CLEVELAND, Ohio -- If you haven’t bumped some Rage Against the Machine in the past two months or so, there’s a chance you’re lacking a soul. The band’s music was made for these harsh times, even though some of it stems back nearly 30 years ago.
RATM preceded the rap-metal boom of the late 1990s and, thus, influenced most of it. But what separated Rage from the critically derided likes of Kid Rock and Limp Bizkit was the band’s expert musicianship and frontman Zack de la Rocha’s hard-hitting rhymes.
Rage felt like Black Sabbath meets Cypress Hill meets Red Hot Chili Peppers with the political overtones of Bob Dylan. The lyrics, message and music were that powerful.
Rage Against the Machine hasn’t released a proper album since 2000′s “Renegades.” But the band planned a reunion tour in 2020 that was sidelined by the coronavirus pandemic.
Tom Morello, de la Rocha, Tim Commerford and Brad Wilk plan to hit the road in 2021. As we wait for their arrival, we ranked every song Rage has ever released, including two soundtrack cuts and the original demos from the band’s iconic debut album.
51. Mindset’s a Threat
Rage’s least enticing song is a demo that finds the band (or at least Zack de la Rocha) going into a reggae sound. It makes you happy the band never went in this direction ever again.
50. War Within a Breath
The closing track on “The Battle of Los Angeles” is a bit of a letdown. It’s not bad. But it’s calmer than the rest of the album with the powerhouse instrumentation muted. Zack de la Rocha is good enough to carry it, but “War Within a Breath” sounds a little too much like a hard U2 track. Though, it has faired much better in a live setting.
49. Street Fighting Man
If you’re a fan of The Rolling Stones’ classic, which many people are, this probably isn’t the cover for you. Though, it’s easy to see why Rage Against the Machine would cover it. “Street Fighting Man” is The Stones’ most political song. Yet, the stripped-down feel of the original was part of its appeal. Credit Rage for making it their own. But that’s not necessarily a good thing here.
48. The Narrows
An early demo that shows off Rage Against the Machine’s punk influences fused with funk vibes. Tom Morello would later use the same guitar siren sound on “Fistful of Steel” to greater effect.
47. Snakecharmer
“Evil Empire” comes out the gate hot with “People of the Sun” and “Bulls on Parade.” But you could make the case it meanders a bit in the middle. On “Snakecharmer,” Zack de la Rocha’s lyrics build momentum. However, Tom Morello’s solo midway through feels like it’s part of a different song.
46. I’m Housin'
EPMD’s style was all about the group’s chill vibe. That style doesn’t work for Rage Against the Machine’s sound. The band’s cover of the EPMD classic on the band’s cover album “Renegades” lacks Eric Sermon and Parrish Smith’s smooth lyrical delivery.
45. Auto Logic
A fan-favorite demo, “Auto Logic” is a high-energy cut that’s primal. The band was still rounding out its sound.
44. In My Eyes
If nothing else, “Renegades” showcased where all of Rage Against the Machine’s influences came from. That list includes Minor Threat. Rage’s cover of “In My Eyes” works well with the band’s instrumentation, turning the volume up to 11. And Zack de la Rocha gives it his best, even if the style isn’t quite in his wheelhouse.
43. Darkness
You probably wouldn’t guess “Darkness” was a Rage Against the Machine song during its first 40 seconds. The track is a re-recording of the B-side “Darkness of Greed.” While the slow nature can feel like a nice change of pace, it’s hard not to desire a meaner version of the band.
42. New Millennium Homes
By the time “The Battle of Los Angeles” is built to be a monster record, which it is. Yet, while the grooves and hard-hitting sounds are there, a song like “New Millennium Homes” feels a bit like Rage by the numbers. Aside from its message, the music doesn’t stay with you in the least.
41. Pistol Grip Pump
Upon first listen, “Pistol Grip Pump” is an energetic jam that should be a standout from “Renegades.” But with the West Coast bounce that made the original by rapper Volume 10 gone, Rage’s version gets repetitive by the time the first hook is over.
40. Without a Face
Though his flow may be more laid back, “Without Face” features some of Zack de la Rocha’s sharpest lyrics, as he fires off rhymes over Tom Morello’s whipping guitar riffs.
