For a time, the power ballad was so prevalent that you almost couldn’t be a rock band and get away without recording one. Even the grizzled ass-kickers in ZZ Top got into the act with today’s entry in the series, 1986’s “Rough Boy” (download). And you know what? They did it right. “Rough Boy” is far from the band’s best song, but it’s saved from outright mediocrity by a perfect solo. This one skirts the outer edges of the “power” part of power ballad, but it was about as tender as this trio ever got, so I’m putting it on the list.

Music, Power Ballads

About the Author

Jeff Giles

Jeff Giles is the founder and editor-in-chief of Popdose and Dadnabbit, as well as an entertainment writer whose work can be seen at Rotten Tomatoes and a number of other sites. Hey, why not follow him at Twitter while you're at it?

View All Articles