Underrated Song III: “I’ll Never Let You Go” by Steelheart

Steelheart’s “I’ll Never Let You Go” deserves more love! There, it’s finally been said.

When people talk about iconic power ballads of the late ’80s and early ’90s, names like Whitesnake, Poison, and Skid Row usually come up. But there’s one track that rarely gets the recognition it deserves: Steelheart’s “I’ll Never Let You Go.” Released in 1990, the song is a powerhouse of raw emotion, jaw-dropping vocals, and glam metal glory—and it’s one of the most underrated ballads of its time (if not all-time).

Frontman Miljenko Matijevic delivered a vocal performance that still turns heads today. Look for YouTube reaction videos to this song and you’ll see what we mean. His range on the track is absolutely insane, hitting high notes most singers wouldn’t even attempt. His four octave range puts him with the likes of Freddie Mercury, Whitney Houston, Prince, Ariana Grande, and Axl Rose. It’s a vocal masterclass wrapped in big guitars and heartfelt lyrics.

How else do we know that his voice is special? Here’s the answer and a fun fact all rolled up into one: Matijevic was the singing voice behind Mark Wahlberg’s character in the 2001 movie Rock Star.

So if you’ve never heard “I’ll Never Let You Go”—or just forgot how good it really is—it’s time to hit play and let it blow you away. You can thank us later.