Four ridiculously good glam metal albums worth multiple listens

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As a child of the 80s, my heart has always had a soft spot for glam metal – the sparkle, the attitude, and above all, the irresistible tunes that have the power to transport me back to my carefree days. To those who dismiss it as fluff, I say give these four albums a chance, and you might just find the hidden substance that makes this subgenre so endearing.

Many individuals appear to either adore glam metal or find it unfulfilling. For certain music enthusiasts, the genre might seem excessively fluffy. However, the secret to exceptional glam metal lies in its ability to offer more depth than initially perceived, much like its predecessor, glam rock.

There is also a thin line between what is called glam metal versus what is not. For instance, hair metal bands such as Ratt are glam metal, but Guns N’ Roses is not. Why?

In this particular subgenre, you’d be surprised by the wide range of styles. The acts listed here share only the fact that they generally perform rock music. Each has demonstrated skill and competence in their unique ways at various times.

Four glam metal albums that should not be missed

The Cult – Love

Initially, Cult Classic is considered exceptional. The subsequent release, Electric, is a highly acclaimed record, yet it’s somewhat controversial. Some listeners find Rick Rubin’s production or the band’s decision to scrap the original acoustic version and re-record a streamlined heavy rock album off-putting. However, it remains an album worth multiple listens.

The music has a vibe similar to their early days, infused with an element of mystery and beautiful melodies. It may not be as intense as their later works, but that doesn’t diminish its charm. Notably, “She Sells Sanctuary” is one of the greatest songs ever made.

Kiss – Destroyer

As a music enthusiast, I’ve stumbled upon an album that transcends the glam metal genre and should resonate with all music lovers. This record is jam-packed with powerful, anthemic tracks that will make you want to rock out. But what sets it apart is the unexpected gem, “Beth.” A song that, on paper, shouldn’t be as good as it is, but trust me, it delivers something sweet and captivating. To top it off, this album boasts classics like “Detroit Rock City,” “God of Thunder,” and “Shout It Out Loud,” which are guaranteed to get any music lover pumped up!

Back in the groovy ’70s, I, a gamer with an ear for music, decided to rock some serious makeup to set myself apart from other New York bands. But as time went on, my unique sound spoke volumes and made me stand out all by itself. There are several albums of mine that deserve repeated spins, but hands down, Destroyer is my magnum opus.

Quiet Riot – Metal Health

Quiet Riot’s career took an unusual path: In 1978, they released two albums in Japan, then went out of sight for a while. Their album Metal Health, though, could be seen as their debut, as it fits more naturally in the early ’80s scene rather than the late ’70s. The timing was just right for this collection of fun and catchy tracks, which propelled the band to success.

As a devoted fan, I’ve got to say, this album isn’t just surface-level – it hides a depth that reveals itself over time. A standout track is the cover of Slade’s “Cum on Feel the Noize,” which sets the tone for the album. But what truly brings it home is the final track, “Thunderbird.” This one’s not just a song; it’s a tribute to Randy Rhoads, the founding member who formed the band way back in 1973. Tragically, he passed away in a plane crash in March of ’82, but before his untimely departure, he granted the band permission to carry on his legacy, which they did just months before his passing. It’s a poignant and powerful touch that adds another layer to this already remarkable album.

Cinderella – Night Songs

In 1986, when Cinderella’s debut album dropped, several critics criticized it for sounding too similar to other metal bands of the time. However, what these skeptics failed to grasp was that regardless of whether the debut was groundbreaking or not, it was filled with excellent songs, which is ultimately all that truly counts. Unfortunately, it appears that the band took the criticism to heart, as their subsequent album leaned more towards bluesy rock.

Today, “Nobody’s Fool” could suitably play on whatever platform you use for music streaming, and I dare say you’d challenge a friend not to join in with the chorus of “Somebody Save Me.” The entire album is perfect for a drive from your house to the neighboring town, guaranteeing an enjoyable journey.

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2024-11-18 19:00