Legendary hard rock masterpieces and popular songs etched in the history of music

Metal Health (Bang Your Head)Quiet Riot

Metal Health (Bang Your Head) (Re-Recorded / Remastered)

Quiet Riot is a quintessential hard rock/heavy metal band of the 1980s, also known for having the legendary guitarist Randy Rhoads in its lineup.

This song opens their album Metal Health—dedicated to Randy Rhoads—which marked their comeback after their first breakup and became a massive hit upon its release in 1983.

The album is famous for being the first in heavy metal history to reach No.

1 on the U.S.

Billboard chart.

Kicking off with Kevin DuBrow’s exhilarating shout and featuring a simple yet dynamic guitar sound, it’s a textbook example of 1980s hard rock.

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Every Rose Has Its Thorn – Remastered 2003Poison

Every Rose Has Its Thorn (2003 Remaster)

A signature ballad by Poison, one of the quintessential rock bands of the 1980s, who gained popularity not only in their home country of the United States but also in Japan, armed with flashy makeup and catchy melodies.

They were often labeled a hair metal band and faced critical pushback due to their commercial success, but listening to ballads like this makes their gift for crafting memorable songs clear—and helps explain why they sold so well.

The song first appeared on their second album, Open Up and Say…

Ahh!, released in 1988, which sold over eight million copies worldwide.

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Runaway TrainSoul Asylum

Soul Asylum – Runaway Train (Official HD Video)

Although Soul Asylum is recognized as alternative rock, they actually have many hard and loud songs.

This track is quite different, but since it’s the Grammy-winning single, it’s probably their most well-known song, isn’t it? In this promotional video, photos of missing children were used, and I’ve heard that some of them were actually found.

The power of music is amazing.

Street LethalRacer X

Street Lethal

Standing alongside Yngwie Malmsteen as a speed star is Paul Gilbert, who was a member of Racer X.

Racer X, where every member was a technician, specialized in songs that were extremely simple yet performed with an abundance of virtuosic technique.

pickin up the piecesGlenn Hughes

Glenn Hughes Pickin’ Up The Pieces

If you’re talking about pioneers of hard rock, Deep Purple is one of the first that comes to mind, and Glenn Hughes was a member of that band.

This track was made with members of Europe serving as the backing band.

His wide-ranging, soulful vocals are one of a kind, and his individuality shines through fully on this song as well.

The Boys Are Back In TownTHIN LIZZY

Thin Lizzy – The Boys Are Back In Town (Official Music Video)

The twin-lead guitar style started to emerge around this time.

I think hard rock bands where the bassist handles vocals are also rare.

This song is the one released during what could be called Thin Lizzy’s peak period, known in Japanese as “Yatsura wa Machi e” (“The Boys Are Back in Town”).

Bon Jovi and Def Leppard have covered it as well.

Sweet Home AlabamaLynyrd Skynyrd

Lynyrd Skynyrd – Sweet Home Alabama – 7/2/1977 – Oakland Coliseum Stadium

People refer to rock from the American South as Southern rock, and among them, I think Lynyrd Skynyrd leans strongly toward hard rock.

Conversely, the Allman Brothers Band has the image of a classic, straight-ahead Southern rock band.

The loud guitars and pounding rhythms make it unmistakably Southern hard rock.