From Scratch to Rock: Glam Metal 1986
By the mid-1980s, glam metal had cemented its place in mainstream music, becoming a cultural and commercial phenomenon.
Bands began appearing regularly on MTV, filming high-budget music videos and giving interviews on major TV shows. This media exposure provided a wealth of documentation for understanding the glam metal boom. And in 1986, the genre entered its second wave, marked by artistic maturity, massive album sales, and the rise of new acts that would become glam metal icons.
Let’s take a look at the most influential releases of this explosive year.
Van Halen – 5150
Released in March 1986, 5150 marked Van Halen’s first album with Sammy Hagar replacing David Lee Roth. The album’s name references both Eddie Van Halen’s home studio and a California legal code for psychiatric evaluation.
Despite mixed reviews, the album became a commercial juggernaut, selling over 6 million copies and topping the charts. While some critics mocked its romantic themes, songs from 5150 remain popular in rock sheet music collections, often adapted into easy sheet music formats for intermediate players.
Europe – The Final Countdown
Swedish band Europe released The Final Countdown in May 1986, and its title track quickly became a global anthem.
With sales surpassing 150,000 copies globally and charting at No. 8 in the U.S., the album delivered hits like “Rock the Night” and “Love Chaser.” These tracks are now popular material for piano notes exercises and simplified transcriptions in piano online lessons.
Poison – Look What the Cat Dragged In
On August 2, 1986, Poison released their debut album. Their road to fame had been bumpy—rejections, lineup changes, and financial hardship—but it all paid off. By 1987, the album had reached No. 3 on the Billboard 200, spawning hits like “Talk Dirty to Me” and “I Want Action.”
Their blend of catchy riffs, glam aesthetics, and accessible melodies made their songs ideal for transcription into rock sheet music, and many of their ballads are now staples in piano online lessons.
Bon Jovi – Slippery When Wet
On August 19, 1986, Bon Jovi released Slippery When Wet, arguably the most iconic glam metal album ever.
Featuring “You Give Love a Bad Name,” “Livin’ on a Prayer,” and “Wanted Dead or Alive,” the album held the Billboard No.1 spot for eight weeks and sold over 12 million copies in the U.S. alone.
Many of these tracks have been transcribed into easy sheet music and are frequently taught in piano online lessons, due to their memorable hooks and motivational energy.
Cinderella – Night Songs
Another standout debut from August 1986 was Night Songs by Cinderella. Backed by Bon Jovi and signed by Mercury Records, the band rose quickly.
With a heavier sound than some of their glam metal peers, songs like “Nobody’s Fool” made an impact both commercially and musically, becoming a favorite in rock sheet music collections for their rich melodic structure.
Ratt – Dancing Undercover
Ratt’s third album dropped in August as well, though it didn't reach the same heights as Bon Jovi or Poison.
Still, Dancing Undercover sold over a million copies and featured solid tracks like “Dance” and “Slip of the Lip,” which are often recommended to students tackling glam-era techniques in piano notes and arrangements.
W.A.S.P. – Inside the Electric Circus
Released in October 1986, this third studio album marked a departure from W.A.S.P.'s rebellious edge toward a more polished, radio-friendly style.
Though the change drew criticism, the album found its place in the evolving glam metal landscape. Some tracks are now used in advanced rock sheet music studies due to their technical complexity.
Stryper – To Hell with the Devil
Also in October, Christian glam metal band Stryper released To Hell with the Devil. With its positive themes and polished production, the album became the first Christian metal album to go platinum and earned a Grammy nomination.
Stryper’s music is now used in piano online lessons tailored to students exploring alternative themes in glam metal.
Other Notable Releases
1986 saw a flood of glam metal albums from established and emerging artists alike:
Quiet Riot – QR III: Though it didn't match earlier successes, it maintained a loyal following.
Lizzy Borden – Menace to Society: A heavier, theatrical entry into the scene.
Tuff – Knock Yourself Out and Girlschool – Nightmare at Maple Cross: Represented more niche audiences.
Vinnie Vincent Invasion – Self-titled: Known for its guitar virtuosity.
Black ‘n Blue – Nasty Nasty: Continued their trend of catchy glam anthems.
These albums provide excellent material for anyone interested in learning rock sheet music and have been adapted into easy sheet music for new learners.
FAQs
Q1: What makes glam metal suitable for piano learners?
A: Glam metal often features strong melodies and predictable structures, which adapt well into easy sheet music and provide a great entry point in piano online lessons.
Q2: Are Bon Jovi or Poison songs available as piano transcriptions?
A: Absolutely. Many tracks like “Livin’ on a Prayer” and “Talk Dirty to Me” have been converted into piano notes with varying difficulty levels.
**Q3: Can I find these songs on platforms offering rock sheet music?
A: Yes, platforms like SheetMusicGo offer downloadable rock sheet music for glam metal classics, with versions suited for beginners and advanced pianists alike.
