Top hard rock/heavy metal solo albums of all time

minutes. This album was a game-changer for neo-classical metal guitarists. Tracks like “Black Star” and “Far Beyond the Sun” have become classics in the genre and have cemented Malmsteen’s status as one of the great guitar virtuosos in rock history. “Rising Force” showcases not only his technical prowess but also his ability to compose epic and grandiose pieces that have stood the test of time.

10 of 20
“Tooth and Nail,” Dokken (1984)
Dokken was a formidable force in the hard rock/metal world during the ’80s, with hits like “Breaking the Chains” and “In My Dreams” enjoying chart success. But it wasn’t until their second studio album, “Tooth and Nail,” that the band truly found their stride. From the blistering opener “Without Warning” to the melodic power ballad “Alone Again,” this album had something for everyone. With George Lynch’s powerful guitar work and Don Dokken’s soaring vocals, “Tooth and Nail” solidified the band’s place in the pantheon of ’80s metal acts.

11 of 20
“Seventh Star,” Black Sabbath featuring Tony Iommi (1986)
After Ozzy’s departure, Black Sabbath went through several lineup changes and musical directions. By 1986, the band had evolved to include former Deep Purple vocalist Glenn Hughes on this album as a solo Tony Iommi project. The result is a collection that strays from the band’s traditional sound but still retains the heavy, bluesy riffing that made Iommi famous. Standouts include the hard-hitting “Turn to Stone” and the haunting ballad “Seventh Star.” While not a commercial success, this album showcased Iommi’s versatility and willingness to experiment with new sounds.

12 of 20
“Grind,” Y&T (1988)
After their heyday in the early ’80s with hits like “Summertime Girls,” Y&T had a brief hiatus before returning with “Contagious” in ’87. But it was their follow-up album, “Grind,” that truly brought the band back into the forefront. With its hard-hitting title track and melodic rockers like “Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark,” “Contagious” solidified Y&T’s place in the hard rock scene of the late ’80s. Frontman Dave Meniketti’s powerful vocals and virtuosic guitar work were on full display, proving that Y&T was still a force to be reckoned with.

13 of 20
“Strong Persuader,” Robert Cray (1986)
Robert Cray burst onto the blues scene in the mid-’80s with his fifth studio album, “Strong Persuader.” The album’s commercial success was boosted by the hit single “Smoking Gun,” which won Cray a Grammy. Cray’s smooth vocals and soulful guitar playing were the perfect combination for the album’s mix of blues and soul. Tracks like “Right Next Door (Because of Me)” and “Foul Play” showcased Cray’s songwriting prowess and ability to blend traditional blues with contemporary styles. “Strong Persuader” remains a classic of the late ’80s blues scene.

14 of 20
“I Have the Touch,” Peter Gabriel (1986)
Peter Gabriel, after leaving Genesis, had established himself as a solo artist with hits like “Shock the Monkey” and “Sledgehammer.” But it was on his ’86 album “So” that Gabriel truly came into his own. With iconic tracks like “In Your Eyes” and “Big Time,” “So” showcased Gabriel’s eclectic musical style and powerful vocals. The album’s production, courtesy of Daniel Lanois and Laurie Anderson, added a unique texture to Gabriel’s sound. “So” became Gabriel’s commercial breakthrough and solidified his status as a musical innovator.

15 of 20
“Appetite for Destruction,” Guns N’ Roses (1987)
Guns N’ Roses burst onto the scene in the late ’80s with their debut album “Appetite for Destruction.” Featuring hits like “Sweet Child o’ Mine” and “Welcome to the Jungle,” the album showcased the band’s raw energy and untamed sound. Axl Rose’s powerful vocals and Slash’s blistering guitar work became instant classics in the rock world. Tracks like “Paradise City” and “Mr. Brownstone” solidified Guns N’ Roses as one of the premier rock bands of the late ’80s. “Appetite for Destruction” remains one of the best-selling debut albums in history and a classic of the hard rock genre.

16 of 20
“Tin Machine,” Tin Machine (1989)
David Bowie, after a successful solo career, surprised fans with the formation of Tin Machine, a hard rock band