1. Mötley Crüe – “Dr. Feelgood” (1989)
Mötley Crüe epitomized the wild and hedonistic lifestyle associated with hair metal. Their fifth studio album, Dr. Feelgood, is often considered their magnum opus. Released in 1989, the album marked a turning point for the band as they embraced sobriety and focused on crafting a polished sound.
The album was produced by Bob Rock, known for his meticulous attention to detail. Dr. Feelgood features hit singles such as “Kickstart My Heart,” “Without You,” and the title track “Dr. Feelgood,” all of which showcase the band’s ability to blend heavy riffs with catchy melodies. The album’s success was undeniable, reaching number one on the Billboard 200 chart and earning critical acclaim for its production and songwriting.
2. Bon Jovi – “Slippery When Wet” (1986)
Bon Jovi‘s third studio album, Slippery When Wet, propelled the band to international stardom. Released in 1986, this album is a quintessential example of hair metal’s mainstream appeal, combining rock anthems with pop sensibility.
Produced by Bruce Fairbairn, the album includes iconic tracks such as “You Give Love a Bad Name,” “Livin’ on a Prayer,” and “Wanted Dead or Alive.” These songs became anthems of the era and solidified Bon Jovi’s status as one of the biggest bands in the world. The album’s commercial success was staggering, topping charts globally and selling over 28 million copies worldwide.
3. Def Leppard – “Hysteria” (1987)
Def Leppard‘s Hysteria is a landmark album in the hair metal genre. Released in 1987, it took the band nearly four years to complete due to various challenges, including drummer Rick Allen’s car accident that resulted in the loss of his left arm.
Produced by Mutt Lange, known for his innovative production techniques, Hysteria features a meticulously layered sound that blends rock with pop elements. The album boasts seven hit singles, including “Pour Some Sugar on Me,” “Love Bites,” and “Animal.” Hysteria achieved immense commercial success, selling over 20 million copies and becoming one of the defining albums of the decade.
4. Poison – “Open Up and Say… Ahh!” (1988)
Poison brought a party atmosphere to the hair metal scene with their sophomore album, Open Up and Say… Ahh! Released in 1988, the album solidified Poison’s reputation for delivering fun, high-energy rock music.
Produced by Tom Werman, the album includes hits like “Every Rose Has Its Thorn,” “Nothin’ but a Good Time,” and “Your Mama Don’t Dance.” These tracks exemplify Poison’s ability to create infectious melodies with a party vibe. The album’s success was significant, reaching number two on the Billboard 200 and selling over 8 million copies worldwide.
5. Skid Row – “Skid Row” (1989)
Skid Row burst onto the scene with their self-titled debut album in 1989. The band, fronted by the charismatic Sebastian Bach, brought a raw and edgy sound to the hair metal genre.
Produced by Michael Wagener, the album features powerful tracks like “18 and Life,” “Youth Gone Wild,” and “I Remember You.” These songs showcased the band’s ability to blend hard-hitting riffs with melodic hooks, capturing the rebellious spirit of the era. The album’s success was remarkable, reaching number six on the Billboard 200 and selling over 5 million copies in the U.S. alone.
6. Cinderella – “Long Cold Winter” (1988)
Cinderella followed up their successful debut with Long Cold Winter in 1988. The album marked a departure from their glam metal roots, incorporating blues-rock influences that showcased the band’s musical versatility.
Produced by Andy Johns, the album features tracks like “Gypsy Road,” “Don’t Know What You Got (Till It’s Gone),” and “Coming Home.” These songs highlight Cinderella’s ability to craft emotionally resonant music with a bluesy edge. Long Cold Winter achieved commercial success, reaching number 10 on the Billboard 200 and selling over 3 million copies in the U.S.
7. Warrant – “Cherry Pie” (1990)
Warrant‘s second studio album, Cherry Pie, released in 1990, is a defining record of the hair metal era. Known for its catchy title track, the album exemplifies the fun and flamboyance of the genre.
Produced by Beau Hill, Cherry Pie features hits like “Cherry Pie,” “I Saw Red,” and “Uncle Tom’s Cabin.” The album’s infectious energy and memorable hooks resonated with audiences, leading it to achieve double platinum status in the U.S. The title track, in particular, became an anthem, showcasing Warrant’s flair for over-the-top rock theatrics.
8. Ratt – “Out of the Cellar” (1984)
Ratt burst onto the hair metal scene with their debut album, Out of the Cellar, in 1984. The album’s success was instrumental in establishing the band as a major force in the genre.
Produced by Beau Hill, the album includes the hit single “Round and Round,” which became one of the band’s signature songs. Other standout tracks include “Wanted Man” and “Back for More.” Out of the Cellar showcases Ratt’s ability to blend gritty riffs with catchy choruses, achieving triple platinum status and cementing their place in hair metal history.
9. Whitesnake – “Whitesnake” (1987)
Whitesnake, led by the charismatic David Coverdale, achieved massive success with their self-titled 1987 album, often referred to as the “1987 album” to avoid confusion with earlier releases.
Produced by Mike Stone and Keith Olsen, the album features some of the band’s biggest hits, including “Here I Go Again,” “Is This Love,” and “Still of the Night.” These tracks exemplify Whitesnake’s ability to blend hard rock with melodic sensibility. The album’s success was phenomenal, reaching number two on the Billboard 200 and selling over 8 million copies in the U.S.
10. Twisted Sister – “Stay Hungry” (1984)
Twisted Sister became anthems of rebellion with their third studio album, Stay Hungry, released in 1984. This album is a cornerstone of the hair metal genre, known for its defiant spirit and infectious energy.
Produced by Tom Werman, the album includes iconic tracks like “We’re Not Gonna Take It” and “I Wanna Rock.” These songs became rallying cries for disenfranchised youth and encapsulated the rebellious ethos of the era. Stay Hungry achieved commercial success, reaching number 15 on the Billboard 200 and earning multi-platinum status.
11. Quiet Riot – “Metal Health” (1983)
Quiet Riot made history with their third studio album, Metal Health, released in 1983. The album is often credited with helping to launch the hair metal movement into the mainstream.
Produced by Spencer Proffer, the album features the hit single “Cum On Feel the Noize,” a cover of the Slade classic that became a massive success. Other notable tracks include “Metal Health (Bang Your Head)” and “Slick Black Cadillac.” Metal Health became the first heavy metal album to reach number one on the Billboard 200, selling over 10 million copies worldwide.
Conclusion
The hair metal era was characterized by its larger-than-life personas, infectious energy, and memorable music that continues to resonate with fans worldwide. The albums highlighted in this article represent the pinnacle of the genre, showcasing the talents of 11 legendary bands that defined a generation. From Mötley Crüe’s polished production in Dr. Feelgood to the raw energy of Skid Row’s debut, these albums remain timeless classics that capture the essence of hair metal’s golden age.