Ballad of Youth: Great Song or Greatest Song?
 

I was driving down the Route 130 corridor in South Jersey en route to class this afternoon when they played this on Hair Nation XM. First of all, I couldn't believe they'd actually play something so "obscure" by music standards, but was enthralled all the same. I forgot how much I love this song; it's my favorite Sambora song, and easily one of my favorite songs related to the band, period. I love everything about it: the sweeping acoustic opening, the kicking into a ridiculous early-90s riff, the cheesy keys that accent Richie's voice, the lyrical content, as well as Richie's vocals in general. I actually find the "Oh No!'s" in the final chorus to be moving. This is just a great song to me. Does anyone else concur?

I agree it's a great song. However, with how good Stanger is as a whole, it's probably my 3rd or 4th favorite song on the album.

Live, it would probably go over better than Stranger does.

it's great, but not THE greatest. Father Time is the greatest to me.

No words can describe how brilliant this song is.

Hell, that whole album is a masterpiece.

Good call Goldsausage!

The whole Strangers album is a ****ing masterpiece and this song Ballad of Youth is really amazing ! I love the elcetric guitar riff and not to mention the acoustic guitar intro ! It is a shame Richie don't sings his own songs at concerts instead of I'll Be There For You.

Tremendous song, tremendous album.

However, I prefer 'Rosie' and 'River Of Love'.

I love it and the whole album is one of my favourites.
Sometimes it's even better than a band album :-)
One Light Burning is awesome too!!

The song and album are both great but i've always prefered undiscovered soul :)

I do believe Ballad Of Youth was the first song of his I ever heard - downloaded it because I liked the title, a lot <_> And man, I'm glad I chose that one.