Top Ten Songs by Rage Against the Machine
I was hesitant to put this song my list since the band did not write the song; however, their take on the Bob Dylan classic is as much a Rage Against the Machine recording as anything else they have put out. Track #12 on “Renegades,” the band’s cover album and final release, “Maggie’s Farm” is the kind of song that you’re happy is extra long.
9. Settle for Nothing
Track #4 on “Rage Against the Machine,” I chose to put this song on the list because I have always found it to be a nice shift from Rage’s usual style. It’s mostly pretty calm, with sudden outbursts of strong energy. The lyrics are very meaningful and the guitar solos are phenomenal. It has a strange blend of depressing, angry, and somehow uplifting sounds to it, which make it quite an interesting and entertaining listen.
8. Ashes in the Fall
Track #11 on “The Battle of Los Angeles,” this song has always been one of my favorites from the album. Maybe it’s because the intro sounds like the “Halloween” theme, which I love. I do know that once the intro riff turns into a distorted rock breakdown, the song immediately becomes a favorite.
7. Without a Face
Track #8 on “Evil Empire,” this song is pretty typical as far as a Rage Against the Machine song goes, but something about it makes it cooler (not that all of their songs aren’t very cool, but this one just has something to it). The bass line in the verse just always seems to stick, and the guitar effects are really interesting. Plus, the breakdown at the end is simply awesome.
6. Testify
Track #1 on “The Battle of Los Angeles,” this song was the first piece of music anyone heard from the band for a long time after the release of “Evil Empire.” It is a little bit more “electronic” than their older stuff, though obviously not in the sense that that makes it seem. “Testify” kind of symbolized the new style on “Battle of LA,” which was so refreshing after the long drought of Rage.
5. Revolver
Track #4 on “Evil Empire,” this song is one of those ones where you know it’s going to be good in the first few seconds. Once again, the guitar effects are mind-blowing, and the bass line that comes into the song is one of the best that Rage Against the Machine ever offered us. This song builds up really well, and concludes just as well.
4. Calm Like a Bomb
Track #1 on “The Battle for Los Angeles,” this song is another example of Rage’s solid bass lines and cool effects. It’s strange how they are able to make so many song that are similar in structure, yet so distinctly recognizable. “Calm Like a Bomb” has a very distinct sound while retaining the trademark Rage groove.
3. Year of the Boomerang
Track #11 on “Evil Empire,” this song is a very good conclusion to the album. The lyrics are very insightful, and the music just sticks with you for a long time after hearing it. Fortunately, the music is really good, so its good to keep hearing it in your head hours later.
2. Township Rebellion
I was very close to putting this as my #1 favorite, but it’s probably a tie. I only lowered it down to #2 because the song I do have as #1 deserves it. Having said that, “Township Rebellion” is one of the most solid rock songs I’ve ever listened to. Released as track #9 on “Rage Against the Machine,” pretty much everything about the song is flawless. The message of the song is particularly interesting.
1. Killing in the Name
Track #2 on “Rage Against the Machine,” this song is easily the most frequently played and well recognized Rage song, and for good reason. Everyone can sing along to the bass lines, everyone knows the words, and sometimes everyone agrees with the closing message.
Rage Against the Machine is no longer with us, but their music lives on. Plus, you can hear the musicians of the band in Audioslave. They definitely no Rage, but its still good listening.
