Defining Hair Metal: A Deep Dive into Mislabeling
Before we can dive into bands who are wrongly labeled hair metal, we must ask ourselves: what exactly defines hair metal? Is it the teased hair? The extravagant stage garb and makeup? Songs about partying on the Sunset Strip until the sun comes up? The ability to craft a memorable power ballad? (I know, I know… we’re all thinking of Motley Crue at this point).
We’ve intrinsically analyzed the genre before, but that doesn’t stop the arguments in comment sections internet-wide whenever the term “hair metal” is used.
What Really Defines Hair Metal?
So, what really makes hair metal… well, hair metal? Is it fair to say that hair is the genre’s defining characteristic when even Dave Mustaine was teasing his mane?
Aside from the image that we’ve come to associate with bands within this subgenre, the sound of the music is ultimately the biggest defining trait.
The Musical Landscape of the 1980s
While heavy metal bands of decades past, such as Black Sabbath or Led Zeppelin, were leading with Drop D tuning and crunchy riffs; metal of the 1980s was powered by heavy melody, power chords, shredding guitar solos, and a generous amount of synthesizer. Lyrical content often included partying with your friend Jack Daniels with a blonde bombshell on your arm down at The Rainbow Bar & Grill.
While the 1980s were dominated by decadence and nothing short of a good time, a small group of bands turned the scene on its head. They handed over the excess, makeup, and gaudy lyrics in exchange for a return to heavy metal form.
6 Bands Who Are Wrongly Labeled Hair Metal
History lumps all of these bands in with hair metal because, well, it makes things a lot easier when talking about this era! Below, we explore some of the 1980s’ acts most mistakenly branded hair metal.
Gallery Credit: Sydney Taylor
Can You Guess These ’80s Hair Metal Videos?
Lots of locks, but which teased-up dos belong to which music video?
Gallery Credit: Chad Childers, Loudwire
The Most Played Song Live by 20 Big Hair Metal Bands
Big hair, bigger hits!
All stats last updated on Feb. 20, 2024.
Gallery Credit: Chad Childers, Loudwire
Conclusion
The classification of bands into the hair metal category often oversimplifies the diverse musical landscape of the 1980s. While certain visual elements and lyrical themes are commonly associated with hair metal, the true essence of the genre lies in its sound and the cultural context of the time. As we continue to explore and debate the nuances of this era, it becomes clear that many bands deserve recognition beyond the label of hair metal, reflecting the rich tapestry of rock music that emerged during a transformative decade.
FAQs
What are the key characteristics of hair metal music?
Hair metal is characterized by its melodic sound, heavy use of power chords, shredding guitar solos, and lyrics often focused on partying and relationships, coupled with a flamboyant visual style.
Which bands are commonly misclassified as hair metal?
Several bands, including those that have a heavier sound or different lyrical themes, may be misclassified as hair metal. Notably, thrash metal bands and others that diverged from the glam aesthetic are often incorrectly grouped into this category.
How did the hair metal genre impact rock music?
Hair metal brought a unique blend of glam and rock that influenced many later genres and artists, contributing to the evolution of heavy metal and shaping the sound of popular rock music in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Why is hair metal still a topic of debate today?
The ongoing debate surrounding hair metal stems from its complex history, diverse sounds, and the popularity of certain bands that don’t fit neatly into the established definitions, prompting discussions about genre classification and musical identity.
