Riffs & Legends

Black ‘N Blue: The Hard Rock Underdogs Who Deserved More

Black ‘N Blue: The Hard Rock Underdogs Who Deserved More
  • March 8, 2025

If you were cranking up the stereo in the mid-’80s, blasting the best hair metal had to offer, then you probably came across Black ‘N Blue. These guys had the look, the hooks, and the attitude to go toe-to-toe with the greats, but for some reason, they never quite got the mainstream love they deserved. That doesn’t mean they weren’t putting out killer records, though.

Hailing from Portland, Oregon, Black ‘N Blue was fronted by the powerful Jamie St. James (is there a more hair metal name than that?) and featured the shredding guitar work of Tommy Thayer who would eventually join KISS as their lead guitarist. Speaking of KISS, Gene Simmons himself played a big role in their story. But we’ll get to that.

Let’s dive into their albums, their connection to the Demon himself, and why Black ‘N Blue still deserves your attention today.

Black ‘N Blue (1984) – The Raw and Rowdy Debut

Black ‘N Blue burst onto the scene with their self-titled debut, and man, what an introduction! Packed with energetic, no-nonsense hard rock, this album proved they weren’t just another pretty-boy band. I got a copy of their cassette at a radio promotion in San Antonio in 1986. I personally love the thumping bass and power chords on this album. Tracks like Hold On to 18 and Chains Around Heaven became underground anthems for headbangers looking for something fresh but still gritty. Produced by Dieter Dierks (who worked with the Scorpions), this album had that polished but heavy sound that made you want to drive fast and party harder.

🎸 Get Black ‘N Blue on Amazon

Without Love (1985) – The Sleek and Melodic Follow-Up

After making waves with their debut, Black ‘N Blue took a slicker approach with Without Love. This time, they had none other than Bruce Fairbairn behind the production (yep, the guy who would later work with Aerosmith and Bon Jovi). The result? A more polished, melodic record that leaned into the radio-friendly side of hard rock.

Songs like Miss Mystery and Nature of the Beach had a bigger, more accessible vibe, and while the diehards may have missed the rawness of the debut, it showed that Black ‘N Blue had serious range.

🎸 Get Without Love on Amazon

Nasty Nasty (1986) – Enter Gene Simmons

Now here’s where things get interesting. For their third album, the band brought in KISS’ Gene Simmons as producer, and you can feel his influence all over Nasty Nasty. The album still had the hooks and riffs, but it packed a little more sleaze, a little more attitude—basically, it got nastier.

Tracks like Nasty Nasty and I’ll Be There for You had a heavier edge while still keeping that arena-ready sound. Nasty, Nasty is my favorite song on this album. “Four on the floor” drums and a matching driving bass give this song its teeth. And let’s not forget Kiss of Death, a song so dark and eerie it could’ve fit on a KISS album.

🎸 Get Nasty Nasty on Amazon

In Heat (1988)

By 1988, the hair metal scene was exploding, and bands were either skyrocketing or fading out. In Heat was Black ‘N Blue’s final studio album of the era, and once again, Gene Simmons was at the production helm. This one leaned even further into a polished, radio-friendly sound, with songs like Rock On and Suspicious showing their continued ability to craft great hooks. I’m not sure why Rock On didn’t chart better. It has a great late 80s hair foundation but also the rock anthem feel of Queen’s We Will Rock You!

Sadly, despite its quality, the album didn’t break them into the big leagues, and the band called it quits soon after. Tommy Thayer eventually moved on to KISS, while Jamie St. James kept rocking with various projects before reforming Black ‘N Blue in the 2000s.

🎸 Get In Heat on Amazon

Why Black ‘N Blue Still Matters

Black ‘N Blue may not have hit the same heights as some of their ’80s contemporaries, but they were every bit as talented. Their mix of hard-hitting rock, polished melodies, and killer guitar work made them stand out. Plus, their Gene Simmons connection added an extra layer of coolness.

If you haven’t given them a proper listen, do yourself a favor and dive in. Crank up Hold On to 18 and tell me that doesn’t make you want to throw your fist in the air.

Black ‘N Blue were underdogs, but real rock fans know the best bands aren’t always the ones with platinum records—they’re the ones that make you feel something. And these guys definitely did that.

🎸 Explore Black ‘N Blue’s discography on Amazon

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