10 Amazing Albums Turning 30 In 2021

10. For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge - Van Halen

At this stage of rock music, the hair metal movement seemed firmly out the door. Though there were some acts like Aerosmith that managed to toe the line into the next decade alright, the era of Winger and Warrant were really starting to look like a thing of the past. When you're the best in your genre though, you're not going to go out without a fight.

Hooking up with producer Ted Templeman for the first time since the mid '80s, Van Halen came through with one of their most consistent albums on For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge. Despite the obvious sexual reference they were making with the name of the album, there's actually a lot more nuance to the band's sound this time around, as Sammy Hagar flexes his muscles as a frontman and lyricist on songs like Right Now.

Granted, it's not like Van Halen had forgotten how to have fun though (after all, the song Poundcake exists). As far as hair metal is concerned though, this is one of the most thoughtful albums to ever come from the last days of the genre, while also showcasing Eddie as a monster both behind the keys and the fretboard. Considering the sophomoric hair metal happening around them, this is what happens when that brand of rock grows up.