In 1980, Joan Jett released ‘Bad Reputation,‘ a song that would become her signature anthem and a rallying cry for anyone who refused to conform. After leaving The Runaways, the all-female rock band she co-founded as a teenager, Jett was determined to establish her own voice in a male-dominated music scene. ‘Bad Reputation‘ was her […]
In 1987, Whitesnake released ‘Still of the Night,’ a song that would become the band’s signature anthem and a defining track of the glam metal era. The lead single from their self-titled album (Whitesnake in the U.S., 1987 in Europe), the track showcased a perfect fusion of bluesy roots, hard rock intensity, and glossy ’80s […]
When Iron Maiden released ‘The Trooper‘ in June 1983, they weren’t just putting out another single—they were stamping their mark on heavy metal history. The song, from their fourth studio album Piece of Mind, quickly became one of their signature tracks and a defining anthem of the genre. Bassist and songwriter Steve Harris penned the […]
By the late 1970s, FM radio was at its peak. Unlike AM’s tight, hit-driven playlists, FM stations were the home of adventurous DJs spinning long album tracks, deep cuts, and emerging artists. It was in this golden era of radio that Steely Dan—already legends for their razor-sharp songwriting and pristine production—were asked to write a […]
When Don Henley stepped out on his own after the Eagles’ breakup in 1980, the world wasn’t sure if the drummer and co-lead vocalist could carry a solo career. By 1982, that doubt was erased with the release of I Can’t Stand Still, and its standout single, ‘Dirty Laundry.‘ Sharp, satirical, and musically cutting-edge, the […]
When Guns N’ Roses unleashed Appetite for Destruction in 1987, it became one of the most iconic hard rock albums of all time. Among its standout tracks was ‘Paradise City,’ a song that captured both the grit of Los Angeles and the yearning for something better. The origins of ‘Paradise City’ go back to a […]
When the Doobie Brothers released Toulouse Street in 1972, the band had already built a reputation as a hard-working San Jose outfit with a loyal following. But it was ‘Listen to the Music’ — written by guitarist and vocalist Tom Johnston — that launched them into the national spotlight. The single reached No. 11 on […]
When Van Halen dropped Fair Warning in April 1981, the band was already riding a wave of fame, but this record marked a different turn. Darker, heavier, and more experimental than their first three albums, it pushed the boundaries of what the Pasadena quartet had been doing. Nestled in the tracklist was ‘Unchained,’ a song […]
Dire Straits’ ‘Money for Nothing‘ is one of the defining songs of the 1980s, both musically and culturally. Released in 1985 as the lead single from the band’s Brothers in Arms album, it quickly became their biggest hit, topping the charts in the United States and reaching the Top 10 across the world. Written by […]
Pink Floyd’s ‘Money‘ is one of the most recognizable songs in rock history, both for its unusual structure and for the role it played in shaping the success of the band’s landmark 1973 album, The Dark Side of the Moon. Written primarily by Roger Waters, the track stood out immediately because of its 7/4 time […]
The Eagles’ 1980 ballad ‘I Can’t Tell You Why‘ holds a special place in the band’s history, both musically and personally. Featured on their final studio album before their first breakup, The Long Run, the song marked a new direction for the group while also showcasing a fresh voice. Unlike their signature country-rock hits, this […]
When Foreigner exploded onto the scene in 1977, they did it with an anthem that sounded both fresh and instantly classic. ‘Feels Like the First Time,’ their debut single, introduced the world to a band that blended arena rock energy with polished, radio-ready hooks—and it immediately put them on the map. The song was written […]