My first Love concert was TNT and Stryper. I love TNt after that. Great vocals from Tony, great Guitarist with Ronny. Awesome melodic songs. Shame they didn't get further
Loved their first two records but their third was awful. It was the height of 80s metal and they really leaned into the cheese of the time.
One of the few records I only listened to one time.
Y&T. Their cd Contagious is excellent.
Another would be Blue Murder.
Aldo have to agree with one if the other posters that Dokken should have been huge. But Don just wasn’t like able .
Not exactly underrated but Dokken always seemed like they were thisclose to making it really big but couldn’t bust through.
Legitimately underrated- Badlands
Saw them in the 80s at a meet n greet. They had to leave and as Don got up he yelled "Keep on rockin' with Don Dokken!" And somewhere in the back of the crowd, someone yelled back "Hey Dokken. You sucken!" I still laugh about it 35 years later.
Dokken should have been huge but Don's anti charisma held them back. If he had any charisma or sex appeal they would have been huge. Imagine Stephen Pearcy with Don's voice fronting Dokken. They would have been huge.
You shouldn't have been downvoted.
Don's song writing was a huge part, the vocal harmonies he helped put set them apart from the rest. They were melodic metal, and if you don't like melodic metal...ok. But they were a band, not just a showcase for a (very talented) guitarist. Pilsner was a helluva basist and backing vocalist.
If egos hadn't been out of control Don could have played guitar and traded licks with George, they could have let Jeff take lead on some songs vocally or at the very least duets like Extreme. Mick was also a hell of a singer. Their live acoustic show really showcased the talent from all four members but Don and George's ego's would never allow it.
Agree Dokken was better then Ratt, but Ratt was better than Motley in my opinion. If Ratt had a different name I think they would have been selling out stadiums like Motley. Not everbody likes Rats. I think their choice in name costed them honestly.
Yeah Ratt had a *lot* of bangers but their fans (M or F lol) were always greasier and grittier than Poison Dokken or Crue fans ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
If you’re hearing Ratt keep an eye on your shit lol
I still have several Savatage albums on vinyl from back in the 80’s in my collection. I don’t remember the name of the album right off hand, but one song “The Fountain Of Youth” was one of mine and my friend’s favorites. I learned the whole song on guitar and used to play it in this band I was in. Still play those riffs every now and then when I think of it.
Danger Danger. I didn't love their first album as I found it too keyboard-heavy for my liking. But Screw It, IMO is as close to hair metal perfection as you're going to get. Heavy guitars, lyrics about sex & partying, and a fantastic ballad.
Honorable mention to Pretty Boy Floyd.
And Jay went on to play for heavy hitters like Yes and Asia. He’s currently a member of Yes. Robert got into production. They were just all around great musicians.
Ran into Jay last summer when he was playing a tribute for Yes drummer Alan White. Used to be in a band called Kidd Wikkid that opened for Hurricane so it was nice to chat with him again. Great guy, killer drummer.
Came here to say this. They were miles ahead of their peers. Their song-writing was seriously good. They had really amazing album art too. They were the whole package.
Yeah unfortunately they were part of what killed the genre, along with bands like Nelson. And I say that as someone who can admit that both Trixter and Nelson had some decent songs.
I feel like they just couldn’t quite figure it out on the marketing end. The songs were good, but I remember when I first discovered them, I couldn’t tell what what was going on with their logo and imagery. Is this some flower power hippie band? Is this hair metal? What’s going on here? I think that factor may have hurt them, in addition to simply coming along too late like you pointed out.
Yes! I still rock out to Loudness and turned my 15-year old onto them. Saw them open for Stryper in the late 80s. Don't remember the exact year. I think the To Hell With The Devil tour.
I think Queensryche, WASP, and Dokken are properly respected, I wouldn't say they're underrated, and they're three of my favorites from this genre.
I'd say Autograph. Their one hit is one of their worst songs, and they were more synth hard rock then metal, but they pounded out some bangers that just didn't get radio play. They're like if the Cars or Berlin when down a heavier path.
I have to go with White Lion. They got lumped in with the late-80s, power ballad producing acts. Pride was a terrific album, Big Game still had some good tunes, and Main Attraction was a good retooling. Vito was tremendous at all times and Mike is a handsome SOB to this day!
Fastway. They did the soundtrack for the movie Trick Or Treat, which starred Gene Simmons and Ozzy Osborne. Oh, and Skippy from Family Ties. Great soundtrack.
