The Pinnacle of Metal: A Year-by-Year Breakdown of the Best Songs of the 1980s

The 1980s were undoubtedly a transformative decade for heavy metal music. While pioneers like Black Sabbath and Judas Priest laid the groundwork in the ’70s, it was during the ’80s that metal exploded into a cultural phenomenon, captivating audiences worldwide. This era saw the birth of various subgenres, the emergence of iconic bands, and a cultural shift that would influence generations to come.

The Evolution of Metal in the ’80s

As heavy metal evolved throughout the decade, traditional sounds merged with emerging styles. The rise of thrash metal introduced a raw, aggressive edge, paving the way for the early death metal scene. Meanwhile, in Los Angeles, the glam rock movement took over the Sunset Strip, with hair metal bands dominating the charts and airwaves.

Identifying the best metal song from each year in the ’80s is no easy task, as the competition was fierce, and personal preferences often lead to spirited debates among fans and critics alike. Below, we present the standout tracks from each year, along with worthy runner-ups that deserve recognition.

The Best Metal Song of Each Year in the 1980s

1980

Best Song: “Iron Man” – Black Sabbath

Runner-Up: “The Trooper” – Iron Maiden

1981

Best Song: “Fade to Black” – Metallica

Runner-Up: “The Number of the Beast” – Iron Maiden

1982

Best Song: “Holy Diver” – Dio

Runner-Up: “Metal Health (Bang Your Head)” – Quiet Riot

1983

Best Song: “Balls to the Wall” – Accept

Runner-Up: “Creeping Death” – Metallica

1984

Best Song: “Jump in the Fire” – Metallica

Runner-Up: “Run to the Hills” – Iron Maiden

1985

Best Song: “Master of Puppets” – Metallica

Runner-Up: “Living After Midnight” – Judas Priest

1986

Best Song: “Holy War” – Megadeth

Runner-Up: “Heaven and Hell” – Black Sabbath

1987

Best Song: “Still of the Night” – Whitesnake

Runner-Up: “I Want Out” – Helloween

1988

Best Song: “The Four Horsemen” – Metallica

Runner-Up: “Into the Pit” – Testament

1989

Best Song: “Painkiller” – Judas Priest

Runner-Up: “Holy Wars… The Punishment Due” – Megadeth

Conclusion

The 1980s stand as a monumental decade in heavy metal history, showcasing a plethora of musical innovation and creativity. From the raw energy of thrash metal to the glitzy allure of hair metal, the songs that defined this era continue to resonate with fans today. While this list represents our picks for the best metal songs of the decade, the conversations surrounding these choices only illustrate the rich tapestry of heavy metal and its lasting impact on music culture.

FAQs

What defined heavy metal in the 1980s?

The 1980s saw the emergence of diverse subgenres, including thrash, glam, and power metal, alongside the continued popularity of traditional heavy metal. This decade was marked by increased technical proficiency, elaborate live performances, and a rise in metal’s mainstream acceptance.

Who are the most influential metal bands from the 1980s?

Some of the most influential bands from this era include Metallica, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Slayer, and Dio, among others. These bands shaped the sound and culture of heavy metal during this transformative decade.

Why is the 1980s considered the golden age of metal?

The 1980s is often referred to as the golden age of metal due to the genre’s explosive growth in popularity, the emergence of iconic albums and songs, and the establishment of a solid fan base that continues to thrive today.