The ’70s were significant and saw the rise of several genres, such as heavy metal, punk rock, progressive rock, and so forth. The decade also provided some great soft rock, country, R&B/soul, and folk as well.
However, even some of the greatest rock n’ rollers of all time, have written some of the most beautiful ballads.
7. “Desperado” by The Eagles
Eagles had several hit songs including, Take It Easy, Already Gone, Peaceful Easy Feeling, and The Long Run but for Desperado it was never released as a single in 1973.
https://youtu.be/3-bwXhts8Zg
6. “Stairway to Heaven” by Led Zeppelin
The band enjoyed a great deal of success during their time, and surely have released many memorable tunes — but the most memorable one indeed was Stairway to Heaven. Many have called it a rock ballad but you cannot deny its enduring effect on rock music.
5. “All By Myself” by Eric Carmen
Even for a short time, Eric Carmen had established himself as an accomplished musician. He had joined several groups for several years and experienced a fair success with Raspberries. In 1975, he released All By Myself which made him very popular.
4. “Wonderful Tonight” by Eric Clapton
The acclaimed legendary guitarist, Eric Clapton — he won 18 Grammy Awards, performed with number of groups and as a solo artist over the years. In 1977, Pattie Boyd inspired him to write his most famous rock ballad song, Wonderful Tonight.
3. “The Long and Winding Road” by the Beatles
We all know who the Beatles were — The Long and Winding Road was written by Paul McCartney and was released on their final album in 1970. The last hit they’ve ever released before breaking up.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RLDG5_cmoxE
2. “Bridge Over Troubled Water” by Simon and Garfunkel
Written by Paul Simon in 1970 — but sung by his duo partner Art Garfunkel. The duo were a folk rock artists, and had a number of hits and won 10 Grammys. After the released of Bridge Over Troubled Water, the duo broke up.
1. “Without You” by Badfinger
A ballad, if not a love song, then it’s a heartbreak. This rock ballad is about being left by a lover, and there’s nothing more powerful than that. Despite being covered and being known by several artists, such as Harry Nilsson in 1971 or Mariah Carey in 1990. The song was originally written by Badfinger and performed it dramatically.
https://youtu.be/PPco24LS31A