[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)
Kickstart My HeartMötley Crüe
A song released as a single by Mötley Crüe in 1989.
It was written by bassist Nikki Sixx.
The track was used in a Kia Optima commercial aired during the 2012 Super Bowl and in a 2014 Dodge Charger commercial.
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.
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.