13 Power Ballads That Bring Us To Tears

Power ballads have this unique way of reaching into our hearts and touching our souls. The talented songwriters and musicians work in harmony to highlight the booming voice that grabs your attention (and your feels).

Hello by Adele

Where are the tissues!? This song has Adele expressing her regret for letting things become distant. She reaches out, from ‘the other side’ but the other person has already moved on.

I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing by Aerosmith

Steven Tyler pouring his voice into the mic + dramatic orchestral backing + Michael Bay’s Armageddon = waving your arms with tears in your eyes.

Total Eclipse Of The Heart by Bonnie Tyler

Anyone who has experienced a breakup will know the heart ripping feeling Bonnie talks about in this song. It just sucks. And this ballad is full of raw emotion.

I’m Every Woman by Whitney Houston, SG Lewis

Finally, something uplifting! IMO: Chaka Khan disco’d so that Whitney could dance! This modern version starts of calm and slow, then ups the tempo, finishing with a the empowering chant: I’m Every Woman!

The Edge Of Glory by Lady Gaga

For those days when you feel the most fierce, everything is going right and the people around you are supporting and thriving! You really feel like just shouting from the rooftops!

Purple Rain by Prince

Another heartbreaking, tearjerker coming through! The orchestral, gospel-like performance is pure magic.

Perfect by Ed Sheeran

There is nothing like building a future with the love of your life. And while things feel so secure and safe, it won’t hurt to let them know how perfect they are to you.

Unbreak My Heart by Toni Braxton

If you have never seen this MV, Toni actually spends the whole song trying to mend her heart after her boyfriend dies in a motorcycle accident. But it can also apply to any breakup: which hurts a lot.

Chandelier by Sia

This ballad is all about Sia’s journey with addiction and the emotions she felt through it. The powerful lyrics symbolise her difficult experience.

Wrecking Ball by Miley Cyrus

If you take your eyes off the controversial – Miley swinging nude on an actual wrecking ball – this song is about being immensely broken and hurt.

Wildest Dreams by Taylor Swift

Being in love is the best feeling. Even if it is a short-lived relationship, make sure you leave an impression.

Domino by Jessie J

In Jessie’s own words, this song is nothing but “timeless, fun and uplifting”!

The Touch by Stan Bush

It’s a lekker, cheesey 80s power-anthem. It features in the 1986 animated film The Transformers: The Movie, and because people love cheese, it was also used in TV shows like The Goldbergs and Chuck.