2. Poison – “Native Tongue” (1993)
By the early 1990s, Poison’s glam metal allure was waning. “Native Tongue” marked a significant shift, with Richie Kotzen replacing guitarist C.C. DeVille and contributing a bluesier style. Despite Kotzen’s technical prowess, the album didn’t capture the band’s former energy. The departure from their glam roots coupled with the changing musical landscape led to modest sales and mixed reviews.
3. Def Leppard – “Slang” (1996)
Def Leppard ventured into alternative rock territory with “Slang,” a departure from their polished, arena-ready sound. Recorded in a more organic and stripped-down fashion, the album reflected the band’s desire to evolve. However, fans of their classic sound were left disappointed. Although “Slang” was critically appreciated for its artistic boldness, it was met with lukewarm commercial success.
4. Bon Jovi – “Bounce” (2002)
Post-9/11, Bon Jovi released “Bounce,” hoping to capture a sense of resilience and renewal. Unfortunately, the album’s attempt at a more serious tone didn’t resonate as hoped. While it featured some successful singles, the album as a whole failed to match the grandeur of their previous releases, leaving a mixed legacy in their discography.
5. Ratt – “Collage” (1997)
Ratt’s “Collage” was an unusual release, comprised of re-recordings, B-sides, and unreleased tracks. The lack of cohesion and the recycled material didn’t offer anything new to fans, leading to a lukewarm reception. It stood as a reminder of the band’s struggle to redefine themselves in a changing music industry.
6. Cinderella – “Still Climbing” (1994)
Released during the grunge explosion, “Still Climbing” failed to capture the spotlight. Cinderella’s blues-infused glam metal seemed outdated in the face of more raw and brooding grunge acts. Despite Tom Keifer’s strong vocal performances, the album’s poor timing led to lackluster sales and the band’s eventual hiatus.
7. Skid Row – “Subhuman Race” (1995)
Skid Row’s attempt to adapt to the evolving rock scene with “Subhuman Race” was met with mixed reviews. The album’s heavier, grunge-influenced sound was a significant departure from their earlier work. Although it showcased the band’s musical versatility, it alienated some long-time fans, struggling to maintain the commercial success of their previous albums.
8. Warrant – “Ultraphobic” (1995)
Warrant’s “Ultraphobic” saw the band embracing alternative rock influences, a stark contrast to their glam metal roots. The change was too drastic for many fans, and the album failed to make a significant impact commercially. Despite strong songwriting, the shift in style couldn’t capture the magic of their earlier hits.
9. Quiet Riot – “Alive and Well” (1999)
Quiet Riot attempted a comeback with “Alive and Well,” featuring re-recordings of past hits alongside new material. The album struggled to find an audience, as it lacked the energy and innovation that characterized their initial success. The nostalgic approach failed to establish a lasting connection with both old and new fans.
10. Whitesnake – “Restless Heart” (1997)
Whitesnake’s “Restless Heart” aimed for a more mature sound, diverging from their classic hard rock style. While it was well-received in Europe, the album did not achieve commercial success in the U.S. The lack of signature Whitesnake anthems and the softer approach left many fans yearning for their earlier, harder-edged sound.
11. Twisted Sister – “Love Is for Suckers” (1987)
Originally intended as a solo project for Dee Snider, “Love Is for Suckers” was ultimately released as a Twisted Sister album. The album’s pop-metal direction didn’t sit well with fans expecting the raw power of earlier works. The commercial failure and internal band tensions led to the group’s disbandment shortly after its release.
Conclusion
While these albums may not have reached the heights of their predecessors, they represent important chapters in each band’s history. They stand as reminders of the difficulties faced by hair metal bands in adapting to new musical landscapes. Despite their shortcomings, these albums also showcase the bands’ willingness to experiment and evolve, even if the results were not as successful as hoped.