[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.
- Legendary hard rock masterpieces and popular songs etched in the history of music
- A classic hard rock masterpiece. A must-listen recommended album.
- Legendary Western rock masterpieces and hit songs of the 80s
- [2026] Overseas Metal Bands You Absolutely Can’t Miss — From Veterans to Rising Stars
- Helloween’s classic and popular songs
- Classic hardcore punk tracks. Recommended popular songs.
- Memorable Youth Songs: Looking Back on New Music Masterpieces from the 1970s–80s
- [2026] Classic Japanese hard rock songs: A roundup of must-listen hits
- AOR classic. A timeless, highly recommended hit.
- [Overwhelming Kusamero] A collection of classic Kusametal songs
- Memorable masterpieces. Recommended popular songs.
- [2026] Recommended for guitar-vocal performance! A collection of Reiwa J‑POP ballads
- [2026] Essential Japanese Loud Rock Anthems for Beginners
[For Beginners] Classic LA Metal Masterpieces: A Roundup of Essential Popular Songs (21–30)
When The Children CryWhite Lion
A song written by vocalist Mike Tramp and guitarist Vito Bratta.
It was released as a single by the rock band White Lion in 1988 and became their biggest hit.
It reached No.
4 on the U.S.
charts and also charted in Sweden, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
Kiss Me DeadlyLita Ford
A song by American rock guitarist and actress Lita Ford, also known for her work with The Runaways.
Released as a single in 1988, it became one of her signature songs.
It reached No.
12 on the U.S.
charts and was also a hit in New Zealand and the United Kingdom.
[For Beginners] Classic LA Metal Masterpieces: A Roundup of Essential Favorites (31–40)
PanamaVan Halen
A song released as a single by Van Halen in 1984.
It was the last song recorded with David Lee Roth as the lead singer.
It was inspired by a stripper they met in Arizona.
It became a hit in the United States, Ireland, the United Kingdom, Australia, and other countries.
The Ballad Of JayneL.A. Guns
A song included on the second album, Cocked & Loaded, released in 1989 by the American hard rock band L.A.
Guns.
The title “Jayne” refers to Jayne Mansfield, a popular actress and pin-up girl from the 1950s and 1960s.
House Of PainFaster Pussycat
A song released in 1990 by Faster Pussycat.
The message in the song and its music video resonated with many people affected by divorce.
Written by Taime Downe and Greg Steele, it was the band’s only hit to reach the Top 40 on the charts.
You Give Love A Bad NameBon Jovi
A song released as a single in 1986 by the American rock band Bon Jovi.
It was created by Jon Bon Jovi, Desmond Child, and Richie Sambora in the basement of Sambora’s family home in New Jersey.
It was covered in 2005 by the Polish singer Mandaryna.
Lick It UpKISS
A song released as a single in 1983 by the early Kiss, before they adopted their distinctive makeup and costumes.
It was written by Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons.
The song, sung from a male perspective, includes sexual elements and is about living in the moment.