Forget the mosh pit for a moment; 1986 wasn't just about thrash metal. It was the year hair metal exploded, taking over the airwaves and MTV! But which albums truly defined this era of big hair and even bigger hooks? Let's dive into the six best, ranked.
While the Bay Area was becoming ground zero for thrash metal – think breakneck speed and unrelenting aggression – a flashier scene was brewing down south, poised for global domination. Glam metal, often called pop-metal, and sometimes (less kindly) hair metal, was transforming from a local Sunset Strip phenomenon into THE dominant hard rock genre of the 1980s. Think soaring guitars, singalong choruses, and a party-all-the-time attitude. These bands weren’t just playing clubs anymore; they were selling out arenas and moving millions of records.
But here's where it gets controversial... Not every hair metal band was a carbon copy. Despite fitting under the same umbrella, key differences in music and style set them apart. It’s these nuances that defined their individual legacies.
Consider Poison, for example. They embraced the over-the-top, androgynous look and delivered pure, unadulterated pop-metal (with serious emphasis on the 'pop'). On the other hand, you had Cinderella and Tesla. These bands blended the glam aesthetic with a blues-rock edge, adding grit and raw vocals to the mix. Then there's Ratt, known for their dizzying guitar work and streetwise attitude. Their debut album, Out of the Cellar, essentially wrote the playbook for the hair metal sound.
And this is the part most people miss... No discussion of 1986 hair metal is complete without mentioning Bon Jovi. These New Jersey rockers became the face of the entire genre with their mega-hit Slippery When Wet. The album sold a mind-blowing 15 million copies and spawned multiple chart-topping singles that are still staples on classic rock radio. Just a year before, they were opening for Ratt; after Slippery When Wet, they were headlining arenas for the rest of their careers. Talk about a glow-up!
So, where do these bands and others land in our countdown? Let's get to it – here are the six best hair metal albums of 1986, ranked!
(The 6 Best Hair Metal Albums of 1986, Ranked)
1986 was arguably the year hair metal reached its peak, solidifying its place in music history.
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Want to dig deeper? Check out the best album from 11 other legendary hair metal bands:
(The Best Album From 11 Big Hair Metal Bands)
Despite what critics might have said (and often did!), the best bands in the genre were constantly pushing boundaries and reinventing themselves.
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Now, I'm curious... Do you think Bon Jovi's commercial success overshadows the contributions of bands like Ratt who helped define the sound? And what album do you think should have made the list? Let's hear your opinions in the comments below!
