[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.
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[For Beginners] Classic LA metal masterpieces: A roundup of essential popular tracks (1–10)
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!
Rock MeGreat White
Great White is an American band that blazed through the LA metal scene with hard rock rooted in the blues.
Their signature track was released as a single from the album Once Bitten in June 1987.
Its appeal lies in the sound where the muscular guitar riffs intertwine with Jack Russell’s passionate, soaring vocals, conveying an irresistible impulse and earnest desire to surrender your whole heart.
Peaking at No.
60 on the Billboard Hot 100, the song blends the glitz of LA metal with the melancholy of the blues—perfect for a drive or when you want to get pumped up.
Give yourself over to the searing rock sound and you’re guaranteed to be swept up in a rush of exhilaration!
Dr. FeelgoodMötley Crüe
Mötley Crüe, a band that epitomizes the LA metal scene of the ’80s.
The title track from their landmark 1989 album Dr.
Feelgood became a signature song that powered the band to their first No.
1 on the U.S.
album chart.
Known for being created while the members were sober from drugs and alcohol, the song tells a story of the pleasures—and the ruinous dependency—brought by a figure known as the “doctor.” Riding on a blend of funky rhythms and heavy guitar riffs, you can practically see the protagonist getting drawn deeper into a dangerous world.
Why not immerse yourself in the heat of ’80s rock while experiencing the power and groove that defined LA metal?
[For Beginners] Classic LA Metal Masterpieces: A Summary of Staple Favorite Songs (11–20)
Nothin’ But A Good TimePoison
One of the quintessential LA metal bands, Poison delivers the ultimate party rock anthem.
With lyrics that boldly proclaim “Let’s have an absolute blast tonight,” breaking free from the dull everyday grind, it’s the kind of song that makes you want to throw your fist in the air.
Featured on their smash-hit album Open Up and Say… Ahh!, released in April 1988, it was also memorably used in the film Mr.
& Mrs.
Smith.
Whether you want to blow off some steam or kick off the weekend, this track is guaranteed to lift your spirits—truly a song that epitomizes LA metal.
I Wanna Be SomebodyW.A.S.P.
W.A.S.P.
is a heavy metal band from Los Angeles, USA, also known for their provocative stage shows.
Their debut song, which put their name on the global map, is a rock number that sings of the universal longing to “be somebody.” Their debut album, W.A.S.P., released in 1984 and featuring this track, is known as a classic and was certified Gold by the RIAA.
Its powerful guitars and catchy melodies are sure to stir the listener’s heart.
If you’re looking to break out of your current situation or reach for big dreams, this song will surely give you courage.
Its selection at No.
84 on VH1’s “100 Greatest Hard Rock Songs” also speaks to its appeal.
Somebody Save MeCinderella
It’s a classic by the American band Cinderella that captures a cry from the heart seeking freedom and escape from everyday constraints.
Tom Keifer’s raspy vocals intertwined with bluesy guitar riffs create a driving, irresistibly cool sound.
In the lyrics, the protagonist, while longing for someone to save them, dashes into the night determined to enjoy it to the fullest.
The album Night Songs, which features this track, was released in 1986 and sold over three million copies in the U.S.
The song itself was released as a single in April 1987 and was frequently played on MTV.
When you feel the need to break free from something, why not surrender yourself to this straightforward rock ’n’ roll?
To Hell With The DevilStryper
Stryper, the American band known for their striking yellow-and-black visuals.
This song, which embodies their beliefs, carries a powerful message of rejecting every temptation and staying on the right path.
Beyond the lyrical world, the dramatic progression woven by Michael Sweet’s soaring high-tone vocals and the heavy guitar sound is equally captivating.
It’s the title track from the classic album To Hell with the Devil, released in October 1986, and the album achieved the landmark of becoming the first Christian metal record to be certified Platinum in January 1988.
When you want to accomplish something or fire yourself up, listening to it might give you great courage.