80’s at 8: January 26, 2023- Badlands & KISS
Tonight’s 80’s at 8 started with a track from Badlands‘ 1989 self-titled debut album titled “On The Edge.” This track is a perfect example of the band’s signature style, combining hard-hitting riffs and soaring vocals.
It has been praised for its powerful lyrics and intense sound. The song tells the story of a man on the brink of madness, dancing on the edge of a cliff. It’s intense and aggressive, and the guitar solos are awesome.
The album reached #57 on the Billboard 200 album chart and it was also ranked No. 35 in Rolling Stone‘s list of 50 Greatest Hair Metal Albums of All Time. Loudwire magazine put it at #27 on their Top 30 Hair metal Albums list and Metal Rules put it at # 43 on their Top 50 Glam Metal Albums list.
No music video was made for “Dancing on the Edge” by Badlands but you can listen to it here:
The second track in tonight’s 80’s at 8 was a deep cut from The 1985 KISS album Asylum titled “King Of The Mountain.” It’s a fast-driving rocker driven by a heavy guitar riff and powerful drums.
It is a song about a man who is determined to reach the top, no matter the cost. The lyrics are full of ambition and determination, with the chorus repeating ‘I’m gonna be the king of the mountain, I’m gonna be the king of the mountain’.
‘King of the Mountain’ is a timeless classic that is still beloved by fans today. It is a powerful song that captures the spirit of ambition and drives that Kiss is known for.
It is a song that will continue to be a fan favorite for years to come. The album was certified Gold in the US and reached #20 on the Billboard 200 album chart.
Asylum is the first album to feature lead guitarist Bruce Kulick as an official band member. Kulick had replaced former guitarist Mark St. John on some tracks on the previous album Animalize (1984), during the latter’s absence due to reactive arthritis. Subsequently, Kulick filled St. John’s spot on most segments of the Animalize tour.
This new lineup of Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Eric Carr, and Kulick would last until Carr’s death in November 1991, while Kulick would stay with the band until the reunion of the original lineup in 1996.
No music video was made for “King of The Mountain” by Kiss but you can take a listen to it here:
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