10 Most Underrated Rock Ballads Of All Time
7. Broken Piano - Frank Turner
The biggest strength of a ballad is the ability to hit on something super personal. While it's hard to let yourself be that vulnerable as a songwriter, it pays off in dividends when you're actually able to pull it off well. And when you've had a life like Mr. Turner, there's a lot more scars on your heart than many would probably think.
Closing out Tape Deck Heart, we have an entire song that plays like Frank's stream of consciousness as he walks out to try to win back his old flame. From the opening organ notes, it's almost like you're caught in some sort of daydream along with Frank, as he makes his way to girlfriend's house and finding a broken piano along the way. You do hear him trying to make peace with the breakup, but those lingering feelings are too strong to let go of.
And the kicker is (spoilers)...he doesn't get the girl. By the end of the song, Frank is still just tickling those ivories on piano, waiting for his love to join in harmony and getting silence. That's what happens when you try to rewrite your own history though. No amount of emotional tension goes unpunished, and Frank is just left there with his piano until the end of time. Some say he's still playing those keys to this day.