Recommended hard rock and heavy metal

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

Live Spot LugHirata Hiroyasu
I’m Hiroyasu Hirata from Live Spot RAG. When I was 15, I was blown away by how cool music—especially rock—was, and I started playing guitar and formed a band. I’m from Kochi Prefecture, where there weren’t many live houses or concert venues, so there were few opportunities to experience live music. Back then, our sources of information were magazines, CDs, and even VHS tapes (!?). Still, I was captivated by the sparkle of music, and I spent my days enjoying guitar and music, mostly neglecting my studies. I moved to Kyoto for university and “graduated” from the light music club, so to speak (laugh). Until then, I mainly listened to Japanese rock and Western hard rock, but thanks to seniors and peers I learned there was so much more music in the world. Now I listen to anything that strikes me as good, regardless of genre. After graduating, I joined RAG. After about six years in the office and about ten years in the music studio, I now work at the long-established Live Spot RAG, which has been around for 39 years, mainly handling promotions. Being exposed to the “real music” performed by Japan’s top musicians and delivering it to our audience lets me feel the brilliance of music anew every day. I still play guitar and keep a band going casually, and in recent years I’ve even started singing—better late than never. I’ve fully become an old guy by now, but I hope we can continue to chase “what lies beyond the dreams I painted with music back then” together.

Hard rock, rooted in blues rock, transformed its sound to become heavier and more dramatic.

The achievements of Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, Van Halen, Queen, and Aerosmith are nothing short of legendary.

For those who listened in real time, it remains a beloved formative musical experience; for younger generations, it offers chances to discover music they didn’t know and to make new findings.

In this article, we’ve picked out great hard rock bands and classic tracks that will surely be talked about for generations to come.

Even within the hard rock genre, there are songs that head in many different directions, so please enjoy!

Legendary hard rock masterpieces and fan favorites etched in music history (21–30)

Mr. CrowleyOzzy Osbourne

OZZY OSBOURNE – “Mr. Crowley” 1981 (Live Video)

Mr. CrowleyOzzy Osbourne

A masterpiece etched into the history of heavy metal that countless guitarists have tried to copy.

Many listeners likely awakened to metal after hearing this song, released in 1980 by the British artist Ozzy Osbourne.

From Don Airey’s majestic keyboard intro to the transition into the breathtakingly dramatic guitar solo by the gone-too-soon genius Randy Rhoads, it’s nothing short of overwhelming.

The mysterious lyrics, which pose questions about occultists, also ignite the listener’s imagination.

Experience the very essence of metal through this performance, celebrated as a historic tour de force!

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Hot For TeacherVan Halen

Van Halen – Hot For Teacher (Official Music Video)

Hot For TeacherVan Halen

This song, which sings about being enthralled by a teacher, became a major appeal to a new generation of Van Halen fans.

The music video, featuring Norwegian model Lillian Muller as a sexy teacher, was co-edited by David Lee Roth.

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Legendary hard rock masterpieces and popular songs etched in music history (31–40)

Pour Some Sugar On Me – Remastered 2017Def Leppard

Pour Some Sugar On Me (Remastered 2017)

Pour Some Sugar On Me - Remastered 2017Def Leppard

Kicking off with a shout and an intro driven by heavy, tight drums and bass and a massive guitar sound, this is an ultra-cool classic by Def Leppard, one of the UK’s premier hard rock bands.

Released in 1987, it appears on the album Hysteria, which achieved the astonishing feat of selling over 25 million copies.

The melody is simple yet unforgettable.

According to vocalist Joe Elliott, this song is “the one that defines us, and the one best known around the world.”

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gimme all your loveMasquerade

Masquerade – Gimme all your Love

gimme all your loveMasquerade

They’re a band from Sweden.

Their sparkling, Scandinavian hard rock recalls TNT, and the vocalist’s clear high tones are incredibly satisfying.

This track opens their debut album and really feels like a calling card.

The catchy chorus makes you want to sing along at their shows.

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Helter SkelterThe Beatles

06 Helter Skelter

Helter SkelterThe Beatles

This is a Beatles song included on the ambitious double album The Beatles, released in 1968 and commonly known as the White Album.

Often cited as a prototype of hard rock, it was written by Paul McCartney, who has said he had The Who in mind when composing it.

Its dynamic, heavy guitar sound greatly influenced later bands and has been especially popular among heavy metal groups, who frequently cover it.

Among the Beatles’ catalog, it stands out as an exceptionally intense rock track and can be considered a groundbreaking classic.

It’s unfortunate—for the band as well—that the Charles Manson incident saddled it with a negative image.

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I love Rock N RollJoan Jett

Joan Jett – I love Rock N Roll HQ

I love Rock N RollJoan Jett

This is the signature classic that Joan Jett—who made her mark as the guitarist and vocalist of the legendary girl band The Runaways—released under the name Joan Jett & the Blackhearts in 1982, scoring a major hit.

Tight rhythms, solid guitars, a straightforward title and lyrics, and Jett’s husky vocals—everything is simple and perfect.

The catchy chorus line is something almost everyone has heard at least once.

In fact, it’s not one of their original numbers, but a cover of a song by the British band The Arrows, who were active for a short time in the ’70s.

It’s fun to compare it with the original version.

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letting goPRAYING MANTIS

Praying Mantis – Letting Go [OFFICIAL VIDEO] (1993)

letting goPRAYING MANTIS

A veteran five-piece from the UK with satisfying twin-guitar harmonies and backing vocals.

Even on this album—polished throughout with no filler—this track is a standout.

Colin Peel’s husky, plaintive vocals match perfectly with the somewhat melancholy, wet mood of the song.

Highly recommended for fans of wistful, bittersweet tunes.

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