The power ballad can be diverse among fans of the rock genre. However, when a power ballad is done right, it can become a crowd favorite, nearly impossible not to dramatically sing along to.
The publication Ultimate Classic Rock compiled a list of arguably the most beloved rock ballads with a ranking titled “50 Greatest Power Ballads in Rock History.” According to the publication, the “greatest power ballads in rock history,” include 1990’s “Blaze of Glory” by Jon Bon Jovi, “Patience” by Guns N’ Roses from 1988, and Bryan Adams’ “Heaven,” released in 1984. One of Journey‘s biggest hits, 1983’s “Faithfully,” off the band’s record Frontiers, secured the list’s 12th spot, with Ultimate Classic Rock complimenting the Jonathan Cain-penned track for its poignant storytelling about a relationship enduring despite the strain of distance.
In a 2018 video promoting his memoir, Don’t Stop Believin’: The Man, the Band, and the Song That Inspired Generations, Cain gave some insight into how the song came to be. The keyboardist said he had vocalist Steve Perry, who was in Journey for over 20 years until his 1998 departure, listen to the track while they were “on a plane.” According to Cain, Perry was interested in recording “Faithfully” for his solo record, 1984’s Street Talk.
“I took the cassette back. And I said, ‘No deal. It’s got to be on a Journey album, someday,'” said Cain.
He then said that while Journey was recording Frontiers, their producer Mike Stone requested “another ballad for [the] album.” After warning Stone that Perry might take issue with the tune because he had said “no to Steve for a solo record,” the producer encouraged him to “bring it in” to record it.
Cain said Perry was fine with recording the song, under the condition that he was able to do so without the keyboardist’s presence.
“He said, ‘I can’t have you around when I’m doing it. I want to just be left alone with this music.’ And I said, ‘You got it, Steve,'” said Cain.
Cain then said he “got chill bumps” the first time he heard Perry’s vocals for “Faithfully,” which ended up reaching the number 12 Billboard Hot 100 spot in June 1983, four months after the release of Frontiers.
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