10 Classic Rock Albums from 1986 That Fans Regret Buying

In 1986, many rock bands released albums that changed the sound of classic rock. Some records turned out to be disappointing for loyal fans. Buyers later wished these albums had a tougher, more authentic feel. The following list shows ten albums from that year that many listeners now regret buying.

1. Europe – The Final Countdown

Released in 1986, Europe’s The Final Countdown is known for its catchy keyboard riff and grand production. Many rock fans feel the album leans too far into pop style.

Critics argue the sound loses rock’s raw energy. Some buyers later regretted the purchase, wishing for a harder, more genuine style.

2. Black Sabbath – Seventh Star

Black Sabbath released Seventh Star in 1986, marking a change after Ozzy Osbourne’s departure. The album features a different sound with heavy use of keyboards and softer vocals.

They later wished for the classic heavy sound that defined earlier Sabbath works. Listeners felt the album missed true metal intensity overall.

3. Bon Jovi – Slippery When Wet

Bon Jovi released Slippery When Wet in 1986. The album features a polished sound that some fans believe strays from true rock roots. It offered radio-friendly hits that changed the band’s style.

Many loyal listeners later regretted buying the album. They missed the raw energy of earlier, less commercial rock.

4. Genesis – Invisible Touch

Genesis released Invisible Touch in 1986, shifting from progressive rock to a more pop sound. The album brought catchy tunes that appealed to many new fans. However, some long-time supporters felt the change was too drastic.

Critics and fans missed the band’s older sound. They found the new style weak and not true to Genesis spirit.

5. Poison – Look What the Cat Dragged In

Poison released Look What the Cat Dragged In in 1986, launching a string of glam metal hits. The album showcased catchy hooks and polished production. Many buyers were drawn by the image and style of the band at the time.

Many fans regretted the purchase, wanting a genuine rock sound. They later felt the record was overly commercial and shallow.

6. Ozzy Osbourne – The Ultimate Sin

Ozzy Osbourne released The Ultimate Sin in 1986. The album marked a shift with a more commercial sound and guest musicians. It strayed from the heavy style that fans expected from his earlier work.

Many listeners felt disappointed with the record. They missed the raw edge of his classic albums, which made the change hard to accept.

7. Tesla – Mechanical Resonance

Tesla released Mechanical Resonance in 1986. The album mixed hard rock with melodic tunes. Its production was clean, yet some fans found the sound too smooth compared to the raw style they expected.

Listeners later wished for more grit in the tracks. They felt the album lacked true rock intensity and missed a tougher edge.

8. Ratt – Dancing Undercover

Ratt released Dancing Undercover in 1986. The album featured a blend of heavy riffs and polished production. It aimed to attract a wide audience but lost some of the band’s original edge.

Many fans regretted the record, feeling it was too commercial. They longed for harder sound of earlier work that better captured Ratt’s spirit.

9. Stryper – To Hell with the Devil

Stryper released To Hell with the Devil in 1986. The album mixed metal with a religious theme. It featured strong guitar work and catchy choruses that helped the band reach a larger audience.

Some fans felt the record fell short of expectations. They wished for a more authentic metal sound that stayed true to the band’s roots.

10. Great White – Shot in the Dark

Great White released Shot in the Dark in 1986. The album featured a mix of hard rock and commercial hooks. It offered smooth production that did not please all longtime rock fans.

Many listeners later regretted buying this album. They felt it lacked the true raw sound of earlier records.