What's Happened To The 80s Riff?

You know what I'm talking about here—"Rock You Like A Hurricane," "Balls To The Walls," "Round And Round," "Youth Gone Wild," "Somebody Save Me," and so on. These simple yet catchy-as-all-hell riffs were a huge part of what made 80s rock and metal so badass. But today, they're pretty much gone.

Even great bands like Dirty Penny, Miss Crazy, and Trixie who're doing some excellent rock music these days, they don't quite get there when it comes to those classic riffs. You know what happens when you hear that opening riff to "Balls To The Walls." That song demands to be cranked, and it's always got your full attention! It's timeless! Where are those riffs today? Have bands overcomplicated things?

the riffs back in the 60's and 70's were great as well, but I do know what you mean though.

Yep! That's why I've been digging my "new" vinyl. It's all Dio, Maiden, Twisted Sister, early Savatage, Quiet Riot and Fastway. AWESOME simple riffage and I've thought that myself, Eyesore.

In fact, listening to those early 80's Metal albums is part of the reason I get annoyed with much of the NWOBHM. In my opinion, some of that - especially toward that late 80's - was impotent and it's like they forgot about the monster riff. Since the bands from the 60's, 70's (Zep, BOC, Sabbath, etc...) and early 80's already showed how to write heavy songs with monster riffs I get annoyed with some of the bands coming later who do not.

I think those riffs have moved to Scandanavia. Bands like Hardcore Superstar, Backyard Babies, Wig Wam, Babylon Bombs, Bombshell Rocks, Gemini Five, etc. etc.

And lately, that style has become my favorite.

Gosh, how I so agree! This is exactly why I cant help being slightly nostalgic about music no matter how much I enjoy some latter day and current bands, they just cant seem to write as catchy stuff anymore. Ive noticed most so called traditional Metal bands of today uses more "staccatto" type riffing ala Metallica/Pantera nowadays. Either that, or if theres a more Hard Rock based band, more straight "wall of sound" block type riffing. The sing along Anthem choruses arent there anymore either. I really dont know if this is something delibarate of todays bands, or if bands simply cant do it anymore. Either way its sad, and I miss the catchiness. No wonder current music dont grab ones attention span as easily.

All the good riffs have been used up.

I also agree. We need more melodic riff metal!

St Patrik wrote:

Gosh, how I so agree! This is exactly why I cant help being slightly nostalgic about music no matter how much I enjoy some latter day and current bands, they just cant seem to write as catchy stuff anymore. Ive noticed most so called traditional Metal bands of today uses more "staccatto" type riffing ala Metallica/Pantera nowadays. Either that, or if theres a more Hard Rock based band, more straight "wall of sound" block type riffing. The sing along Anthem choruses arent there anymore either. I really dont know if this is something delibarate of todays bands, or if bands simply cant do it anymore. Either way its sad, and I miss the catchiness. No wonder current music dont grab ones attention span as easily.

Very well stated, St Patrik. I would have to vote on the side of deliberate since I would have to surmise that anyone talented enough could write a riff (how good/great it is is certainly open for debate). Eyesore, is absolutely right, there is a definate lack of great riffs these days. It's funny that this topic comes up cuz the other day I was driving to work and listening to Ratt's Invasion of Your Privacy and was struck by the fact the fact that almost every song starts with a guitar riff. Peace.

i think today's music is more about the look and hook more then the Riff. Ill tell you what though when i hear those classic riffs i cant help but turn it up.

MetalRob331 wrote:

i think today's music is more about the look and hook more then the Riff. Ill tell you what though when i hear those classic riffs i cant help but turn it up.

Very good question.

Eyesore wrote:

"Balls To The Walls"

Does that song sound anything like "Balls To The Wall"?

Well i guess he has some "Flaws with his Paws"

tohostudios wrote:

I think those riffs have moved to Scandanavia. Bands like Hardcore Superstar, Backyard Babies, Wig Wam, Babylon Bombs, Bombshell Rocks, Gemini Five, etc. etc.

And lately, that style has become my favorite.

See, I love those bands, but they just aren't up there with the greats. They write some excellent tunes. But where are the classic riffs? There are none. They have good riffs. Though I really like those bands, I don't hear anything that gets my blood going like the beginning of "Rock Your Like A Hurricane," for instance.

the sentinel wrote:

It's funny that this topic comes up cuz the other day I was driving to work and listening to Ratt's Invasion of Your Privacy and was struck by the fact the fact that almost every song starts with a guitar riff. Peace.

Haha. I was listening to Out Of The Cellar last night for the first time in ages and when "Round And Round" came on, something just changed. It was uplifting, you know? I'm like, "Why the hell do I feel like I'm in a better mood now?" The answer: Badass riffage! Haha.

Fool Fool from Axel Rudi Pell is one of those riffs for me. I hear that riff and then Jeff Scott Soto's pipes and im like wow!!

Fool Fool is great!!

Some folks still got it today, it's just not as emphasized, I think.

MetalGuy71 wrote:

All the good riffs have been used up.

Blame Sabbath.

Well at least we have those albums from the 80's to enjoy even if noone can rehash that sound (riffage).

That's what I mean! Man, I frickin' love that riff!

I guess I don't know what you guys are talking about because I still get killer riffs stuck in my head from new stuff all the time. I had the chorus to "We Don't Celebrate Sundays" by Hardcore Superstar stuck in my head for days.

And the Airbourne album is filled with guitar riffs IMO.

Are you sure you're not viewing this subject through the prism of nostalgia?

Oh, and if you want anthemic, shout out loud choruses, try Lordi.

Eyesore wrote:

That's what I mean! Man, I frickin' love that riff!

Quote :

What's Happened To The 80s Riff?

Bands like Pantera killed the 80's riff. Ironic, eh?

Toho - True about Lordi! They write some monster riffs (no pun intended) and have great choruses. I'd love to see them someday!

kmorg wrote:

I also agree. We need more melodic riff metal!

I'll drink to that!