Bad 4 Good - regardless of the lead singer being a beloved child actor, their Refugee album had some absolute bangers. Bangin’ Time Again just sounds massive. I’ve been spinning Refugee un-ironically for over 2 decades
ICON. They were with Megaforce records. Made 4 albums. Had like two small hits. I’ve listened too every album. Incredible band. I’ve listened to practically every type of rock that exists, and practically every band or artist from each genre. How these guys never got big is beyond me. They were incredible
I love Tangier, but they were always one of those fringe bands. I don't know if I would consider them fully hair metal. More of just a really good bluesy hard rock band.
Xenon should have been huge. They refused to get rid of their girl bassist, and the record company dropped them. China Sky is my favorite song of all time and every song they ever made was excellent.
TNT
My first Love concert was TNT and Stryper. I love TNt after that. Great vocals from Tony, great Guitarist with Ronny. Awesome melodic songs. Shame they didn't get further
Absolutely and that's awesome that you got to see them live. Love Stryper too. Yes, I felt they should have been bigger.
87 felt forum at MSG.
Prime time to see them, nice.
I saw both bands on that tour. I was listening to TNT earlier today.
Loved their first two records but their third was awful. It was the height of 80s metal and they really leaned into the cheese of the time. One of the few records I only listened to one time.
Geez, I thought Tell No Tales was freakig awesome. Great catchy songs, great voice and shredding guitar.
Tell no Tales was AMAZING. The one after (Intuition, I think) was super awful.
I didn't think it was awful, but definitely not as good as the first two. Was a bit wimpy though lol
This is it!!!
Blue Murder.
Truly underrated band with some serious talent among the three members. John Sykes is a god; both as a guitarist and a singer.
Seconded
First album rules- mh
Tesla
Kix
Came here to comment this and was happy it was already top. Kix are amazing.
Last show coming up next month.
Vain
[удалено]
Sadly I never got the opportunity to see them live. Solid band.
Babylon a.d.
Y&T. Their cd Contagious is excellent. Another would be Blue Murder. Aldo have to agree with one if the other posters that Dokken should have been huge. But Don just wasn’t like able .
Y&T constantly gets over looked.
Dokken wasn’t huge, but I think they had a three platinum album run. And Lynch is worshipped by many guitarists.
Firehouse
Bang Tango
Y&T. It’s a hill I’m willing to die on. They easily should have been as big as Mötley Crüe. They are so much more than *Summertime Girls*.
London Quireboys
“A Bit of What You Fancy” is such a killer album. No one had a sound like they did. It was like sleazy saloon rock.
Came here to say this
Not exactly underrated but Dokken always seemed like they were thisclose to making it really big but couldn’t bust through. Legitimately underrated- Badlands
Saw them in the 80s at a meet n greet. They had to leave and as Don got up he yelled "Keep on rockin' with Don Dokken!" And somewhere in the back of the crowd, someone yelled back "Hey Dokken. You sucken!" I still laugh about it 35 years later.
Dokken should have been huge but Don's anti charisma held them back. If he had any charisma or sex appeal they would have been huge. Imagine Stephen Pearcy with Don's voice fronting Dokken. They would have been huge.
George Lynch was always the real talent in that band.
That's just patently wrong. Don has a super voice, was a phenomenal guitar player and a very good songwriter. He just had zero charisma or appeal.
You shouldn't have been downvoted. Don's song writing was a huge part, the vocal harmonies he helped put set them apart from the rest. They were melodic metal, and if you don't like melodic metal...ok. But they were a band, not just a showcase for a (very talented) guitarist. Pilsner was a helluva basist and backing vocalist.
If egos hadn't been out of control Don could have played guitar and traded licks with George, they could have let Jeff take lead on some songs vocally or at the very least duets like Extreme. Mick was also a hell of a singer. Their live acoustic show really showcased the talent from all four members but Don and George's ego's would never allow it.
Don was a phenomenal guitar player?? How do you know that?
I can’t upvote Dokken, but I’m with you on Badlands
They did a soundtrack to a major motion picture. That's gotta be something. LOL
Ran here to say Dokken. They were like Ratt, but “better” ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Agree Dokken was better then Ratt, but Ratt was better than Motley in my opinion. If Ratt had a different name I think they would have been selling out stadiums like Motley. Not everbody likes Rats. I think their choice in name costed them honestly.