39. Maggie’s Farm
Bob Dylan’s frenetic folk version of “Maggie’s Farm” is built around its lyrics. So it doesn’t fully work in the hands of Rage Against the Machine, whose cover makes the words secondary to the onslaught of guitars and rhythm section.
38. Down on the Street
“Down on the Street” is a bold song to cover. The Stooges original is raw, mean and a damn near perfect display of proto-punk. Rage’s cover is thicker, while still utilizing the same groove. Zack de la Rocha’s does his best Iggy Pop impersonation. He nails it on the chorus, but on the verses...well, he ain’t Iggy Pop.
37. Kick Out the Jams
MC5′s iconic version of “Kick Out the Jams” is a live cut that’s unpredictable and unwieldy. Surprisingly, Rage’s metal take feels a bit too polished compared to the original. Though, kudos to Morello for yet another mesmerizing guitar solo.
36. Wind Below
A song that shows off the influence Led Zeppelin had on RATM. “Wind Below” kicks off with a Jimmy Page style riff. The verses slow things a bit to emphasize Zack de la Rocha’s distorted voice. But its Morello’s guitar that stands out as the special thing about this track.
35. Beautiful World
Rage’s formula on “Renegades” essentially took a rap or classic rock song and make it their own. But the band’s cover of Devo’s “Beautiful World” is different. It’s the closest Rage ever came to art-rock and a delightful surprise.
34. Voice of the Voiceless
“Voice of the Voiceless” is “The Battle of Los Angeles'” most direct reference to Mumia Abu Jamal, a member of the Black Panther Party convicted of the murder of a Philadelphia Police officer that he didn’t commit. There’s something to be said for restraint. But “Voice of the Voiceless” is a song that’s begging to explode into something epic. It never quite does.
33. Tire Me
Within the context and flow of “Evil Empire,” “Tire Me” might sound like an odd centerpiece. But on its own, it shows Rage Against the Machine’s uncanny range. After proving they were the best rap-metal band on the planet, they gave us a hardcore song that’s thrilling, earning the band a Grammy for Best Metal Performance.
32. Microphone Fiend
“Microphone Fiend” plays it pretty straight forward in terms of covers, paying proper homage to Eric B. & Rakim’s iconic original. Tom Morello’s warbling guitar strings provide some the extra oomph.
31. Clear the Lane
The original demos released on the “XX” edition of Rage Against the Machine’s self-titled debut album show a band with amazing parts still figuring out how to meld together. “Clear the Lane” is raw with de la Rocha spitting rhymes like he was born to do it. Tom Morello’s sharp guitar work is also something to marvel at, considering it was so early on the band’s formation. It would have been awesome to see this one as a finished studio product.
30. Maria
The alarm sound on “Maria” would be distracting if it wasn’t so hypnotizing. It helps when Morello is building to a collection of even more brilliant sounds. Brad Wilks’ bass, which pops, is also Noteworthy. The combination turns “Maria” into pure chaos.
29. Year of the Boomerang
Initially released on the soundtrack to John Singleton’s film “Higher Learning,” “Year of the Boomerang” was reworked a bit for more of a rock sound on “Evil Empire.” The original’s unrelenting swagger isn’t lost a bit as the song builds to a epic conclusion.
28. Mic Check
Rage Against the Machine was a huge influence on bands like Korn and Limp Bizkit, who became massively popular when rap-metal blew up. Yet, by the time “Mic Check” showed up on “Battle of Los Angeles,” it felt ordinary when mixed in with the music those kinds of bands were making. Still, Zack de la Rocha is in his element and it can’t be understated how impressive Tom Morello is at doing things with a guitar other bands had to hire a DJ for.
27. Vietnow
“Vietnow” is rap-metal if Led Zeppelin were to do it. Tom Morello channels Jimmy Page with his harsh riffs.
26. The Ghost of Tom Joad
To fully understand and appreciate Rage Against the Machine’s covers album “Renegades,” you should be familiar with the originals. Bruce Springsteen’s “The Ghost of Tom Joad” is a folk song. But it packs an emotional wallop as an anthem for the disenfranchised. Rage Against the Machine brings the pent up frustration to the forefront in seething fashion.
25. Born as Ghosts
Lyrically, “Born as Ghosts” is as complex as anything on “The Battle of Los Angeles.” Zack de la Rocha is dropping much-needed knowledge about how America is set up to keep the same people from moving up in the world time and time again. The song comes with a thick bassline and sharp guitar parts to give it a sense of immediacy.
