It’s no secret that the guitar is the backbone of pretty much every song. Whether it’s a railing, electric solo that makes listeners want to break out their best air guitar, a stripped-down acoustic ...

The power ballads and rave-ups to best have you swooning this Valentine's Day. Rock may first and foremost be about sticking it to the man, as noted expert Ned Schneebly would tell you — but that ...

If you look at the Top 10 songs on the Billboard charts, odds are you’ll find nary a love song. Tracks about heartbreak, friendship and self-empowerment abound, but straightforward ballads about ...

This essay first appeared in the NPR Music newsletter. Sign up for early access to articles like this one, listening recommendations and more. I love the word "heartthrob." It stops you whether you ...

Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Quentin Singer is music journalist who covers rock and heavy music. Guitar music is a ubiquitous feature of popular music, ...

Zach Top is slated to perform his song “Guitar” at the 2025 CMA Awards, and the lyrics describe his lifelong fascination with music. Zach Top is a 28-year-old country singer-songwriter and guitarist.

Let’s be honest: Love songs always hit right in the feels. A ballad can transform from a regular song into the soundtrack of your relationship—whether you’re celebrating your 25th anniversary or just ...

The universal language of music has united generations of lovers since the beginning of time. Falling in and out of love, grasping at unrequited love, mourning love lost and succumbing to deep love ...