsgWUq0fdKk
Pretty lousy video quality… it keeps getting taken down and re-uploaded. But the important thing remains:
“Drinking wine? Douchebags!”
Seriously so many great, absurd lines. “Staring at the swim team gets you killed by a gang of dancing ninja men who know how to twirl.”