The 1980s was a monumental decade for metal music, witnessing the genre’s explosion into the mainstream. From hair metal’s glamorous anthems to thrash metal’s raw intensity, the Top Metal Songs Of The 80s shaped a generation and continue to inspire awe today. This article will delve into the iconic tracks that defined the era, exploring the diverse sounds and influential artists that made the 80s a golden age for metal.
Hairspray and High Notes: The Rise of Hair Metal
The 80s saw the emergence of hair metal, a subgenre characterized by catchy melodies, soaring vocals, and, of course, big hair. Bands like Mötley Crüe, Poison, and Bon Jovi dominated the charts, bringing a polished and theatrical flair to the metal scene. These bands crafted anthems that celebrated excess, rebellion, and the pursuit of rock and roll dreams.
- Anthems of Excess: Songs like “Girls, Girls, Girls” by Mötley Crüe and “Talk Dirty to Me” by Poison captured the hedonistic spirit of the era, while power ballads like “Every Rose Has Its Thorn” by Poison and “Livin’ on a Prayer” by Bon Jovi showcased the emotional depth of hair metal.
Thrashing into the Underground: The Birth of Thrash
While hair metal ruled the airwaves, a more aggressive and underground movement was brewing: thrash metal. Pioneered by bands like Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth, and Anthrax, thrash metal combined the speed and intensity of punk with the technicality of metal. This created a raw and powerful sound that resonated with a generation disillusioned with the excesses of hair metal.
- Fast and Furious: Tracks like “Master of Puppets” by Metallica, “Raining Blood” by Slayer, and “Peace Sells… but Who’s Buying?” by Megadeth showcased the blistering speed and technical prowess of thrash metal, pushing the boundaries of the genre and inspiring countless imitators.
Beyond the Big Four: Exploring Other Metal Subgenres
The 80s metal scene wasn’t just about hair metal and thrash. A plethora of other subgenres flourished, each with its unique sound and following. From the epic and progressive sounds of Queensrÿche and Fates Warning to the doom-laden riffs of Candlemass and Saint Vitus, the 80s offered a diverse landscape of metal music.
- A Diverse Tapestry: These bands pushed the boundaries of metal, experimenting with complex song structures, intricate instrumentation, and dark lyrical themes. They paved the way for countless metal subgenres that would emerge in the decades to come. Check out our list of top 80’s heavy metal songs for a deeper dive.
What were some of the defining characteristics of 80s metal music?
80s metal was characterized by its diverse subgenres, ranging from the glamorous hair metal to the aggressive thrash metal. It was a decade of experimentation and innovation, with bands pushing the boundaries of the genre in terms of both musicality and visual style.
Who were some of the most influential metal bands of the 80s?
Bands like Metallica, Slayer, Mötley Crüe, Guns N’ Roses, and Bon Jovi were some of the most influential metal acts of the 80s, shaping the sound and image of the genre for years to come. For more on Guns N’ Roses, check out guns and roses top 10 songs.
The Enduring Legacy of 80s Metal
The top metal songs of the 80s left an indelible mark on music history. From stadium-filling anthems to underground classics, these songs continue to resonate with fans around the world. The 80s laid the groundwork for the evolution of metal, influencing countless bands and shaping the genre into what it is today. For a look at how rock evolved, check out 1990s top songs rock songs and top ten songs in 1991. If you’re looking for the best of the best, revisit top heavy metal songs of the 80s.
FAQ
- What is hair metal? Hair metal is a subgenre of heavy metal characterized by catchy melodies, flamboyant fashion, and big hairstyles.
- What is thrash metal? Thrash metal is a subgenre of heavy metal known for its fast tempos, aggressive riffing, and politically charged lyrics.
- Who are the “Big Four” of thrash metal? Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth, and Anthrax.
- What are some other important 80s metal subgenres? Progressive metal, doom metal, and power metal.
- Where can I find more information about 80s metal? Resources like AllMusic, Metal Archives, and various music blogs and forums offer extensive information about 80s metal.
- How did 80s metal influence later metal subgenres? The experimentation and innovation of 80s metal paved the way for the development of numerous subgenres in the 90s and beyond, including groove metal, black metal, and melodic death metal.
- Why is 80s metal still popular today? The music’s energy, raw emotion, and catchy hooks continue to resonate with listeners across generations.
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