In the world of music, sometimes the best songs are not always the ones that make it onto the final album. This is especially true for big-budget, high-profile albums in the hair metal genre, where a myriad of factors can influence the final track listing. Producers, label executives, and band members all have a say, and the need for single B-sides and other non-album opportunities can lead to some excellent songs being left on the cutting room floor.
In this article, we explore six such songs from iconic hair metal bands, each of which was eventually released on deluxe reissues or compilations, making them readily available for fans to enjoy. These songs showcase the diverse range of talent and creativity within the hair metal scene, and they offer a fascinating glimpse into the creative process and the challenges faced by these artists.
Bon Jovi's 'Edge of a Broken Heart' is a prime example of a song that was omitted from their iconic album 'Slippery When Wet'. With its anthemic choruses and poppy synthesizers, it's a textbook Bon Jovi track that many fans consider one of the band's best. The song's omission from the album is a mystery, and it's only through the 2004 box set '100,000,000 Bon Jovi Fans Can't Be Wrong' that fans were able to hear it. This song highlights the band's ability to create catchy, memorable music that transcends the boundaries of AOR and glam metal.
Motley Crue's 'Toast of the Town' is another song that showcases the band's early affinity for '70s glam rock and power-pop. Released as the B-side to their debut single 'Stick to Your Guns', it features raw, distorted riffs and sugary pop hooks that helped lay the groundwork for the entire glam metal zeitgeist. The song's inclusion on the 2003 Motley Records re-release of 'Too Fast for Love' is a testament to its enduring appeal and the band's early influence on the genre.
Poison's 'Livin' for the Minute' is a lean, mean, punk-tinged hard rocker that chronicles the life and times of 'Two-bit Billy', a guitar-slinging ladies' man. With its raucous riffs and raunchy solos, the song is a testament to the band's ability to create lighthearted, fun music that is patently ridiculous. Bret Michaels' Steven Tyler/David Lee Roth impression adds to the song's appeal, making it a standout track on the 2006 reissue of 'Open Up and Say … Ahh!'.
Ratt's 'Reach for the Sky' is a song that dates back to the sessions for the band's star-making debut full-length 'Out of the Cellar'. With its stomping rhythm section, dual-lead guitars, and punchy production, it's a song that showcases the band's early influence by Judas Priest. The song's incorporation of elements of trad-metal and streetwise punk while keeping its hooks front and center is a testament to the band's versatility and creativity.
Skid Row's 'Forever' is a song that was recorded prior to the release of the band's self-titled debut album in 1989. With its youthful optimism and percussive riffs, it's a song that stands out from the rest of the band's bad-boy boogie. The song's inclusion on '40 Seasons: The Best of Skid Row' is a testament to its enduring appeal and the band's ability to create catchy, memorable music.
Warrant's 'Thin Disguise' is a catchy, tightly constructed pop-metal anthem that features heartfelt lyrics and vocals from Jani Lane amid chunky guitar riffs and soaring leads. The song's removal from the album 'Cherry Pie' is a shame, as it's a testament to Lane's remarkable and woefully overlooked songwriting chops. The song's inclusion on the 'Cherry Pie' single B-side is a welcome addition for fans to enjoy.
These six songs are just a glimpse into the rich history of hair metal and the creative process that goes into creating music. Each song showcases the unique style and talent of its respective band, and they offer a fascinating insight into the genre's evolution and the challenges faced by these artists. As fans, we are fortunate to have access to these songs through deluxe reissues and compilations, allowing us to appreciate the full range of talent and creativity within the hair metal scene.
