Dive headfirst into the world of 1980s rock music with the Say What You Will Podcast, the ultimate time machine for audiophiles and rock enthusiasts alike. Each episode takes you back exactly 40 years to relive and reassess the groundbreaking albums of the decade that defined an era.
From deep dives into legendary releases like Scorpions’ Blackout to the epic power of Dio’s Holy Diver, the hosts unpack the stories behind the music, the artists, and the cultural shifts that made the 80s unforgettable. Blending sharp musical critiques, personal anecdotes, and a dash of humor, the podcast bridges the gap between nostalgia and discovery.
Whether you’re an 80s music veteran or a curious newcomer, the Say What You Will Podcast is more than a trip down memory lane—it’s an invitation to experience these albums anew. Are they still as groundbreaking as they felt back then, or has time dulled their edge? Join the conversation, challenge your favorites, and rediscover the albums that shaped a generation.
EP: 50 - Now 40 Years Later: RATT, Black 'n Blue and Vinnie Vincent Invasion (August 1986)
August 1986 dropped three very different hard rock records within weeks of each other. Forty years on, we put them back on the turntable and ask the only question that matters: do they still hold up?
RATT – Dancing UndercoverAlbum number three in three years, with producer Beau Hill back at the board. The band put themselves on the cover instead of a model and went for a heavier sound with no power ballad in sight. "Dance" showed up on Miami Vice and "Body Talk" landed in The Golden Child, while "Slip of the Lip" kept the video rotation going. It went platinum but got a lukewarm reception from critics. Was the album underrated or just rushed?
Black 'n Blue – Nasty NastyGene Simmons produced this one, with Tommy Thayer (who later joined Kiss) on guitar and Jaime St. James out front. Jonathan Cain has a credit on "I'll Be There for You" and Peter Criss and Ron Keel guest on "Best in the West". It's a record with a big personality. Does it still deliver or is it more of a curiosity?
Vinnie Vincent Invasion – Vinnie Vincent InvasionFresh off his run in Kiss, Vincent put together his own band with Robert Fleischman on vocals, Dana Strum on bass and Bobby Rock on drums. The songs came out of demos Vincent had been sitting on for years. The guitar playing got the attention, but the album never found the audience it seemed built for. Was it ahead of its time or stuck in the middle?
Three albums and forty years of hindsight. Give it a listen and tell us where you land.
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10 Aug 2026
EP 48: July 1986 in Review Release — Eat ’Em and Smile & Lightning Strikes (hold up?)
This month, Say What You Will travels back 40 years to July 1986—a pivotal moment in hard rock history.
First up, we examine David Lee Roth’s debut solo LP, Eat ’Em and Smile. Backed by a phenomenal virtuoso band featuring Steve Vai, Billy Sheehan, and Gregg Bissonette, Roth set out to prove his artistic identity outside of Van Halen. Four decades later, we re-evaluate the musicianship, songwriting, and dynamic energy of this record to see how it stands the test of time.
Next, we dive into Loudness and their landmark sixth studio album, Lightning Strikes. As Japanese heavy metal pioneers breaking through to international acclaim, Akira Takasaki and company delivered precise guitar work and powerful arrangements. We discuss the album's impact, production, and place in the mid-80s hard rock canon.
Plus:
July 1986 Music News & Context: A deep dive into the major headlines, release schedules, and industry shifts happening forty years ago this month.
Original or Cover? Trivia: We put Mark and Dennis to the test in a end-of-episode challenge to see if they can distinguish famous 80s tracks from their original roots.
Albums Covered:
David Lee Roth – Eat ’Em and Smile (Released July 1986)
Loudness – Lightning Strikes (Released July 1986)
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Corrections: Disagree?? Send your comments and corrections, and we will read them on the next podcast. https://www.saywhatyouwillpodcast.net/
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30 Jun 2026
EP 47: Icons of ’86: Triumph, Cinderella, & Queensrÿche
This month, we are diving deep into 1986—a legendary year for heavy rock and metal. We breakdown three massive, yet completely distinct albums that shaped the landscape: Triumph’s anthemic Sport of Kings, Cinderella’s gritty glam debut Night Songs, and Queensrÿche’s futuristic, progressive masterpiece Rage for Order. Whether you’re a fan of high-octane stadium rock, bluesy hair metal, or cerebral, dark sci-fi metal, this episode has something for you.
Which album holds up the best, and which one belongs in a time capsule?
Triumph – Sport of Kings: Can the Canadian power trio balance commercial '80s pop-rock production with their classic hard rock roots? We break down the hits like "Somebody's Out There" and the hidden gems.
Cinderella – Night Songs: Is this the ultimate 1986 debut? We discuss Tom Keifer’s unforgettable raspy vocals, the blues-infused riffs of "Shake Me" and "Nobody's Fool," and why this album stands out from the standard glam metal crowd.
Queensrÿche – Rage for Order: A massive leap forward into progressive, gothic, and high-tech metal. We talk about the chilly synths, Geoff Tate’s operatic range, and tracks like "Screaming in Digital" and "Walk in the Shadows."
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Corrections: Disagree?? Send your comments and corrections, and we will read them on the next podcast. https://www.saywhatyouwillpodcast.net/
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#HardRock #80sMetal #HairMetal #ProgressiveMetal #VinylCommunity #Queensryche #CinderellaBand #TriumphBand #ClassicRockPodcast #RockMusic
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YouTube views
884,040
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Spotify
5.0 / 5
3 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 37 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
16
Social presence
0
YouTube
86
Engagement
60
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