The 1980s were known for many things, but perhaps the biggest and brashest musical moments came when hair metal bands took center stage with their raunchy, rollicking rock renditions. Those groups with giant ‘dos and equally big song ideas. Those bands that, if you were growing up at the time, you often hid from your parents.
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Yes, hair metal and all of its braggadocio was a significant part of the Reagan era. And here, we examine eight of the most impactful songs from the decade. Songs that explode with bravado and include a touch of silliness.
[RELATED: Top 10 Hair Metal Bands of the 1980s]
1. “Pour Some Sugar On Me,” Def Leppard
Released on the 1987 Def Leppard album, Hysteria, this song, which hit No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, is the epitome of party. From bar scenes in movies and television shows from here to eternity, this song will be played whenever things are getting a bit rowdy and a bit raunchy. The title says it all.
2. “Here I Go Again,” Whitesnake
Released on this British-born band’s 1982 album, Saints & Sinners, this song hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 upon its release. Today, the song implies perseverance and a push forward through perhaps tough times. We all know what it can feel like to be a “drifter” walking alone. This song sums it up with big power.
3. “Cum On Feel The Noize,” Quiet Riot
Originally written and released in 1973 by the band Slade, this song was covered a decade later by Quiet Riot for their album, Metal Health. That version hit No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and Slade’s hit No. 1 on the U.K. singles chart. Either way, the booming song today is all about a good time. No wonder rock artists have destroyed so many hotel rooms. These songs thrash!
4. “Patience,” Guns N’ Roses
The godfathers of hair metal, Guns N’ Roses might have been the biggest name rockers of the entire decade thanks to songs like “Welcome to the Jungle” and “Paradise City.” The band’s song “Patience,” is a bit of a somber song compared to the others on this list but the track, which is from the group’s 1989 sophomore album, G N’ R Lies, is timeless today.
5. “We’re Not Gonna Take It,” Twisted Sister
Rebellion incarnate. This song, which is from the band’s 1984 album, Stay Hungry, is used today in political campaigns and sports chants. It’s all about overcoming what’s next. Like the mellower Tom Petty song, “I Won’t Back Down,” this song will live on in hopeful hearts forever.
6. “Girls Girls Girls,” Mötley Crüe
Oh, Mötley Crüe. How many parties have you supplied the proverbial rocket fuel to? This 1987 hit single comes from the album of the same name and caused many to rock unabashedly. It also brought them a few enemies, like Pearl Jam frontman Eddie Vedder, who didn’t like the message. But hair metal isn’t about being politically correct. It’s about going nuts.
7. “Rock You Like A Hurricane,” Scorpions
Is there a person on Earth who doesn’t get excited when this song comes on, who doesn’t have their heart begin to pound? From the German-born band’s 1984 album, Love at First Sting, this song is a scream into 100 mph winds.
8. “Jump,” Van Halen
One of the greatest guitarists of all time helped create one of the catchiest and most iconic songs of the 1980s with this number. Released on the 1984 album, 1984, this song lives on today for the simple and pure joy it brings to music fans all over the globe.
Photo by Paul Natkin/Getty Images
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