9 Best Pop Ballads That Defined Your Teen Years

If there's anyone who knows the power of a pop ballad, it's Mariah Carey. With hits like, "We Belong Together" Carey became one of the biggest pop icons of our generation. And now she's at it again. With Carey's new single, "Infinity," she's capturing us with her killer vocals and heartfelt lyrics and giving us all the throwback feels. With the revival of the classic Carey we all know and love, we can't help but remember all the other iconic pop ballads of our childhood.

There's nothing more emotional than a song that can move you to tears. We may not realize it but music actually has a big affect on how we view things. Whether you're going through a breakup or even just a really big transition in life, pop ballads are the best songs to help you get through it all. With their soft melodies and descriptive lyrics each one seems to grab our attention and speak straight into our souls.

Growing up in the 90s, music may have been all about boy bands, but that didn't stop a few slow ballads from making their way onto the radio and into our hearts. As music transforms overtime, there will always be something timeless about a good pop ballad. Let's reflect as we go through some great hits you may have forgotten about.

"Graduation (Friends Forever)" by Vitamin C (2000)

The song will forever remind you of middle school or high school, when you played it a million times before graduating.

"I'm Not A Girl, Not Yet A Woman" by Britney Spears (2002)

Encapsulating everything it means to be in that in between stage of growing up.

"Beautiful" by Christina Aguilera (2002)

In this emotionally raw ballad, Aguilera gets to the heart of what it means to be beautiful on the inside.

"Breakaway" by Kelly Clarkson (2004)

A song that almost everyone can relate to. Growing up and moving on to the next chapter in your life, whatever that may be.

"Hey There Delilah" by Plain White T's (2006)

This catchy song got stuck in all of our heads and secretly made us wish we were named Delilah.

"Big Girls Don't Cry" by Fergie (2007)

With such soft vocals and lyrics, this is definitely one of Fergie's biggest hits to date.

"Apologize" by Timbaland featuring OneRepublic (2007)

Not only was it played on almost every single TV show at that the time, it was also a perfect breakup song.

"If I Were a Boy" by Beyonce (2008)

Only thing more heartfelt than the song was the music video. Queen Bee slays as always.

"The Climb" by Miley Cyrus (2009)

Hannah Montana aside, you have to admit this song was amazing.

Images: Zomba Recording