The Best Rock Music of 1988

A look at the best rock music of 1988.

The Best Rock Music of 1988: Introduction

It was the year of hair metal and hard rock, with bands like Guns N’ Roses, Metallica, and Bon Jovi releasing some of their most popular albums. Hip-hop also made its presence felt in the rock world, with Beastie Boys’ “License to Ill” becoming the first rap album to top the Billboard 200. But it was also a great year for more traditional rock bands, with Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, The Rolling Stones, and U2 all releasing classic albums. Here are our picks for the best rock albums of 1988.

The Best Rock Music of 1988: Top 10 Albums

In 1988, rock music was in a state of transition. A new generation of musicians were beginning to take influence, while the sounds of the past were still very much present. This was the year when Metallica released their …And Justice for All album, Guns N’ Roses released G N’ R Lies, and AC/DC released Blow Up Your Video. It was also the year when Tracy Chapman’s self-titled debut album and the Traveling Wilburys’ Vol. 1 were released. Here are our picks for the 10 best rock albums of 1988.

The Best Rock Music of 1988: Top 10 Songs

10. “One” – Metallica
9. “Sweet Child o’ Mine” – Guns N’ Roses
8. “Welcome to the Jungle” – Guns N’ Roses
7. “Paradise City” – Guns N’ Roses
6. “.38 Years Old” – The Tragically Hip
5. “Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap” – AC/DC
4. “Rock You Like a Hurricane” – Scorpions
3. “Pour Some Sugar on Me” – Def Leppard
2. “Heaven and Hell” – Black Sabbath
1. “Run to the Hills” – Iron Maiden

The Best Rock Music of 1988: The Year in Review

In 1988, the top rock music was a mix of hard rock, pop, and metal. This was the year that Guns N’ Roses released their debut album, “Appetite for Destruction”, Metallica released their fourth studio album, “And Justice for All”, and Bon Jovi released their fifth studio album, “New Jersey”. These albums would go on to become some of the best-selling albums of all time. Other notable releases of 1988 include Van Halen’s “OU812”, Skid Row’s “Youth Gone Wild”, and Def Leppard’s “Hysteria”.

The Best Rock Music of 1988: The Legacy

As we approach the end of another year, it’s time to take a look back at the past twelve months and reflect on the best that music had to offer. For me, 1988 was a special year. It was the year I got my first guitar, and also the year that I discovered some of the greatest rock music that has ever been created.

In terms of pure songwriting, few albums can match the sheer perfection of The Beatles’ “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band”. Every song on that album is a classic, and it remains one of the most influential albums of all time. Another album from that same year that still sounds fresh today is R.E.M.’s “Green”, which features some of the best hooks and melodies you’ll ever hear.

If you’re looking for something a little heavier, Metallica’s “And Justice for All” is an essential album from one of the greatest metal bands of all time. It features some of their best-known songs, like “One” and “Master of Puppets”. And if you want to hear something truly unique, check out Jean Michel Jarre’s “Revolutions”, which is an electro-rock masterpiece.

So there you have it: my picks for the best rock music of 1988. What are your favorites from that year?

The Best Rock Music of 1988: The Influence

In 1988, the top rock songs were dominated by male performers. The year saw the rise of some new superstars, including Guns N’ Roses, Metallica, and U2. These bands would go on to become some of the most influential rock bands of all time. Many of the bands that dominated the airwaves in 1988 are still active today and continue to release new music.

The Best Rock Music of 1988: The Music

In 1988, the top three rock bands were Guns N’ Roses, Metallica, and Bon Jovi—and their influence can still be felt today. These three bands defined what it meant to be a rock band in the 1980s, and their music continues to inspire new generations of rockers.

Guns N’ Roses released their debut album, Appetite for Destruction, in July of 1987. The album was an instant classic, and its success catapulted the band to superstardom. Appetite for Destruction is packed with hard-hitting songs like “Welcome to the Jungle” and “Paradise City,” which are still two of the most popular rock songs of all time.

Metallica’s …And Justice for All was released in September of 1988, and it quickly became one of the most popular metal albums ever made. The album features some of Metallica’s biggest hits, including “One” and “Eye of the Beholder.” …And Justice for All is a dark and heavy album that helped define thrash metal in the 1980s.

Bon Jovi’s New Jersey was released in October of 1988, and it became one of the band’s most successful albums. New Jersey features some of Bon Jovi’s most iconic songs, including “Living on a Prayer” and “Bad Medicine.” The album helped solidify Bon Jovi as one of the biggest rock bands in the world.

In 1988, these three bands released some of the best rock music ever made. Their albums are still popular today, and they continue to influence new generations of rockers. If you’re a fan of hard-hitting rock music, then you need to check out the best rock music of 1988.

The Best Rock Music of 1988: The Videos

In 1988, music videos were still in their infancy, but there were some definite standouts. Here are our picks for the best rock music videos of 1988.

-R.E.M., “It’s the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine)”

This video is a perfect illustration of R.E.M.’s off-kilter sense of humor. The fast-paced montage of images (including a man being hit in the face with a pie) is matched perfectly to the song’s frantic pace.

-U2, “Desire”

Directed by Derek Jarman, this black-and-white video features Bono strolling around Dublin, interacting with the locals (and giving them free tickets to the band’s upcoming show). It’s a simple concept, but it perfectly captures the spirit of the song.

-The Pixies, “Monkey Gone to Heaven”

This stop-motion animation video tells the story of pollution and its effects on animals (in this case, a monkey who goes to heaven after being killed by toxic waste). It’s a dark and eerie video that perfectly complements the band’s dark and eerie sound.

The Best Rock Music of 1988: The Live Shows

1988 was a great year for rock music. Many great bands toured the world, playing to huge crowds of fans. Here are some of the best rock shows of 1988:

-Guns N’ Roses at the Rosemont Horizon in Chicago, IL
-Bon Jovi at Madison Square Garden in New York, NY
-Metallica at the Hammersmith Odeon in London, England
-AC/DC at Donington Park in Donington, England
– Kiss at Cobo Arena in Detroit, MI

The Best Rock Music of 1988: The Aftermath

The year 1988 saw the release of some of the most influential and acclaimed rock records of all time. In the aftermath of this hugely significant year in music, many critics and fans alike have looked back at the records that were released and attempted to determine which were the best. This is no easy task, as there are many different ways to measure quality in music. However, we have compiled a list of what we believe to be the best rock albums of 1988.