This week, I am joined by Jim Santora, author of The Underrated Rock Book, as we build the ultimate 80’s hard rock playlist—packed with underrated gems, arena anthems, and guitar-driven classics from the decade that helped define the genre.

Whether you’re into hair metal, riff-heavy deep cuts, or high-energy rock radio staples, this playlist has something for every hard rock fan. We explored multiple directions while staying true to the raw, unapologetic spirit of ’80s rock.

Turn it up and relive the glory days of hard rock!

🎙️ Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform—and don’t forget to leave a 5-star review to help more music fans find the show! Then, scroll down to hear all of the songs discussed in this episode! 👇

Buy “The Underrated Rock Book Too”: http://www.underratedrockbook.com/books.html

Metallica – For Whom The Bell Tolls

Guns N’ Roses – It’s So Easy

Dio – Rainbow In The Dark

Mötley Crüe – Wild Side

Loudness – Crazy Nights

Aerosmith – Voodoo Medicine Man

Kings X – Summerland

Faith No More – Falling To Pieces

Rush – The Analog Kid

AC/DC – For Those About To Rock (We Salute You)

Living Colour – Cult of Personality

The Cult – Love Removal Machine

Van Halen – And The Cradle Will Rock

Triumph – When The Lights Go Down

Ratt – Way Cool, Jr.

Dokken – Alone Again

White Lion – Wait

Cheap Trick – Tonight It’s You

Lita Ford – Kiss Me Deadly

Twisted Sister – Shoot ‘Em Down