This week, I’m joined by Sean Faust to celebrate the era when power ballads ruled the radio, the arena, and your feelings. We’re curating a playlist packed with towering choruses, emotional guitar solos, and slow-burn anthems that demanded a lighter in the air — preferably before venue security noticed.

From hair-metal to arena-rock, these songs lived at the intersection of romance, drama, and unapologetic volume. Whether they blasted from a car stereo, closed out a concert set, or soundtracked a breakup you swore you were “fine” about, these tracks still hit just as hard decades later.

And if the lighter reference feels ancient? Think of it as the original concert cell phone moment — only with more denim, more Aquanet, and a very real chance of singed fingers.

🎙️ Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform—and don’t forget to leave a 5-star review to help more music fans find the show! Then, scroll down to hear all of the songs discussed in this episode! 👇

Giant – I’ll See You In My Dreams

Baton Rouge – Desperate

Bon Jovi – I’ll Be There For You

Kiss – Forever

Cheap Trick – The Flame

Joan Jett – Little Liar

T’Pau – Heart & Soul

Martika – Toy Soldiers

Savatage – When The Crowds Are Gone

Damn Yankees – High Enough

Cinderella – Heartbreak Station

Tesla – What You Give

Poison – Something To Believe In

Cleavage – It’s Not Goodbye Forever

Sittin’ Pretty – China Died

Warrant – I Saw Red

Skid Row – I Remember You

Heart – Alone

Motley Crue – Home Sweet Home ‘91

Peter Cetera – The Glory Of Love

Anthrax – N.F.B. – Dallabnikufesin *

*You’ll just have to listen to the episode…