Our Top 10 Rage Against The Machine songs list looks at a band that was just inducted into 
the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Class of 2023. There are many aspects of Nu Metal that make it quite a dichotomy. For starters: It’s not a very well-respected sub-genre. Although one can’t really blame it for being as such. Virtually every band putting forth that kind of music was aimlessly trying to ride off the coattails of a band like Rage Against the Machine. The group also known to many as simply RATM perfected the art of rap and rock. Of course,the Nu Metal label didn’t exist at that time, and so they were simply described as an unhealthy mixture of Hip-Hop, Metal, Alternative Rock, and politically charged intelligence. Rage Against the Machine were the nonpareil, political spokesmen of rock who preached their ultra-left wing and anarchist principles with no regrets. They were unrelenting in getting their point across about the injustices that were going in the world. It’s what made them fresh and exciting.
With a quartet consisting of vocalist/emcee Zack de la Rocha, guitarist Tom Morello, bassist Tim Commerford, and drummer Brad Wilk, the golden essence of Rage Against the Machine’s sound is constantly in full force with each composition. Every one of those guys exudes all of the right chemistry in syncopation with one another, and it’s their overall message they convey through their craft that’s the real heart of it all. They not only have fought for the traditional causes of the world, such as police brutality, corruption, systematic racism, and wage slavery, but they’ve also leant their voices to other causes such as the imprisonment of Indian-American activist Leonard Peltier, death-row inmate Mumia Abu-Jamal, and the Zapatista freedom fighters of Chiapas, Mexico, among others.
Their loud and angry injection of rock music also helps the resonance of their substance. The innovative sound they helped usher in was both a gift and a curse (the curse being Nu Metal), and most of the inventiveness came courtesy of Tom Morello and his vividly idiosyncratic re-working of the guitar; he incorporated every sound effect imaginable that gave Rage Against the Machine their razor-sharp asperity. One cool signature effect of his was making the guitar sound like records being scratched on a turntable. In the 2000s, the band would be discovered by a new group of fans from old school days when Tom Morello began touring with Bruce Springsteen.
Even though the band has long called it quits, their music still continues to stand as a relevant element in today’s conglomerate; Rage Against the Machine bestows a hand to those who are also fed up with the endless atrocities in the world, issues of oppression and injustice, and they make it very accessible through awesome music. Here is a list of what we believe are some of the best Rage Against The Machine Songs.
# 10 – War Within a Breath
Rage Against the Machine’s third and final record, Battle of Los Angeles, saw an end to their legacy on such short notice; nonetheless, it was the right album to end it on. Keeping in the tradition with the rest of their albums, this one is just as boisterous and pissed off in every way, but it’s more sonically enhanced and technically proficient. And of course, it’s naturally difficult picking a particular song on an album like this, but if there’s one remarkable song on here that could end Battle of Los Angeles on the right note, it’s War Within a Breath. It’s lyrics preach acerbically about the working class being used and abused by an authoritarian government, with references to the Zapatista Army of National Liberation; Rage Against the Machine often used the black flag with the red star as their banner.
# 9 – Vietnow
This third single cut off of their sophomore record, Evil Empire
, is one of the band’s most ambitious, musically. Morello drops bombs with his semi-truck riff inspired by Zeppelin’s The Wanton Song, with Commerford outlining the melody with his bass and Bilk putting on his best John Bonham impression with those notable fills. Of course, Rocha’s powerful lyrics about right-wing radio propaganda can’t go unnoticed; he also manages to take shots at one of the policemen, Stacey Koon, who was videotaped beating Rodney King as well. The line, is all the world jails and churches, is also a nice reference to novelist James Baldwin. There are many great RATM songs that were released on this album like “Down Rodeo,’with its shotgun lyrics based on references to slavery during the character’s grandparents’ time period and more. However, Vietnow will always be one of our favorites.
# 8 – Settle For Nothing
Settle For Nothing is one of the few songs from Rage Against the Machine’s catalog that takes an incongruent shift in direction. It starts out low-key and reserved, with a darkly dissonant riff stripped of distortion, before slamming down on the gas for the chorus. Morello absolutely shines here with his cataclysmic adroitness, painting Rocha’s painful wordplay with terrifying observance. Naturally, everybody as a whole brings this performance to an exciting halt; singling out just one individual here would simply be sacrilegious.
