Grab the eyeliner and leave all traces of feminism at the door, because the Eighties are back.
Let’s be clear, we’re not talking about the neon leg-warming, excessively shoulder-padded, Xanadu aesthetic that has become synonymous with the era. Oh no - we're talking about the aggressively head-banging corner of late 1980s glam metal, a hairspray-drenched subculture enjoying a major revival thanks to the hit Amazon series Off Campus.
If, like us, you exist chronically online, you will have seen Warrant’s Cherry Pie going viral on social media. We have British actress Ella Bright to thank for this one. In the show, the star takes to the stage to perform the song as her character Hannah, a talented college student, during a now-famous karaoke scene.
Since then, the tune has furiously ricocheted across TikTok, with clips of Belmont Camelli’s yearning facial expressions capturing the hearts of Gen Z across the globe. In fact, demand for Ella's rendition has been so huge that Island Records has officially released her EP for all to enjoy.
Considering the endlessly nostalgic social climate we live in, it comes as little surprise that young music enthusiasts have been searching for similarly electrifying tracks to add to their Spotify playlists.
Luckily for you dearest reader, I grew up in a musical household and, as a result, acquired a freakishly encyclopaedic knowledge of old-school classics. Cheers, Dad.
At the age of around 12, I went through a serious glam metal (also known as ‘hair metal’) phase - captivated by Bon Jovi’s dramatically teased mane, Vince Neil’s studded leather trousers and Slash’s signature top hat and iconic riffs. Why did Gene Simmons look like that? Why did Axl Rose beef with literally everyone? Who were these dolled-up men in platform boots smashing guitar on stage while singing about rocking and rolling ‘all nite?”
In short, every culture vulture should know something about the period, be it a lyric or look - it’s just too juicy to ignore.
For those wanting to reinvigorate their ears with some first pump-worthy songs, look no further. Switch off, plug in and discover the tunes to know below.
Cherry Pie-esque songs to add to your playlist:
© Getty ImagesDef Leppard - Pour Some Sugar on Me
Perhaps the closest in sound to Warrant's hit song, Def Leppard's Pour Some Sugar on Me is a classic for a reason. Hailing from their 1987 album Hysteria, it's considered to be the band's signature tune - beloved for it's growly vocals and epic guitar riffs.
© WireImageAerosmith - Sweet Emotion
Released in 1975 by American rock band Aerosmith, Sweet Emotion roared back into popular culture thanks to Jennifer Aniston. In the hit 2013 comedy We’re the Millers, the actress’s stripper character, Rose O’Reilly, performs a routine to Steven Tyler’s unmistakable tone. The track had already cemented its cult status decades earlier with an appearance in the 1993 coming-of-age classic Dazed and Confused.
© Getty ImagesKiss - Lick It Up
While not the most elegant example of rock lyricism, Lick It Up marked a pivotal moment for Kiss. It was the band's first album after removing their iconic face paint, helping to reignite public interest and introduce them to a new generation of rock fans. The title track became a glam metal anthem and remains one of their defining tunes - and Gene Simmons is particularly terrifying in the music video.
Asia - Heat Of The Moment
Released in 1982, Heat of the Moment became Asia's breakthrough hit, catapulting the British supergroup to international fame. Driven by its soaring chorus and arena-rock sound, the track remains the band's signature song and enjoyed a resurgence after featuring in The 40-Year-Old Virgin, South Park and Supernatural.
© Michael Ochs ArchivesMötley Crüe - Girls, Girls, Girls
If you watched Netflix's The Dirt starring Douglas Booth and Machine Gun Kelly, you will be familiar with the wild shenanigans of Mötley Crüe. Dropped in 1987, Girls, Girls, Girls became one of the foursome's most famed hits, perfectly capturing the excess and hedonism of the Sunset Strip's epic glam metal scene.
© Getty ImagesBon Jovi - Bad Medicine
Bon Jovi wasted no time in getting to the punchline in 1988 hit Bad Medicine. Packed with infectious hooks and tongue-in-cheek lyrics, the song became one of the band's biggest hits, topping the Billboard Hot 100. Heart Radio played this one on repeat back in the 2010s, proving the enduring allure of the band's musical prowess.
© Getty ImagesGuns N' Roses - Paradise City
Guns N' Roses' Paradise City is the ultimate hard rock anthem. Featured on the band's landmark 1987 debut Appetite for Destruction, the track's soaring chorus, blistering guitar work and euphoric finale helped define an era - one where the grass is green and the girls are pretty.
© Getty ImagesWhitesnake - Here I Go Again
Whitesnake's Here I Go Again is the be all and end all of post-break ups tunes. Originally released in 1982 before being re-recorded in 1987, the anthem reached new audiences through cult movies including Fired Up!, where its fist-pumping chorus etched itself into our pop culture imaginations.
© Getty ImagesJourney - Any Way You Want It
They may be best known for their chart-topper Don't Stop Believin', but Journey scribed several hit songs during their time. Any Way You Want remains a personal favourite - an unapologetic feel-good rock offering. Released in 1980, the irresistible anthem has enjoyed a second life thanks to pop culture, blasting through films including Charlie's Angels and earning a standout cover from the cast of Glee.
© Getty ImagesTwisted Sister - We're Not Gonna Take It
Equal parts rebellious and ridiculously catchy, We're Not Gonna Take It turned Twisted Sister into household names. Released in 1984, the anthem's explosive chorus and cheeky music video made it an MTV favourite, while its appearance in The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie introduced the rock classic to a whole new generation of fans.
