My top most beautiful ballads. I just set up a playlist with my most played songs in recent times and I noticed that there are quite a few gems in there, including ballads. That's why I think it would be a nice idea to let all music lovers on Hive post their own top 10 of most beautiful ballads as a kind of challenge. I'll start with mine and I'm very curious about yours.

1. Joe Satriani - Always with me, Always with you

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A musical ballad that has a special meaning to me. This song is from the album "Surfing with the alien" by Joe Satriani. And this was my first introduction to Satriani. I got the album from my brother for my birthday (many years ago) and this album made a huge impression on me. Always with me, Always with you is so insanely beautiful, I get goosebumps every time. By the way, this is also in my will to be played at my funeral (which hopefully will be a long time lol).

2. Matt Andersen - I'm giving in

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Not unknown to some of you, I am a big fan of the Canadian singer-songwriter Matt Andersen. I have seen him many times here in the Netherlands and it remains amazing every time, his guitar playing with his amazing voice amazes me every time. I think this song is really brilliant, this live version differs slightly (how he brings it) from his studio version. Personally I think this is the most beautiful performance.

3. Steve Vai - Tender Surrender

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Another instrumental, Tender Surrender by Vai. This song builds up so beautifully with a solo as a climax that makes me truly emotional. That feeling he puts into it (despite his show elements) is so beautiful... Yes, for me a top 10 worthy song.

4. Corey Taylor (Slipknot) - Snuff

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The song Snuff has a deep meaning for Corey Taylor & Slipknot. It is dedicated to Paul Gray, the late guitarist and written by Corey. Both acoustically and in the performance of Slipknot this is such a strong song. Last year (and we are going again this year) during the Slipknot concert this song made such an impression.

5. ABBA - The Day before you came

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ABBA is a common thread in my life. In my youth I was more or less taken along by my mother in the ABBA adventure, she was a big fan almost obsessive :). But well, I didn't keep much from my mother ;) But my love for ABBA. That's why an ABBA song can't be missed. ABBA has written several insane ballads but The Day Before You Came is such an impressive song. The music, the singing of Agnetha... Everything is right.

6. Beth Hart - Leave the Light on

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Beth Hart, a lady with a past. She is bi-polar, history of drug abuse... Sad story. But her talent, voice and music.....wow.... This song tells the story exactly. It is so small, so beautiful and so impressive. It really comes from her toes, she feels the song, relives the story she tells with this song.

7. Beth Hart & Joe Bonamassa - I'll take care of you

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After leave the light on this song immediately came to mind. Best of both worlds. Beth's great vocals and Bonamassa's virtuoso musicality. Just like Tender Surrender I think the build-up of this song is brilliant........Just when you think the song is over Beth's insane outburst and then a solo........... Well, what can I say about that, it comes from his toes....This, for me, is what music is all about. It touches you.....

8. Foreigner - I want to know what love is

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This is also one of those songs that is timeless and it is my wife's favorite song :). The dedication with which this song is performed, there are not many like it..... If you see how many people of our generation know this song from A to Z... Then you have made history... right? Then add the gospel choir... goosebumps....

9. Chris Cornell - Nothing compares to U

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I could just as well have taken Prince's own version (Live at paisley Parc) but this version by Cornell is so spot on. Unbelievable that he, just like Linkin Park's Chester) were so tied up in knots with themselves that they saw no way out. A great loss for music. This song represents for me the power of music in its most subtle form.....

Neil Diamond - I am I said

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This song is insane, you believe every word he says. This absolute legend, Neil Diamond, has a voice recognizable from a thousand. For years people moved with his music and warm, beautiful voice. In the line of Elvis, absolutely... A great. You have to play this song at volume 100 and just enjoy his warm voice.....

Of course there are 100 more ballads that are great, these are real gems for me that I play regularly. Music is feeling, emotion, and that is different for everyone. Everyone experiences music in his or her own way, but for everyone it applies... Without music the world would look a lot worse...

I wonder who will take up the challenge? Maybe @bozz (big music lover), or @steevc ? I am very curious about your top 10, feel free to repost the message to reach as many hivers as possible... Spread the music :)

Thank you,

Peter