# 7 – Calm Like a Bomb
This fan favorite from Battle of Los Angeles
never received a music video, but it had enough critical favorability surrounding it to be released as a successful radio single. What’s not to like about it? It absolutely oozes with sidestepping swagger and punches through the draconian walls with the proletarian fist of revolt. This track is the perfect example of potent Hip Hop flows over a hardcore rhythm section; Morello and his self-described “pterodactyl” sounds are like auditory equivalent to the Aurora Borealis. The sound of the drums on this one knocks you down while the idiosyncratic guitar solos and riffs shake your body to a new plane of reality. The groove on this will shake all your anxieties right out of your body.
# 6 – Revolver
There’s a lot to love about this song. First and foremost: The beginning effects. It’s like Morello was inspired by Hendrix’s UFO feedback from his Axis: Bold As Love
days. Then there’s the synthesis of guitar and bass which dangles from fabric threaded by Black Sabbath; who didn’t use the riff-writing handbook of Black Sabbath to pass on the torch to a whole new generation of metal enthusiasts? Everything connects here; even the storytelling, which could either be interpreted as being bout a boxer or domestic abuse.
# 5 – Guerilla Radio
This right here is one of their biggest songs, and chances are you’ve probably heard it in Guitar Hero Live
, but most who know the song will say they got turned on to it through Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2.
When that main riff hits the wax, one can practically feel the rough-around-the-edges skater vibe of the tune, and that militant-style snare fill only elevates things. It’s a real fist-pumping anthem about the corruption of the two-party system and goes after everybody from George Bush
, Al Gore
, and even Bush’s father. The song “Guerilla Radio” won a Grammy Award for Best Hard Rock Performance.
# 4 – Bulls On Parade
Time for another massive hit. This signature example of how to conjure up a heavy rock song with depth and technical detail doesn’t need much of a synopsis. It’s got the whole package here; the greatest part of the song is all of the unconventional modules. The integration of wah-wah, the bass solo lingering in the shadows, the guitar solo that’s literally like a needle being scratched against a vinyl record, and those venomous rhymes……bone-chilling dance music here, folks!
# 3 – Freedom
What a perfect song to close a perfect album; this bad boy is, of course, from their self-titled debut. It was released as the fourth single off of the album, and pretty much focuses on what one would come to expect from a song with this title. Its music video focused on the trial of Native American activists and one of the leaders of the American Indian Movement. The song does a great job of making the listener question the freedom they actually have in their society, and it does so over a delicious plate of overpowered instruments.
# 2 – Know Your Enemy
This song has a significant amount of emotional value to it, besides just being a punk-inflamed detonator. Its main purpose is to rip into the false notion that our democracy is one that is honest and fair, and that this land of the free isn’t so free. The most stomach-churning excerpt would have to be the closing stanzas: Compromise, conformity, assimilation, submission, Ignorance, hypocrisy, brutality, the elite ,All of which are American dreams
It’s such an exciting and hard-hitting tune, with an incredible guitar solo thrown in the mix; one of Morello’s
best. Plus, Maynard James Keenan from Tool makes a grand entrance in the bridge section; this song simply has it all.
# 1 – Killing in the Name
I’m sure it’s quite obvious that this song would end up in the number one spot; why wouldn’t it? It’s their signature song, and it’s one of the greatest rock songs of all time; that isn’t an opinion….it’s a cold, hard fact! The superlative nature of its existence still continues to marvel twenty plus years later. Beyond its instantly recognizable drop D riff, killer bass, and mammoth percussion is its penetrable message. The lyrics deal with police brutality and racism, with many references in the song about the police force being aligned with the Ku Klux Klan; this song came off the cusp of the Rodney King Riots, which made it even more of a powerful anthem. The song is also notorious for having a recorded seventeen “F-bombs” in it, but that doesn’t take away any of the feeling and meaning of the song. Killing in the Name is one for the ages, and it’s still relevant today as it was back then.
