Songs Where Pop Rock Bands Went Heavy

For many people, the 80s hard rock scene (hair metal, pop rock, glam metal) is an era of music where the genre went too far. It started well but descended into something that looked like a self-parody of what came before. 80s rock became Spinal Tap played out in real life. Still, there’s no point denying that the 80s hard rock scene also had amazing vocalists, world class musicians, and classic catchy songs.

In fact, every so often, the best 80s hair metal bands have shown that they can be musically diverse and even heavy.

That’s why that musical movement has a place in nostalgia. Despite its excesses, people still remember that era fondly. In fact, 80s rock still impacts popular culture. For example, if you head to an online casino you will find rock-themed online slots. Speaking of online casino venues, the WSOP promo code gives access to an excellent welcome bonus at a leading online poker venue. Below are some examples of then traditionally softer rockers laid it all on the line and went heavy.

Skid Row – Slave to the Grind

Alongside Pantera Skid Row is the most obvious example of an 80s glam metal band moving into heavier territory. In fact, the band not only went heavy for one song, but transitioned into more of a thrash metal act on their second album, “Slave to the Grind”. Underpinned by Sebastian Bach’s excellent vocals, the LP’s title song encapsulated the new sound. This fits alongside the likes of Megadeth and Pantera on a playlist without you even noticing.

Twisted Sister – Destroyer

Twisted Sister is something of an anomaly. The band was a traditional heavy metal outfit that went all-in on glam elements but remained heavy. That changed in the early 80s as Twisted also went all in on the catchy riffs and big choruses that defined 80s rock. Long-time fans were yearning for a call back to the band’s heavier days.

They got that call back with Destroyer. Sure, you’re not going to get an aggressive all-out metal attack on this song. Instead, Destroyer is a plodding and menacing effort with a uniquely dark vocal performance from Dee Snider. More dangerous than aggressive, it harks back to Twisted Sister’s early days as a New York underground band.

Bon Jovi – If I Was Your Mother

Bon Jovi and heavy metal… there must be a mistake. Of all the major 80s glam metal bands, Bon Jovi was the most infused with pop. In fact, the band was much more of a straightforward rock n’ roll band, trading off its obvious Springsteen influences more than the glam rock scene. However, big choruses and epic guitars defined Bon Jovi’s sound and they were wrong lumped into the hair metal scene.

Over the years, Bon Jovi have proved themselves to be diverse far beyond the trappings of the 80s scene, without ever really gaining acclaim. The first evidence the band would transcend the genre from which it became popular was Keep the Faith. This varied selection of songs paved the way for future albums and also featured arguably Bon Jovi’s heaviest track.

If I Was Your Mother has the soaring vocals and guitars, but this time guitarist Richie Sambora is chugging riffs and Jon Bon Jovi is letting his darkest lyrics do the talking. Bon Jovi explored heavy before with “Let it Rock”, “Homebound Train”, and other examples, but If I Was Your Mother was the most metal the band would ever get. Throw in an acid trip video and bonkers theme and it is also a gem in Bon Jovi’s catalog.