The Rise of Arena Rock

By the mid-1980s, rock music had evolved from the club circuit to the arena stage. Bands like Bon Jovi, Journey, and Def Leppard crafted songs specifically designed to sound massive in large venues, with anthemic choruses that tens of thousands of fans could sing along to.

The power ballad became one of the decade's most successful formats: a song that typically begins softly with acoustic guitar or piano, builds gradually with electric instruments, and culminates in a soaring, emotionally charged chorus. This formula proved irresistible to audiences, producing some of the era's biggest hits.

In the following lessons, we will examine two of the finest examples of arena rock: Bon Jovi's Livin' on a Prayer and Journey's Don't Stop Believin'. Both tracks demonstrate the art of building an anthem that connects with millions.