[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 Songs (21–30)
Sweet Child O’ MineGuns N’ Roses
A song by the American rock band Guns N’ Roses, released as a single in 1988.
There’s an anecdote that the third verse was edited because Axl Rose’s original lyrics were deemed too long by the record label.
It won an American Music Award in 1989 and an MTV Video Music Award.
Babylons BurningW.A.S.P.
A song included on “Babylon,” the 14th album by the American heavy metal band W.A.S.P., released in 2009.
It is inspired by biblical visions from the Book of Revelation.
The album charted in countries such as the United Kingdom, Sweden, Finland, and Switzerland.
HonestlyStryper
A song released as a single in 1987 by Stryper, formed in California in 1983.
It is said to be the only song by a Christian metal band to reach the Top 40 on the charts.
It’s a power ballad about friendship and God’s love.
ThunderbirdQuiet Riot
A song included on Metal Health, the third album by the American heavy metal band Quiet Riot, released in 1983.
It is a song that sings a tribute to Randy Rhoads, the band’s original guitarist who died in a plane crash in 1982.
HeavenWarrant
The biggest hit by the American glam metal band Warrant.
Released as a single in 1989, it’s a soft pop ballad.
The song sings about how heaven exists on earth as long as he’s with the woman he loves.
It reached No.
1 on the U.S.
charts and was also a hit in countries like Norway and Canada.
The Last MileCinderella
A song by the hard rock/glam metal band Cinderella, released as a single in 1989.
It reached No.
18 on the U.S.
charts.
The track features a sound rooted in British blues and self-confessional lyrics in a Delta style.
Don’t Close Your EyesKix
A power ballad released as a single in 1989 by the glam rock/metal band Kix.
It became their only charting breakout hit and still receives substantial airplay on rock radio stations today.