24. Roll Right
“Roll Right” is one of the songs that showed you “Evil Empire” was not a simple rehashing of Rage’s debut album. The track features Tom Morello and company pumping some serious punk rock into your ears. That might have been off-putting upon the album’s release. But “Roll Right” holds up extremely well.
23. Township Rebellion
Even on the lesser-known songs from Rage’s amazing debut, Tom Morello finds a way to blow your mind. His liquid note-bending on “Township Rebellion” makes you rewind a track just so you can sit in awe again.
22. How I Could Just Kill Man
When you found out Rage Against the Machine was doing an album of covers and one of those songs would be “How I Could Just Kill a Man,” there was little doubt it would be fantastic. Rage’s sound isn’t that far off of that of Cypress Hill in spirit. The groove remains the same, but the chorus gives you all the more reason to mosh about.
21. No Shelter
More proof that the soundtrack to the 1998 “Godzilla” movie was 100 times better than the movie. On “No Shelter,” Rage Against the Machine fires it shot at mainstream media and consumerism. There’s one line about “Godzilla” that finds Rage criticizing the commercial nature of the movie whose soundtrack the song was featured on. Now that’s raging against the machine.
20. Revolver
Subject matter wise, “Revolver” may be the Rage Against the Machine song that hits the hardest on an inmost level. The song tackles the tragedy of domestic abuse with Zack de la Rocha whispering the lyrics during the chorus to paint a picture of violence that explodes in the chorus.
19. Fistful of Steel
At its opening, “Fistful of Steel” could be a Soundgarden or Metallica song; a great Soundgarden or Metallica song. Anyone who tried to hate on Rage’s metal and funk influences, take note. And while Tim Commerford’s bassline anchors the track and Tom Morello’s piercing siren sound jumps out at you, the noise appropriately clears the way for Zack de la Rocha’s unhinged flow.
18. Born of a Broken Man
Zack de la Rocha’s most personal Rage Against the Machine song. “Born of a Broken Man” tackles his complicated relationship with his father, who suffered a mental breakdown and left his family. It’s de la Rocha’s emotional masterpiece.
17. Renegades of Funk
Rage’s version of “Renegades of Funk,” originally an Afrika Bambaataa song, is quite inventive. It takes an old-school, electronic-driven rap song and masterfully bringing it to the rap-metal scene. It may have been the last great song of the band’s amazing run.
16. Down Rodeo
Rolling down Rodeo Drive with a shotgun...Okay, you’ve got our attention. Zack de la Rocha’s lyrics aren’t meant to advocate violence. But they are meant to draw your attention to the classism that existed (and still exists) in Los Angeles. Meanwhile, Morello’s guitar work is spot on, merging elements of punk rock and funk like only he could.
15. Ashes In the Fall
“Ashes In the Fall” has a lot going on and all of it is exceptional. Zack de la Rocha’s lyrics are top-notch (“Ain’t it funny how the factory doors close/‘Round the time that the school doors close/‘Round the time that the doors of the jail cells open up to greet you like the Reaper.” But it’s the fusion of Tom Commerford’s bass line as the song’s backbone and Tom Morello’s innovative guitar work. The genius that he is, Morello creates a piercing nose while pressing on his guitar strings that will leave your jaw on the floor.
14. Bombtrack
The opening of “Bombtrack” is the perfect way to begin Rage Against the Machine’s debut album. The bassline serves as the calm before the storm. Ultimately, “Bombtrack” is one of the most rap-oriented tracks Rage ever delivered. So, it’s no surprise that Zack de la Rocha shines brightest.
13. Testify
Rage Against the Machine knew how to open an album. You could easily make the case “Testify” is the best opening track the band ever delivered. That frontline distortion gets your attention with Zack de la Rocha’s words blending into the hypnotic backing sounds. The chorus serves as a call to action. How can you not be amped up after the opening of “The Battle of Los Angeles?”
12. Take the Power Back
No Rage song showcases its rhythm section better than “Take the Power Back,” proving all four members of this iconic band were essential to its sound. The song has the funk of Red Hot Chili Peppers led by Morello providing some of the most infectious guitar riffs of his career.
