The Best Non-Album Songs by 6 Big Hair Metal Bands: A Deep Dive
The world of big hair metal is a treasure trove of catchy anthems and memorable melodies, but sometimes the best songs don't make the final cut. In this article, we delve into the stories behind six incredible non-album tracks from iconic hair metal bands, exploring why they matter and what they reveal about the genre.
Bon Jovi: "Edge of a Broken Heart"
Bon Jovi's "Edge of a Broken Heart" is a prime example of the band's ability to craft anthemic, skyscraping choruses that toe the line between AOR and glam metal. It's a song that many fans consider one of the band's best, and for good reason. The song's omission from the Slippery When Wet album is baffling, as it would have undoubtedly climbed the charts. Luckily, it found its place on the 2004 box set 100,000,000 Bon Jovi Fans Can't Be Wrong, allowing fans to finally hear the song they had been missing.
Motley Crue: "Toast of the Town"
"Toast of the Town" showcases Motley Crue's early affinity for '70s glam rock and power-pop. The raw, distorted riffs and sugary pop hooks lay the groundwork for the entire glam metal zeitgeist. Vince Neil's nasally "Come oooon!" following the solo is the best possible type of cheesy. The song's inclusion on the 2003 Motley Records re-release of Too Fast for Love highlights its enduring quality.
Poison: "Livin' for the Minute"
Poison's "Livin' for the Minute" is a lean, mean, punk-tinged hard rocker that chronicles the life and times of "Two-bit Billy," a guitar-slinging ladies' man. Bret Michaels does his best Steven Tyler/David Lee Roth impression, ending the song with his raspy howls. The song's appearance on the 2006 reissue of Open Up and Say … Ahh! is patently ridiculous, lighthearted fun, exactly how we like Poison.
Ratt: "Reach for the Sky"
"Reach for the Sky" dates back to the sessions for Ratt's star-making debut full-length, Out of the Cellar. The song's stomping rhythm section, dual-lead guitars, and punchy production showcase the band's early influence by Judas Priest. It incorporates elements of trad-metal and streetwise punk while keeping its hooks front and center, making it a quintessential Ratt track.
Skid Row: "Forever"
"Forever" was recorded prior to Skid Row's self-titled debut album in 1989, but it didn't make the cut due to its poppier nature. However, the song's youthful optimism and percussive riffs give it a relentless forward movement. Sebastian Bach's powerhouse vocals lend an urgency to the story of two young lovers taking on the world. The song's eventual appearance on 1998's 40 Seasons: The Best of Skid Row highlights its enduring appeal.
Warrant: "Thin Disguise"
Warrant's "Thin Disguise" is a catchy, tightly constructed pop-metal anthem featuring heartfelt lyrics and vocals from Jani Lane amid chunky guitar riffs and soaring leads. The song's removal from the Cherry Pie album is a shame, as it showcases Lane's remarkable and woefully overlooked songwriting chops. The song's inclusion on the Cherry Pie single showcases its enduring quality.
These non-album tracks showcase the depth and diversity of the hair metal genre, proving that sometimes the best songs are the ones that don't make the final cut. They also highlight the creative freedom and experimentation that bands had during the era, leading to some of their most memorable and beloved tracks.
