# 4 of the Best Rock Songs Turning 40 This Year

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/4-of-the-best-rock-songs-turning-40-this-year/
- Published: 2026-08-01T16:00:00+00:00
- Updated: 2026-08-01T16:13:08+00:00
- Original publisher: American Songwriter
- Original article: https://americansongwriter.com/4-of-the-best-rock-songs-turning-40-this-year/
- Topics: Entertainment, Music, UK, World

## Key points

- Four major 1986 rock songs reach 40 this year.
- Videos helped define several of the songs’ legacies.
- The selections span pop rock, metal and glam rock.

## Summary

Four notable rock songs released in 1986 turn 40 this year, illustrating the era’s dramatic vocals, prominent guitars and synthesiser-heavy production. The article highlights both their commercial impact and the enduring cultural importance of their music videos.

- Robert Palmer’s “Addicted To Love” became an emblem of the 1980s, aided by its distinctive video.
- Ozzy Osbourne’s “Shot In The Dark”, from *The Ultimate Sin*, was his first Billboard Hot 100 single.
- Peter Gabriel’s “Sledgehammer” topped US charts, reached the UK Top 5, and won several 1987 MTV Video Music Awards.
- Bon Jovi’s “Livin’ On A Prayer” became the band’s second consecutive Billboard Hot 100 number one.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.