11. Calm Like a Bomb
Allow bassist Tim Commerford to shine for a moment. His work on “Calm Like a Bomb” is exceptional. Not to be outdone, Morello gives us a crash course on how to use a whammy pedal. Meanwhile, Zack de la Rocha’s lyrics serve as the slap-in-the-face wake-up call before the song truly explodes.
10. Sleep Now In The Fire
“Sleep Now In The Fire” is now as well-known for its music video as anything else. However, at its core, it’s one of Rage’s most complex anthems lyrically, calling into the question the things Americans celebrate as part of our history. Even if that’s lost on you, “Sleep Now on the Fire” is easily one of the raucous anthems the band ever delivered.
9. Settle for Nothing
“Settle for Nothing” doesn’t always make the list of greatest Rage Against the Machine songs, because it’s different. While the band’s songs usually flow seamlessly, “Settle for Nothing” breaks things up, driven by Zack de la Rocha’s personal and impactful lyrics. Brad Wilk’s drums are thunderous, while Tim Commerford’s bass serves as the foundation. Then there’s Morello, whose guitar explodes into heavy metal riffs and feedback during the hook before another amazing solo creeps in.
8. Guerilla Radio
Go figure a song called “Guerilla Radio” would go on to become Rage Against the Machine’s biggest hit. The track accurately mocked America’s political system a year before the 2000 presidential election. By this point, Rage was one of the most popular bands in the world and even college bros were digging the band’s sound. Maybe they didn’t get the message. But they loved it.
7. People of the Sun
Oh, that guitar part. Five seconds in and you know “People of the Sun” is special. Lyrically, the song tells the story of the little known Zapatista revolution. You’re getting a history lesson, even if the thing that stands out most is Tom Morello’s genius, utilizing everything from wrenches and pencils to make the song’s piercing sound.
6. Wake Up
“Wake Up” begins like the Rage Against the Machine version of “Kashmir.” It then calms down, just a bit, before this hard rock anthem morphs into a funk masterpiece. Is there anything Tom Morello can’t do on gutiar? No wonder “The Matrix” used it in the movie’s final scene. And watch out as de la Rocha’s lyrics that invade your soul: “‘How Long? Not long, cause what you reap is what you sow.” Damn!
5. Bullet in the Head
The heaviest track from Rage Against the Machine’s debut album highlights the government’s use of media to manipulate society. But let’s be honest, this song is all about Morello’s haunting guitar work. His pitch shifter gives you the feeling of Sabbath on steroids, while he brings in a wah-wah pedal for multiple solos. Nothing on guitar had ever sounded like this before.
4. Freedom
You have to be a sparkplug of a song to close Rage Against the Machine’s live sets. And that’s exactly what “Freedom” is. The final track on the band’s landmark debut examines the essence of freedom in thought-provoking fashion. It’s also a song that builds and builds, from Tom Morello’s epic riffs (that weave through various styles) to de la Rocha’s voice becoming its own powerful instrument.
3. Bulls On Parade
One of the most accessible songs in Rage’s catalog. It’s stunning how they made the sounds of “Bulls on Parade” sound so easy. With this track, Tom Morello’s guitar cemented itself as the greatest force in rap-rock, making his six-string sound like a turntable. It’s astonishing even to this day. Meanwhile, de la Rocha’s lyrics pack as much as a wallop as they ever have. No other act in alternative metal then, or now, can compete.
2. Killing In the Name
You probably assumed this would be No. 1, and why not? RATM has songs that are more complex. But nothing packs the power or impact, especially given what’s going on in today’s society, as “Killing In the Name.” “Some of those that work forces are the same that burn crosses.” Zack de la Rocha tried to tell us the hard truth, backed by Tom Morello’s stunning guitar riffs, 28 years ago.
1. Know Your Enemy
Here it is, the ultimate RATM song. Tom Morello’s menacing riffs draw influence from Motorhead and Black Sabbath, while Zack de la Rocha’s flow never sounded better. “Know Your Enemy” is the track from Rage Against the Machine’s stunning debut most likely to start a revolution. And, of course, that was the point. It even features a guest appearance from Tool’s Maynard James Keenan’s over Morello’s chugs (”Time has come to pay!). And that guitar solo…oh my. This one has it all.
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All 51 Rage Against the Machine songs ranked from worst to best - cleveland.com
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