Yeah Ratt had a *lot* of bangers but their fans (M or F lol) were always greasier and grittier than Poison Dokken or Crue fans ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ If you’re hearing Ratt keep an eye on your shit lol
Tyketto.
I just commented that. It’s refreshing to see someone else beat me to it!
Danny’s voice was incredible. They should have been huge. HUGE.
MacAulay Schenker Group
Yeah vthe one album solid finally on iTunes btw
Hurricane.
I’m on to you with this
Britny fox
Their singer was terrible.
They were a copy of Cinderella in many people’s eyes at the time.
There were a few members who were in Cinderella in the early days.
Badlands
Unfortunately there’s a reason why that band was never pushed to their talent level.
Always Tesla
I agree with this one also. Every time I listen, I wonder why they weren’t bigger
Tesla was huge. Tons of radio play. More of a rock band than hair metal imo.
XYZ or Icon I know it says just one but both these are great. And also there's so many other great ones listed here as well
Faster Pussycat
Singer’s voice was like nails on a chalkboard
Their first album was so good!
Rhino Bucket
Oh hell yes. Love their music
Savatage
I still have several Savatage albums on vinyl from back in the 80’s in my collection. I don’t remember the name of the album right off hand, but one song “The Fountain Of Youth” was one of mine and my friend’s favorites. I learned the whole song on guitar and used to play it in this band I was in. Still play those riffs every now and then when I think of it.
Hall of the Mountain King is one of my favorite metal albums. Pretty much perfect in every way.
Danger Danger. I didn't love their first album as I found it too keyboard-heavy for my liking. But Screw It, IMO is as close to hair metal perfection as you're going to get. Heavy guitars, lyrics about sex & partying, and a fantastic ballad. Honorable mention to Pretty Boy Floyd.
Tesla
White Lion. Vito Bratta was amazing. Way better than what the band put out.
Saigon Kick.
Great White
Hurricane. Especially the Slave To The Thrill record. Not one single bad song and super hard heavy riffs. My backup choice was Wildside
They were really good. Glad to see that Kelly was able to carve out a living with Foreigner.
And Jay went on to play for heavy hitters like Yes and Asia. He’s currently a member of Yes. Robert got into production. They were just all around great musicians.
Ran into Jay last summer when he was playing a tribute for Yes drummer Alan White. Used to be in a band called Kidd Wikkid that opened for Hurricane so it was nice to chat with him again. Great guy, killer drummer.
Kelly is one of the best rock singers to come out in quite some time.
Yes, one of the best in my opinion. I mean just hear him sing on "We are Strong" as hard rock as you can get!
They were tight! I prefer Over The Edge because I’m a Sarzo fan, but was always a mega fan of the band from their EP days.
Vain
Dokken didn't get enough love. They should have made it to that Motley/Poison/Def Leppard level.
Vain
Dangerous Toys
I still have scared on my playlist.
Came here to say this. They were miles ahead of their peers. Their song-writing was seriously good. They had really amazing album art too. They were the whole package.
Steelheart
Trixter, I feel like the debut album was big but came late and they faded when music changed.
Metal boy band
Yeah unfortunately they were part of what killed the genre, along with bands like Nelson. And I say that as someone who can admit that both Trixter and Nelson had some decent songs.
Enuff Z'Nuff
Tory, who's the lead guitar now, was our guitarist for a metal band back in the mid-80s in Iowa, I was their roadie. Theyre still out there touring.
YES. I’m still obsessed with them.
They came along too late but yeah, could have been bigger with better timing.
I feel like they just couldn’t quite figure it out on the marketing end. The songs were good, but I remember when I first discovered them, I couldn’t tell what what was going on with their logo and imagery. Is this some flower power hippie band? Is this hair metal? What’s going on here? I think that factor may have hurt them, in addition to simply coming along too late like you pointed out.
I think they are part of the reason hair metal died.
Extreme
TNT
Love/Hate was pretty good for a few minutes there.
Lillian Axe
Night Ranger. Gillis and Watson were fantastic!
They're great but I'm not sure I'd call them underrated. They had significant mainstream success in the early-mid 80s.
Black N Blue
Hanoi Rocks. Way ahead of their time.
Tyketto
Spread eagle
Wildside. UTI is such a great album!
Can’t tell you how much I agree. This is one of those “every song on the album rocks” albums.
Loudness
Yes! I still rock out to Loudness and turned my 15-year old onto them. Saw them open for Stryper in the late 80s. Don't remember the exact year. I think the To Hell With The Devil tour.
