In the world of music, it's not uncommon for albums to have songs that don't make the final cut. Sometimes, these songs are left behind due to the decision-making process involving producers, label executives, and band members. However, what many people don't realize is that these songs can still see the light of day through deluxe reissues, compilations, or even movie soundtracks. In this article, I will explore the best non-album songs from six big hair metal bands: Bon Jovi, Motley Crue, Poison, Ratt, Skid Row, and Warrant. Personally, I think that these songs are not only fascinating but also essential to the history of hair metal. What makes this particularly fascinating is that these songs, despite not making the final cut for their respective albums, have become iconic in their own right. In my opinion, they showcase the creativity and versatility of these bands, and their inclusion in deluxe reissues and compilations is a testament to their enduring legacy. From Bon Jovi's "Edge of a Broken Heart" to Warrant's "Thin Disguise," these songs are a must-listen for any fan of hair metal. From the raw, distorted riffs of Motley Crue's "Toast of the Town" to the punk-tinged hard rock of Poison's "Livin' for the Minute," these songs showcase the diverse sounds and styles of these bands. One thing that immediately stands out is that these songs were not just left behind by accident. They were carefully considered and ultimately deemed not suitable for their respective albums. However, this does not diminish their quality or impact. In fact, it adds to their allure and makes them all the more interesting. What many people don't realize is that these songs were often written specifically for non-album opportunities, such as single B-sides or movie soundtracks. This means that they were not just leftover tracks, but rather intentional creations that were meant to stand on their own. If you take a step back and think about it, it's easy to see how these songs could have been huge hits in their own right. They have all the hallmarks of classic hair metal: catchy hooks, powerful vocals, and anthemic choruses. They also showcase the bands' unique sounds and styles, which is what makes hair metal so beloved by fans. This raises a deeper question: why do we value album tracks more than non-album songs? In my opinion, it's because we tend to think of albums as a cohesive whole, and non-album songs as mere extras. However, this is a misunderstanding, as non-album songs can be just as important and influential as album tracks. A detail that I find especially interesting is that these songs were often written during the same recording sessions as their album tracks. This means that they were created with the same level of care and attention to detail, and were often intended to be part of a larger body of work. What this really suggests is that the decision to leave these songs off the album was not a reflection of their quality, but rather a matter of artistic choice and prioritization. In conclusion, the best non-album songs from six big hair metal bands are not just fascinating, but also essential to the history of hair metal. They showcase the creativity and versatility of these bands, and their inclusion in deluxe reissues and compilations is a testament to their enduring legacy. So, the next time you listen to one of these songs, remember that it was not just a leftover track, but rather a carefully considered creation that was meant to stand on its own. Personally, I think that these songs are a must-listen for any fan of hair metal, and I encourage you to explore them further and discover the hidden gems of these bands.
