Music

Best glam metal songs of all time

Explore a definitive collection of the most iconic and electrifying hair metal tracks that defined an era. From stadium anthems to power ballads, this list celebrates the unmistakable energy and style of 80s glam metal. Relive the golden age with the songs that rocked millions of fans worldwide. Discover the catchy riffs and memorable lyrics that still resonate today.

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  1. 1

    Lick It Up (1983)

    200 Global Votes
    • Features Paul Stanley's strong vocals

      (+4)

    This is the title track from the album of the same name, which marked the moment Kiss took off their makeup. It is a milestone in Kiss's career and a powerful rock song that aligns with the aesthetic and sound of glam metal of the era.

  2. 2

    We're Not Gonna Take It (1984)

    89 Global Votes
    • Iconic heavy metal anthem

      (+4)

    This is an anthem of rebellion from the album 'Stay Hungry', famous for its anti-authoritarian message and humorous music video. Its message remains relevant and its chorus is universally recognized, making it a generational rallying cry.

  3. 3

    Photograph (1983)

    56 Global Votes
    • Lead single from the album Pyromania

      (+3)

    This track was a massive hit from the album 'Pyromania', which helped define the sound of glam metal and catapult Def Leppard to stardom in the U.S. It is a timeless classic of the genre with a catchy chorus and polished production that remains a benchmark.

  4. 4

    Rock You Like a Hurricane (1984)

    55 Global Votes
    • 80s metal anthem

      (+4)

    This is a hard rock anthem from the album 'Love at First Sting', known for its energy and catchy chorus. It's an iconic rock song that, while not purely glam metal, shares many of its characteristics and is a staple in rock culture.

  5. 5

    Kickstart My Heart (1989)

    52 Global Votes
    • Signature hit for Mötley Crüe

      (+4)

    This song is an explosion of energy from the album 'Dr. Feelgood', known for its motorcycle intro and relentless rhythm. It is a party and adrenaline anthem that encapsulates the attitude of glam metal and remains a favorite at sporting events and rock playlists.

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  7. 6

    Round and Round (1984)

    40 Global Votes
    • Helped initiate the hair metal movement

      (+4)

    This was Ratt's most successful single from their album 'Out of the Cellar', featuring a distinctive riff and an iconic music video. It is an 80s glam metal cornerstone, whose riff and chorus remain recognizable and celebrated by fans of the genre.

  8. 7

    18 and Life (1989)

    30 Global Votes
    • Dramatic hard rock ballad

      (+4)

    This is a hard rock ballad with a dark and emotional narrative from the band's debut album. Its poignant story and Sebastian Bach's powerful vocals keep it one of the most impactful and respected ballads in the genre.

  9. 8

    Kiss Me Deadly (1988)

    14 Global Votes
    • Appears on the album Lita

      (+4)

    This was a solo hit by the former Runaways member, from the album 'Lita', with a relentless rhythm and guitar and keyboard hooks. It's a prominent example of a female artist in glam metal, with a powerful song and a memorable chorus.

  10. 9

    Talk Dirty to Me (1986)

    9 Global Votes
    • Catchy opening lick

      (+4)

    This was a key single from the debut album 'Look What the Cat Dragged In', which helped define the band's pop-metal sound. It's a perfect example of fun and cheeky glam metal, with a simple but effective riff and an unmistakable attitude.

  11. 10

    Dude (Looks Like a Lady) (1987)

    8 Global Votes
    • A bombastic slice of pop rock perfection

      (+4)

    This was a hit from the album 'Permanent Vacation', which showcased Aerosmith's reinvention with a more pop-metal sound. It's a clever and catchy song that, despite being from an established band, fit perfectly with the glam metal scene of the time and remains very popular.

  12. 11

    Live Wire (1981)

    6 Global Votes
    • Debut single from Mötley Crüe's 1981 album Too Fast for Love

      (+4)

    This is one of Mötley Crüe's earliest songs from their debut album 'Too Fast for Love', showcasing their raw energy and attitude. It represents the more aggressive and street-level sound of early glam metal, and remains a fan favorite for its intensity.

  13. 12

    Seventeen (1988)

    5 Global Votes
    • Recognizable glam metal hit

      (+4)

    This was a single from Winger's self-titled debut album, known for its guitar riff and controversial lyrics. It represents the more technical and melodic side of glam metal, with virtuoso musicians and solid composition.

  14. 13

    Livin' on a Prayer

    0 Global Votes
    • Defining voice of 1980s glam rock and hard rock

      (+4)

    Though it often transcends the genre, it is one of the greatest rock ballads in history and a perfect example of glam metal's ability to create massive and emotional anthems. It is a working-class anthem from the album 'Slippery When Wet', known for its inspiring narrative and choral chorus.

  15. 14

    Nothin' but a Good Time (1988)

    0 Global Votes
    • Reached #6 on Billboard Hot 100

      (+3)

    This was the lead single from the album 'Open Up and Say... Ahh!', which became a quintessential party anthem. It remains the soundtrack to any rock party, with contagious energy and lyrics that celebrate carefree fun.

  16. 15

    Cum On Feel the Noize (1983)

    0 Global Votes
    • Million-selling hit single in the United States

      (+1)

    This Slade cover became the first heavy metal single to reach the Top 5 of the Billboard Hot 100, from the album 'Metal Health'. Its raw energy and sing-along chorus keep it an essential classic that broke barriers for the genre.

  17. 16

    Here I Go Again (1987)

    0 Global Votes
    • Became a number one single in the US and Canada

      (+3)

    This is a powerful rock ballad from the self-titled 1987 album, featuring David Coverdale's unmistakable vocals and a memorable music video. Its emotiveness and epic construction keep it one of the most beloved and recognized glam metal ballads.

  18. 17

    The Final Countdown

    0 Global Votes
    • Glorious anthem

      (+4)

    This is the title track from the album of the same name, known for its iconic keyboard riff and grandiloquent atmosphere. It is an arena rock anthem that transcends the genre, whose intro is instantly recognizable and remains a staple at sporting and cultural events.

  19. 18

    Cherry Pie (1990)

    0 Global Votes
    • Catchesy, loud, and memorable

      (+4)

    This was the lead single from the self-titled album, famous for its provocative music video and catchy chorus. Despite its sometimes controversial nature, it is a defining example of late glam metal's sound and aesthetic, and remains popular in pop culture.

  20. 19

    Every Rose Has Its Thorn

    0 Global Votes
    • Relatable theme of heartbreak

      (+4)

    This is Poison's most successful ballad, reaching number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. It is one of the most recognizable rock ballads of all time, demonstrating glam metal's versatility in producing massive and emotional hits.

  21. 20

    Still of the Night (1987)

    0 Global Votes
    • Considered the very best song from the 1987 album

      (+4)

    This is a heavier and bluesier track from the self-titled album, featuring a memorable riff and David Coverdale's powerful vocals. Its intensity and darker sound set it apart, being an example of musical diversity within glam metal.