3 Classic Rock Songs That Remind 80s Teens of Being Young

The article looks back at three rock songs associated with the rebellious spirit of teenagers in the 1980s: Twisted Sister’s “We’re Not Gonna Take It”, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts’ “I Love Rock ‘n Roll” and Scorpions’ “Rock You Like a Hurricane”. Their appeal came from forceful choruses and, in one case, controversy over whether the music was suitable for young listeners.

Twisted Sister’s 1984 anthem appeared on the Parents Music Resource Center’s “Filthy Fifteen” list and reached No. 21 on the Billboard Hot 100. Jett’s 1982 version of “I Love Rock ‘n Roll”, originally recorded by Arrows in 1975, topped the Hot 100. Scorpions’ 1984 song reached No. 25 on the Hot 100 and No. 5 on the Mainstream Rock chart, while its music video received heavy rotation on MTV.