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[For Beginners] Classic LA Metal Anthems: A Roundup of the Most Popular Standards
In the United States during the 1980s, many bands emerged that combined a distinctive sound adding glamorous elements to heavy metal with flashy looks; these bands came to be known as glam metal or hair metal.
In Japan, those bands—especially the ones from Los Angeles—were given a unique label: “LA metal,” and they had a major impact on the Japanese metal scene.
The soundscape woven by powerful guitar riffs, lyrical melodies, and soaring high-pitched vocals continues to captivate many listeners even today.
This time, we’ll introduce classic songs that are perfect for learning about the history and allure of LA metal.
[For Beginners] Classic LA metal masterpieces: A roundup of essential popular tracks (1–10)
Round And RoundRatt
One of the biggest hits by Ratt, a representative band of LA metal.
It was released as a single in 1984.
The song is about a woman who broke a man’s heart, and it was written by lead singer Stephen Pearcy and guitarists Robbin Crosby and Warren DeMartini.
18 And LifeSkid Row
A song released as a single by Skid Row in 1989.
It was inspired by a newspaper article guitarist Dave “Snake” Sabo read about an 18-year-old boy who shot and killed his friend.
In 1989, it became one of the most-aired music videos on MTV.
Turn up the RadioAutograph
A song released as a single in 1984 by Autograph, a glam metal band from Los Angeles.
It was their only hit, reaching No.
17 on the U.S.
charts.
The track has been featured in the TV drama Miami Vice and the video game Grand Theft Auto: Vice City.
High EnoughDamn Yankees
A song by Damn Yankees, the supergroup formed by Jack Blades of Night Ranger, Tommy Shaw of Styx, and Ted Nugent of The Amboy Dukes.
Released in 1990, it was their debut single.
It reached No.
2 on the U.S.
charts and was also a hit in countries such as Poland, Canada, and New Zealand.
Cherry PieWarrant
A signature song from Warrant, a band that epitomized the American glam metal scene.
Vocalist Jani Lane reportedly wrote it in just 15 minutes at the request of the record label president.
It’s the title track of the album Cherry Pie.
The lyrics, which compare a loved one to a sweet and irresistible pie, are straightforward and passionate.
This track blends an uplifting, catchy guitar riff with an irresistibly singable pop chorus, letting you fully savor the glitzy world of LA metal.
Released in September 1990 as the lead single from the album of the same name, it became a major hit, reaching No.
10 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Give it a spin when you want to crank up the mood—perfect for drives and parties!