Yeah, everybody knows the chorus to a couple AC/DC songs, and can identify "Pour Some Sugar On Me," but can't recognize any other Def Lepppard song. So, to educate in the music department, here are five of the most under appreciated rock hits:
5. "Take It On the Run," REO Speedwagon
"Take it On the Run" was released in 1980 with the album "Hi Infidelity" which produced four Top 40 Hits. Since 1967 when REO Speedwagon formed there has been twenty two members, leaving Neal Doughty, the keyboard player, the only original member in the band today.
4. "Lonely Is the Night," Billy Squier
"Lonely Is the Night" is off of Billy Squier's second and most successful album "Don't Say No," which was released in 1981. Two months after the album was released it went platinum. Prior to 1984 records weren't awarded multi-platinum honors, so in 1992 "Don't Say No" received a Triple-Platinum award, selling over three million copies across the U.S.
3. "Heat of the Moment," Asia
"Heat of the Moment" is Asia's biggest hit and known as the bands signature song. Asia formed in 1981 after former front man of King Crimson, John Wetton, stole guitarist Steve Howe and keyboard player Geoff Downes from the band Yes, as well as Emerson, Lake, and Palmer's very own drummer, Carl Palmer. Having four members of previously successful bands, when Asia formed they were known as a "Supergroup." After having twenty six different band members, all original members form the supergroup today except for Steve Howe, who was replaced by guitarist Sam Coulson.
2. "No One Like You," Scorpions
German rock band Scorpions released their single "No One Like You" in 1981. Back in 1965 when the band first started in their native country of Germany, they were struggling. However, they quickly found success in 1979 when they branched out to playing their music in America. The song "No One Like You" was originally written in German by band members Rudolf Schenker (guitar) and Klaus Meine (lead singer), but was later translated to English to appeal to their audience. In an interview with Songfacts Rudolf Schenker credits their success to being "exotic" to Americans.
1. "Renegade," Styx
Released in 1978, "Renegade" is off of Styx eighth album "Pieces of Eight." Styx, best known for 1973's "Lady" and 1983's "Mr.Roboto," had released fifteen albums in thirty-three years. Styx was certified as the first band ever to release four consecutive multi-platinum albums. This accomplishment was gained by the release of: "The Grand Illusion" (1977), "Pieces of Eight" (1978), "Cornerstone" (1979), and "Paradise Theatre" (1981). Styx has been touring since 1972, and wraps up their most recent tour in November.
