TOP TEN Glam Albums of the 1980s

It seems ridiculous now to think that once upon a time, over twenty years ago, glam metal would briefly become the most successful music around. Young men dressing up like girls and the singing songs to other young men about scoring with girls, there was certainly something bizarre about it but there is no denying just how fun it was while it lasted. Here is a beginners guide to those curious about experimenting with ‘80s glam metal…

10. MOTLEY CRUE – Theatre of Pain
Mötley Crüe had first emerged from the Los Angeles scene in the early 1980s as a theatrical punk band but, always eager to capitalise on a new trend, their third album Theatre of Pain would take the band in a more glam-orientated direction. Their cover of the Brownsville Station classic Smokin’ In the Boys Room would prove to be their biggest hit to date (at that time), whilst the ballad Home Sweet Home would prove to be another success. The album would also incude the tracks Raise Your Hands to Rock, Use It or Lose It and Fight for Your Right.

9. TIGERTAILZ – Bezerk
Welsh glam group Tigertailz had already released one record Young and Crazy, which had failed to chart when it was released in 1987, but after singer Steevi Jaimz was replaced by Kim Hooker and the group re-recorded the track Livin’ Without You success seemed to beckon. Their second album, 1990’s Beserk, would include the hit single Love Bomb Baby, which would become a popular addition to rock shows during the era. Although their next single, Noise Level Critical, failed to achieve the same kind of exposure, Beserk would prove to be their big break.

8. CINDERELLA – Night Songs
As with Skid Row, Philadelphia natives Cinderella had found success thanks to the intervention of Bon Jovi, who caught one of their gigs and recommended them to one of his associates. The band’s first single was the track Shake Me, which was found on the album Night Songs, which would also include Nobody’s Fool and Somebody Save Me. Vocalist Tom Keifer seemed to model himself off AC/DC and the group enjoyed success as a glam outfit before reinventing themselves as a blues band for their second record Long Cold Winter in 1988.

7. L.A. GUNS – Cocked & Loaded
L.A. Guns had produced a sleazy debut album that had helped bring them to the attention of rock fans around the world but their 1989 follow-up Cocked & Loaded would demonstrate how the band had developed as song writers, most notably on the hit single Ballad of Jayne. By this point, former W.A.S.P. drummer Steve Riley had officially joined the band, as had Faster Pussycat‘s Kelly Nickels. The album also included the single Rip and Tear, as well as tracks such as Never Enough, Sleazy Come Easy Go and Malaria.

6. TWISTED SISTER – Stay Hungry
Although they had already released two albums (including the controversial Under the Blade), it would be 1984′s Stay Hungry that would transform Twister Sister into rock stars. We’re Not Gonna Take It is one of the ultimate anti-establishment tunes and owes a debt to Alice Cooper’s Department of Youth, whilst I Wanna Rock does what it says on the tin. Vocalist Dee Snider would become the focal point of the group and also the main target of angry moral watchdogs who saw the band as something that was attempting to corrupt their youth.

5. SKID ROW – Skid Row
It is debatable just how glam Skid Row were as they were not really into the make-up look and seemed capable of progressing to Pantera-style metal when grunge came along and killed glam. But between the feminine look of vocalist Sebastian Bach and their association with Bon Jovi they still deserve to be included. Perhaps their most memorable tune was Youth Gone Wild, although they would also enjoy success with the singles 18 & Life and the ballad I Remember You. There were several fillers, however, and tracks such as Here I Am and Makin’ a Mess failed to live up to the more superior aspects of the album.

4. HANOI ROCKS – Two Steps from the Move
Having first burst onto the scene in 1981, Hanoi Rocks had delivered one exciting record after another, as well as the live album All Those Wasted Years. Whilst their run would come to an end after the death of drummer Razzle, their swan song would be 1984’s Two Steps from the Move, an energetic collection of memorable tunes that proved that the group were at their peak when they decided to call it a day. The opening track Up Around the Bend was a cover of Credence Clearwater Revival and the hit single Don’t You Ever Leave Me was a revised version of the song that had appeared on the live record.

3. PRETTY BOY FLOYD – Leather Boyz With Electric Toyz
Whilst they have long since slipped into obscurity, Pretty Boy Floyd did deliver an infection debut that oozed with charm and a teenage attitude towards rock ‘n’ roll. Most known for the anthemic Rock ‘n’ Roll (Is Gonna Set the Night On Fire), the album would also include the track 48 Hours (which would be included on The Karate Kid, Part III soundtrack), the ballads I Wanna Be With You and Wild Angels and a cover of Mötley Crüe’s Toast of the Town. Sadly, bassist Vinnie Chas passed away last month, although he had long since left the group.

2. FASTER PUSSYCAT – Faster Pussycat
Faster Pussycat’s eponymous debut album boasted more attitude and humour than most other glam records and whilst both the production and performance was relatively amateur that was also part of its charm. Bathroom Wall, inspired by graffiti that frontman Taime Downe had seen in the toilet of a club, received heavy airplay from such shows as Headbangers Ball and Power Hour (as did the album opener Don’t Change That Song), whilst Babylon shared certain similarities with early Beastie Boys. The song Cathouse was named after a club that Downe had opened in Los Angeles.

1. POISON – Look What the Cat Dragged In
If there is one record that symbolises the carefree attitude of glam metal it is Poison’s low budget debut Look What the Cat Dragged In. Utilising the full-on boys-as-girls look and blending pop and punk, Poison were excessive in every way. The album was short and each song ran for approximately three minutes, there was very little time for power ballads (with I Won’t Forget You being the only offender) and thankfully blues had yet to dilute the sound. Talk Dirty to Me still stands as Poison’s anthem and is often performed as the finale at their concerts.