Classic rock songs span decades, but there’s something about 1980s rock that just keeps enduring. In fact, after the following classic rock songs from 1988 became hits the year they dropped, they’ve continued to amass fans through the 1990s, 2000s, 2010s, and even 2020s. Let’s dive into a few classic rock songs from 1988 that still shake the ground we stand on!
“Sweet Child O’ Mine” by Guns N’ Roses
An absolute classic. “Sweet Child O’ Mine” was released off of Guns N’ Roses’ debut album Appetite For Destruction and became a fast chart-topper. Today, it’s still the band’s only US No. 1 single. And what a song to be known for. “Sweet Child O’ Mine” might just be one of the most memorable hard rock songs of the 1980s.
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“Simply Irresistible” by Robert Palmer
Robert Palmer had a rockin’ hit on his hands with the 1988 song “Simply Irresistible” from the album Heavy Nova. This track reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and also did well on the Album Rock Tracks chart back in the day, earning Palmer his second-ever Grammy Award in 1989. It’s your classic guitar-fueled rock song that could only have been made in the 1980s.
“Angel” by Aerosmith
How about some classic Aerosmith? “Angel” is a glam metal jam from the famed American rock band, dropped in early 1988 off their album Permanent Vacation. A power ballad, which Aerosmith did best, “Angel” peaked at No. 3 on the Hot 100 and No. 2 on the Mainstream Rock chart. Steven Tyler really knew how to do emotional intensity in power ballads correctly, best exemplified in songs like this one and “Dream On”.
“Every Rose Has Its Thorn” by Poison
This wouldn’t be a list of hard-rockin’ classic rock songs from 1988 without mentioning Poison’s most well-known song, “Every Rose Has Its Thorn”. When one thinks of 1980s classic rock, they often think of this jam. And it’s a glam metal soft rock gift that keeps on giving, decades later. “Every Rose Has Its Thorn” peaked at No. 1 on the Hot 100 in 1988.
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(Original Caption) A singer called Joni. Joni Mitchell, Canadian singer-songwriter, United Kingdom, 1968. The guitar-pickin' gal is Joni Mitchell, a long blonde haired Canadian folk singer. Pictured last night outside the Revolution club, Joni is here (until 1st October) for radio, television and concert appearances. Apart from concert appearances, 25 year old Joni will be heard on "Top Gear" on Radio One and "The Monday Show" on BBC 1. (Photo by © Hulton-Deutsch Collection/CORBIS/Corbis via Getty Images) -
English rock band the Beatles arrive at London Airport from the USA, with their manager Brian Epstein (1934 – 1967, in coach doorway), 2nd September 1965. From left to right, John Lennon (1940 – 1980), George Harrison (1943 – 2001), Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr. (Photo by George Stroud/Express/Hulton Archive/Getty Images) -
George Jones, who released several country songs about whiskey -
Elvis Presley and Scotty Moore (left) performing on The Milton Berle Show at NBC's Hollywood studio, Los Angeles, California, 5th June 1956. Presley performed 'I Want You, I Need You, I Love You' and 'Hound Dog'. Press reaction to his performance was largely negative with his gyrating movements during 'Hound Dog' proving particularly controversial. (Photo by Bettmann Archive/Getty Images) -
Singer and musician Merle Haggard performs at the Poplar Creek Music Theater, Hoffman Estates, Illinois, August 16, 1983. (Photo by Paul Natkin/Getty Images) -
John Rzeznik of Goo Goo Dolls at event, New York, 1990s. (Photo by Steve Eichner/Getty Images) -
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Pop group The Byrds (l to r): Chris Hillman; Dave Crosby; Mike Clark; Jim McGuinn; and Gene Clark. (Photo by © Hulton-Deutsch Collection/CORBIS/Corbis via Getty Images)