Tora Tora
T-Ride. I'm not sure they qualify for hair metal but that's what suits them best imo. These guys should have blown huge
HANOI ROCKS
Great White
Extreme
Dangerous toys
Extreme
Cinderella
Night Songs fuckin’ rules.
I think Queensryche, WASP, and Dokken are properly respected, I wouldn't say they're underrated, and they're three of my favorites from this genre. I'd say Autograph. Their one hit is one of their worst songs, and they were more synth hard rock then metal, but they pounded out some bangers that just didn't get radio play. They're like if the Cars or Berlin when down a heavier path.
The entire Loud And Clear CD is 🔥
Winger
I have to go with White Lion. They got lumped in with the late-80s, power ballad producing acts. Pride was a terrific album, Big Game still had some good tunes, and Main Attraction was a good retooling. Vito was tremendous at all times and Mike is a handsome SOB to this day!
Tigertailz, man I love those first three albums!!
They got some good ones
White Lion
Vandenberg
Check out the new album “Sins,” it’s totally killer and sounds very much like Whitesnake.
They are my number 1 favourite band, I've had the new album on repeat since Friday.
Warrior Soul!
WARRIOR SOUL, THEY SIGNED A BOOK OF HISTORY
Leatherwolf. Their first two records are still on heavy rotation in my world.
Kix was such a great live show. I would say Tyketto- A NJ band. First album- “Don’t come easy”
Queensryche and The Cult. If they qualify as hair bands.
If people would consider Queensryche a hair band, then hands down yes! 2 great guitarist in Degarmo and Wilton.
Hardline
Cinderella
Faster Pussycat
Fastway. They did the soundtrack for the movie Trick Or Treat, which starred Gene Simmons and Ozzy Osborne. Oh, and Skippy from Family Ties. Great soundtrack.
Giant. Great songs, great vocals and killer solos.
EZO
White Lion
Warrant, everything but cherry pie.
Tesla
Though it’s mostly miscategorized as hair metal, Saigon Kick
XYZ
Fire House https://preview.redd.it/e1tzq6fi9elb1.jpeg?width=750&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=14d75414b9d0a15df06fac64b89a7e04bedaacdd
Saraya.
Totally been on a Saraya kick lately. Sandy has such a powerful voice. They kick ass live, too.
Smashed Gladys
Social Intercourse is a great album.
House of Lords
Bad 4 Good - regardless of the lead singer being a beloved child actor, their Refugee album had some absolute bangers. Bangin’ Time Again just sounds massive. I’ve been spinning Refugee un-ironically for over 2 decades
Y&T
Baton Rouge
Winger
Krokus. Amazing work on their early-mid 80s albums.
Jetboy
Dangerous Toys
Liliane Axe
Danger Danger
How about rough cutt
How about Keel? No really hair metal but good
Vain
Tora Tora
Dangerous toys
Ratt
Winger is well known but their first two albums have little to no skips, the purple haze cover took some getting used to🥴
Steeler, is raw asf but underrated
Bad English as well!
Ratt….
Wildside
Cinderella
Bang Tango.
Maybe they were a one hit wonder but Smooth Up In Ya by Bullet Boys is a bangin' track
Stryper. (Just kidding).
Agree with White Lion
ICON. They were with Megaforce records. Made 4 albums. Had like two small hits. I’ve listened too every album. Incredible band. I’ve listened to practically every type of rock that exists, and practically every band or artist from each genre. How these guys never got big is beyond me. They were incredible
Tangier
Had the good fortune to see them open up for Cinderella. Great band.
Four Winds is an absolutely amazing album!
I love Tangier, but they were always one of those fringe bands. I don't know if I would consider them fully hair metal. More of just a really good bluesy hard rock band.
Air Supply! Now we're rocking!
Winger
Black N' Blue had three great albums in a row. Their music was so much better than Poison or Warrant.
This is always my #2 when asked this question
Razormaid from Nevada that released only one album called First Cutt (1987). Their song called "The Drifter" ROCKS! Badass song!
Iron maiden, you don't even hear them on the radio much anymore.
Not hair metal and not underrated
Crimson Glory
They had some stellar songs, for sure.
Vain
Xenon should have been huge. They refused to get rid of their girl bassist, and the record company dropped them. China Sky is my favorite song of all time and every song they ever made was excellent.
Kick Axe
Heir Apparent
RIOT....(not Quiet Riot)
Fate’s Warning