10 Best Classic Rock Ballads

10. Beth - KISS

When KISS rocked the music world in the early 70's, there were no other band like them. In an era where bands were mildly experimenting with shock rock, here were 4 guys dressed up in horrifying makeup playing down and dirty rock and roll. Once they exploded with their live album Alive!, the music started to take a different approach once they returned to the studio.

With all the members contributing songs, drummer Peter Criss offered up a song he had written with a slower tempo, which the entire band loathed. After showing it to producer Bob Ezrin, the band polished it in the studio until it became a lush string ballad with Criss' soulful delivery. The single was originally the B-side to the band's heavyhitter "Detroit Rock City," but was catapulted into superstardom once DJ's started flipping over the single.

Given the band's rigorous schedule, the song is a beautiful portrait of what it's like to have a long distance relationship when in a popular rock band. Even though Criss' commitments to the band may be great, he always finds comfort in knowing Beth will be there to comfort him at home. For a band known for their take-no-prisoners attitude, "Beth" showed the heart KISS had beneath all the fire and explosions.