VARIOUS ARTISTS - Metal Ballads Heavy Metal Compilations
"Metal Ballads" was a vinyl record series released from 1988 to 1990 that compiled heavy metal ballads. The series is known for its distinctive album art featuring a half-dressed man and woman on a moonscape background. Bands like Axel Rudi Pell, Bonfire, Kingdom Come, Nazareth, Quiet Riot, The Scorpions, and Whitesnake were all featured on these compilations, showcasing their softer side with power ballads and emotional anthems. The cover art, while undeniably eye-catching, has become a signature element of the series, perfectly capturing the blend of masculinity and vulnerability often present in heavy metal ballads.
RCA 60 479 , 1988 , Made in Germany
By the late 80s, metal had exploded into the mainstream. But with that came a certain commercial pressure, a need to appeal to a wider audience. Ballads, with their emotional melodies and relatable lyrics, offered a way to bridge the gap between metalheads and the pop crowd. I
Metal Ballads RCA Club Edition 12" Vinyl LP
RCA PL 74219 , 1989 , Made in Germany
In 1989, the year "Metal Ballads Vol. 2" hit the shelves, the spandex was starting to sag a little, the hairspray was losing its hold. Grunge was lurking in the wings, ready to kick down the door and declare that feelings didn't have to be wrapped in a neon guitar solo and a fog machine.
Metal Ballads Vol 2 II 12" Vinyl LP
RCA PL74822 , 1990 , Made in Germany
1990. The year *Metal Ballads Vol. 3* arrived, fashionably late to a party that was already winding down. Grunge had kicked in the door, Nirvana was sneering at the Sunset Strip, and hairspray was starting to feel as outdated as a rotary phone. But hey, even in the twilight of an era, there's always room for one
Metal Ballads Vol 3 III 12" Vinyl LP