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![Rob De Luca of Spread Eagle, Sebastian Bach & UFO: 10 Albums That Changed My Life From humble East Coast origins to grandest stages worldwide, veteran bassist Rob De Luca has seen and done it all. De Luca first hit the local Boston rock and metal scene in the late 80s after meeting guitarist Paul DiBartolo, bonding over Van Halen before forming Bang. Regional success came quickly, but eventually, the members of Bang went their separate ways, with De Luca and drummer Tommi Gallo heading to NYC and hooking up with Ray West and, later, DiBartolo to form Spread Eagle. By 1990, Spread Eagle was on the fast track, with a contract through MCA Records and a self-titled debut album poised to crush skulls. But poor timing and MCA's sad indifference left Spead Eagle out in the cold despite being a hard-boiled answer to Guns N' Roses's West Coast sleaze. Spread Eagle's first chapter came to an end in '95. As for Rob De Luca, his nimble fingers and gift for melody and songwriting kept him moving forward. Soon, he found a gig with former Skid Row frontman Sebastian Bach and the legendary outfit UFO. And in 2010, after coupling up with Ray West and his cousin Rik De Luca, Spread Eagle retook flight. During a break from Spread Eagle's increasingly busy touring schedule, Rob De Luca dialed in with ClassicRockHistory.com to run through the ten albums that changed his life. But only after adding, "I made a playlist of these songs, including some I've written or co-written. Do you hear any of these albums' influence on me?" Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3LWJuhDrE8JmzhsmTeIDUq 10) Gentlemen by Afghan Whigs (1993) Here's an entry that was so important to me. This may be the darkest break-up album of all time. Greg Dulli has been in many projects, but I feel Gentlemen is his zenith. Somewhat undefinable at times but always profound and honest. Listen to "Gentlemen," "Fountain and Fairfax," and "What Jail Is Like." 9) In on the Kill Taker by Fugazi (1993) By this time, I had been sucked in and spit out by the major-label record industry. Glam came and went; grunge was history, too. I was searching for new sounds. When I heard Fugazi's twin guitar approach, I knew this was what was missing. Fugazi may be considered a less polished sound than the albums above; however, once you "get it," it hits you like a ton of bricks, and there's no going back. From the moment I heard Fugazi, I went to every NYC show after. It's easily some of the best concerts of my life, and possibly my favorite bassist in Joe Lally. And their DIY ethics refused to charge us more than $5 a show! In on the Kill Taker is a powerful album demonstrated in songs such as "Smallpox Champion," "Great Cop," and "Public Witness Program." 8) Appetite for Destruction by Guns N' Roses (1987) I discovered many of these albums (sometimes long) after they were released. However, I was at the right place at the right time for this one. Steve Ostromogilsky had a Berklee College of Music lunch card and used to sneak out sandwiches for me. One day, he invited me to hang out at his place and listen to music. As we got off the train, he put Sony Walkman headphones on my ears and said, "Hey, check out this brand-new group." A song like "It's So Easy" was so different from the popular Sunset Strip sound at that time. Me and about 499 other informed rockers were lucky enough to see them on their first East Coast tour at the sold-out Paradise on Commonwealth Avenue, Boston (the same street Aerosmith started on). I saw Gn'R every tour after until I took a break when Buckethead joined. Gn'R is the band I've been lucky enough to see the most times live, almost 100! Everyone on this album is just stellar. Axl [Rose] had the tones, power, melodic sensibilities, and foresight to do what no other singer did then. Slash's playing was beyond memorable. Duff [McKagan] is one of the most underrated bassists in rock history, and learning his Appetite basslines is a masterclass. Steven [Adler] had the natural swing, and Izzy [Stradlin] was the secret weapon songwriter. Everything that's been heralded about this gem is deserved and true. Check out "It's So Easy," "Out Ta Get Me," and "Mr. Brownstone.' 7) Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd (1975) Another contender for my favorite album and band of all time. Using The Beatles machine (same recording studio, engineer, record label), Pink Floyd made what I feel is their strongest, most cohesive album (my second favorite of theirs would be Animals). This list mainly consists of bands with an instantly recognizable sound. Floyd is certainly no exception to that! This album included a solid handful of undeniable rock radio classics, bookended by two halves of the mind-blowing song "Shine on You Crazy Diamond.' That song was written about former band member and founder Syd Barrett. It would be hard to live in a world without this album. Check out "Welcome to The Machine," "Shine on You Crazy Diamond (parts 6-9),' or even better yet, listen to the whole thing in one sitting! 