Rockin’ Like It’s 1989: The Lost Classics of ’80s Hard Rock

The 1980s was a pivotal time for hard rock music. The genre was thriving, with iconic bands like Guns N’ Roses, Def Leppard, and Bon Jovi dominating the airwaves. However, amidst the commercial success of these bands, there were many other talented groups that flew under the radar. These “lost classics” of ’80s hard rock are often overlooked, but they deserve to be celebrated for their contributions to the genre. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most underrated and overlooked hard rock bands of the 1980s.

The Early Years: 1980-1984

The early 1980s saw the rise of new wave and punk rock, which influenced the development of hard rock. Bands like Van Halen, Foreigner, and REO Speedwagon were already established, but new groups like Twisted Sister, Ratt, and Cinderella were making waves. Twisted Sister’s debut album, “Under the Blade,” was released in 1984 and featured the hit single “We’re Not Gonna Take It.” Ratt’s self-titled debut album, released in 1984, introduced the world to their unique blend of hard rock and glam metal. Cinderella’s debut album, “Night Songs,” was released in 1986 and showcased their blues-infused hard rock sound.

The Golden Age: 1985-1988

The mid-to-late 1980s are often referred to as the “golden age” of hard rock. This was the era of big hair, big hooks, and even bigger guitars. Bands like Poison, Warrant, and Skid Row were dominating the charts, while others like Great White, Whitesnake, and Europe were building a loyal following. Poison’s debut album, “Look What the Cat Dragged In,” was released in 1986 and featured the hit singles “Talk Dirty to Me” and “Every Rose Has Its Thorn.” Warrant’s debut album, “Dirty Rotten Filthy Stinking Rich,” was released in 1989 and included the hit singles “Heaven” and “Sometimes She Cries.” Skid Row’s debut album, “Slave to the Grind,” was released in 1989 and featured the hit singles “I Remember You” and “18 and Life.”

The Underrated: 1989-1992

As the 1980s drew to a close, the hard rock scene was starting to evolve. Grunge and alternative rock were on the horizon, and many of the established hard rock bands were struggling to adapt. However, there were still some great bands that flew under the radar. Bands like Danger Danger, White Lion, and Great White continued to produce quality music, even as the genre was shifting. Danger Danger’s debut album, “The Inner Mask,” was released in 1989 and featured the hit single “Naughty Naughty.” White Lion’s debut album, “Pride,” was released in 1987 and included the hit singles “Wait” and “When the Children Cry.” Great White’s debut album, “On Your Face,” was released in 1986 and featured the hit single “Rock Me.”

Conclusion

The 1980s was a pivotal time for hard rock music, with many iconic bands emerging during this era. However, there were also many great bands that flew under the radar, producing quality music that is still worth listening to today. From the early years of Twisted Sister and Ratt to the golden age of Poison and Warrant, and finally to the underrated bands of Danger Danger and White Lion, there is a wealth of great hard rock music to explore. So, if you’re looking to expand your musical horizons and discover some new favorite bands, look no further than the lost classics of ’80s hard rock.

FAQs

Q: What is the difference between hard rock and heavy metal?
A: Hard rock and heavy metal are often used interchangeably, but there is a subtle difference. Hard rock tends to focus more on melody and hooks, while heavy metal is often more aggressive and focused on the riff.

Q: Why are some ’80s hard rock bands more popular than others?
A: There are many factors that contribute to a band’s popularity, including their music, image, and marketing. Bands like Guns N’ Roses and Bon Jovi had a combination of great music, a strong image, and effective marketing that helped them achieve mainstream success.

Q: Are ’80s hard rock bands still relevant today?
A: Yes, many ’80s hard rock bands are still relevant today. Bands like Def Leppard and Whitesnake continue to tour and produce new music, while others like Poison and Warrant have reunited and are still performing. Additionally, many modern rock bands have been influenced by ’80s hard rock and incorporate elements of the genre into their own music.

Q: How can I discover more ’80s hard rock bands?
A: There are many ways to discover more ’80s hard rock bands. You can start by exploring online music platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, which often feature playlists and radio stations dedicated to ’80s hard rock. You can also check out online forums and social media groups dedicated to the genre, where fans often share their favorite bands and albums. Finally, you can visit local record stores and thrift shops, where you may be able to find rare and obscure ’80s hard rock albums.