6) Decade by Neil Young (1977) About this time, I started playing guitar. As a beginner, it was comfortable jamming to this album because the chord changes were simple—a great "first ten years" retrospective of Neil's stunning, unique songwriting. Neil is a treasure who always writes from the heart and stands up for what's right. Check out "Southern Man," "A Man Needs a Maid," "Down by The River," and "After the Goldrush." 5) Highway to Hell by AC/DC (1979) When I heard this album, I was firmly "me." My life would be 100% focused on hard rock music forever. AC/DC are like air; they're ubiquitous. Everyone knows them and their incredible songs. However, as a young teen in Wilmington, Delaware, I only had WMMR 93.3 FM Philadelphia and a few friends to inform me about the world of Rock outside my bedroom. AC/DC had not gone mainstream, and their albums were available primarily in the USA as imports. To put things more in perspective, I only knew two people in the world who had heard of AC/DC. A friend had an import that we played in Steve Buckley's basement, which sounded ripping. When Highway to Hell was released, WMMR started spinning the title track, and I immediately bought the album, listening to it every single day after school. Then WMMR announced AC/DC was coming to the Spectrum in Philly, supporting Ted Nugent! I liked Ted but loved AC/DC, so my good friend Mick Cummins and I bought tickets, and he drove us up to the Spectrum (where we saw most of our concerts). Bon Scott was in fine form, and the band went over great. Although the crowd knew Ted better, Angus [Young] wouldn't let anyone upstage him. I'll never forget it! Unfortunately, Bon would be gone in 6 months. Check out "Walk All Over You," "Touch Too Much," "Shot Down in Flames," and "If You Want Blood (You Got It)." 4) Toys in the Attic by Aerosmith (1975) By the time I heard this, I was now in my teens. I had a childhood friend up the street, Jim Linberg (we're still good buddies). His older sister had a great album collection, including Toys in The Attic. Once I heard that groove, my taste changed. I lost interest in rock music that didn't have some sort of "swing" feel to it. I think Rocks is a slightly better Aerosmith album (and possibly my favorite album of all time), but both are perfect or very close. Check out "Uncle Salty," "Adam's Apple," "No More No More," "Round and Round," and "You See Me Crying." 3) Alive! by Kiss (1975) When I was still a little kid, I asked for Cheech and Chong's Up in Smoke album for Christmas. The entire family came over for an enormous feast, and I dropped the needle. When my mother heard the content, she turned off the album and said I had to exchange it. My mom was cool, but I was young and knew much more about life than she suspected. Anyway, the next day, she drove me back to the store. In the music section, promoted on an "endcap" was a Kiss Alive! display. I had never heard of Kiss, but that cover picture told me I had to have it! My first foray into hard rock. Check out “Strutter.” I went through my Kiss phase very quickly, I believe in a matter of months because I discovered the previous entry, Aerosmith's Toys in the Attic. 2) Honky Chateau by Elton John (1972) When I was a wee lad, my parents bought a used Volkswagen camper van from my uncle Ozzie. My favorite Elton John album is Yellow Brick Road, but Honky Chateau is great and easily one of his best. It sent me down a lifelong rabbit hole of loving everything about the 1970s partnership between Elton and lyricist Bernie Taupin. The simple beauty of voice, the master songwriting, the perfect backing band, the clear, unobtrusive recordings, and always Bernie's incredible lyrics. The day this album was released, Elton became an unstoppable force that conquered the music industry. Check out "Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters" and "Rocket Man." 1) Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band by The Beatles (1967) Another tape that was included in the VW Camper. The van had a bunch of music tapes, and one was Sgt Pepper. I was too young to understand the sophistication of the music, but that was one of the many skills of The Beatles. They attracted listeners at every level, even little kids. I still feel that immediate connection to Sgt Pepper; now, I hear so much more. It's an album that changed the world and the world of music. Check out "Lucy in The Sky with Diamonds," "A Day In The Life," and "Fixing a Hole."](http://www.classicrockhistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Shutterstock_1815495569-1-300x200.jpg)
