Reviews (page 11 of 15)
FUCK. YEAH. Heavy bass, slammin drums and righteous idealism. I was surprised by how raw this album sounds 30 years later. So many good memories listening to this album as a youth. Wish I still had that energy, definitely makes me think about my choices as a corporate drone!
Anger in an album. It was revolutionary at the time. Great workout album. Love that I can picture the matrix when wakeup comes on. FREEDOM!!! YEAHHHHHHHHH RIGHHHTTTTT
Always good to rage
Fight the war, fuck the norm! Love the passion, love the Rage.. this album is one of a kind.
Rage has always been a band who’s songs where incredibly power but I could only enjoy in small doses. I was a little late to the game with them. I do own this album and like most albums they put out there’s always 3-4 great songs while the rest are mediocre but consistent. Here Killing In Name Of and Wake Up are perfect examples of that. Mixing in their music in a long playlist is never a bad idea, putting on the whole album through may be a bit taxing to most enthusiasts. I’m rating the entire album here, even though some songs are big standouts.
One of the most significant albums of my generation. Unbridled indignation unleashed in a fury of angry lyrics and virtuos instrument handling.
I have many hazy high school memories of being packed in a smoke filled car “going on a run” listening to albums like Cypress Hill’s “Black Sunday”, Tool’s “Undertow”, Beastie Boys’ “Check Your Head”, Dr Dre’s “The Chronic” and of course this perfectly executed masterpiece by Rage Against the Machine. All four musicians complement each other sonically in the tradition of Zeppelin, Sabbath and the Stones and just like those bands they established that connection on their debut album. These guys appeared out of nowhere with a new sound that feels like they’ve been developing it for 10 years yet this genre bending album came out only a year after the band formed. As a young musician, I idolized everything this band could do as a four piece. They kept the formula simple and the musical parameters narrow so they could focus all their creative energy on bringing the angriest and funkiest blend of hip hop and rock that made you think while simultaneously dancing in the fire they ignited. Each band member was incredible but as a unit they were untouchable. I was so mad that I missed their recent tour when it came around because as much as I loved this band I never got to see them live and now it’s looking like they’ll never tour again.
Talk about nostalgia... I remember the first time I heard Freedom. It was late night, MTV, probably 1AM. I was 12 years old. That video shook me awake. I credit this album's lyrics with opening my eyes to the lies of government. It really kick started my skepticism and questioning of what we were taught in history class. Thankfully, I read some economics books and didn't turn into a communist. For the music, this was an interesting album. I hadn't heard anything like it. I loved the odd, jazzy guitar and hard-core breakdowns and groovy, rhythms. Zack's anger went well with the music. I stopped listening to them after Evil Empire. I guess they lost that feeling with me. Great album, though. One of the greats of the early 90's. Hard to pick a favorite. I like Wake Up the best, maybe..
Rage Against The Machine. Are they metal? Rock? Funk? Rap? A case could be made for any of these categories but one thing is for sure: beyond all of that, they are a movement. More riffs than chords, more screams than singing, more noise than solos, this album is a complete work of focused anti-establishment anger evinced in the music, lyrics, and performance of all. In case one worries that Tom Morello's playing is all flash and sound effects, listen to his clean virtuosic playing on "Settle for Nothing" and "Know Your Enemy." His Zeppelin influence is seen in the Kashmir-like riff in "Wake Up." Of course Zack de la Rocha's vocal performance is as outstanding as the music here. I've been in some bands that asked me deliver like Zack, and I'm happy to say I'm just not that angry. He does get a bit redundant in his go-to chorus of "say-the-same-line-repeatedly-but-get-louder-and angrier-each-time." Without a proper melody line in the vocal anywhere, what can one expect? But his vocals do not feel like he's just making due with what he has; everyone's performance is directed at manifesting the largest monster possible, and anything that is a touch timid does not fit here. Honestly, this isn't really my preferred style of music, but it is obvious that Rage Against The Machine strived to create a unique target and hit a bullseye.
I was supposed to listen to this almost a year and a half ago. I just forgot to circle back to it. I definitely wanted to listen to the album and its entirety, like I do with every other album here, despite already being familiar with some of these songs, because I had never listen to it completely before. But I already knew what listening to it was going to entail, and when I first encountered the album on this list, I didn't have the right time or place available to listen to something so...incendiary. So I set it aside and kept moving through the list. Then I realized recently that I still needed to give it a listen. Well, with infuriating recent current events and my perimenopause well underway, it felt like a great time to rage. And what better soundtrack for it. This album is rightfully a classic and unfortunately still plenty relevant. 4.5
This is a huge one for me. If I had to think of albums to help make up a soundtrack for my teen years,this would be one of them. This album is an incredible combination of hip hop, punk and metal and it had an effect on my political thinking as a kid. It gave words to some of the sense of skepticism I had about the nature of government as a kid, even though my thoughts for solutions were different (individual liberty) from the guys in the band I think. I remember Tom Morello playing shows in his 'Commie' hat. Every song on this album hits hard in various ways (except Settle For Nothing...decent song but a momentum killer)....sonically, poetically and politically. Zach de la Rocha seemed like the angriest man on planet on this and the following albums. His words bring an awareness about dealings with government. So many great lines...'load the clip in Omni color', 'the stutter step and bomb a left upon the fascists', 'networks at work keeping people calm'...the content of the album has held up over the years too. 'Wake Up' could be a theme song for American politics over the last 15 to 20 years. Tom Morello is a top 20 all time guitarist for me. This album has some the sickest riffs ever recorded. His sound is like if DNA of Jimi Hendrix, Eddie Van Halen and Paige Hamilton were combined. I spent countless hours playing bass in my room as a teen along with Timmy Commerford to these riffs. It was a real pleasure for me to meet Tom Morello around 2000/2001 or so in Atlanta. He was sitting at a bar having a drink. I shook his hand and he seemed like just a regular guy. Brad Wilk, although offering simpler beats just really knew what to put where and not have overkill. Ultimately, such a great album.
Well, this album makes sense for inclusion on this list, given that it is one of the finest hours of funk metal that has gone on to influence several bands after. Every member on Rage Against the Machine delivers on their debut. Tim Cummerford’s bass slapping is infectious and has several moments. Brad Wilk’s drumming is well-accented, punches when needed, and makes use of a variety of percussive instruments, particularly the cowbell. Tom Morello’s guitar soloing and riffage are some of the most experimental sounds out there. Rounding it all out, Zach de La Rocha commands an excellent balance between rapping and harsh vocals. A lot of the songs are meaningfully constructed, where the riffs stick to memory and there are several movements and percussive breakdowns in between. As for the lyrics, I get that Rage might not be as beloved, given that they are a political band and the American political landscape has changed a lot in the past 30+ years. That said, it cannot be denied that a lot of the themes they touch upon are still relevant issues in the modern age, including the pursuit of freedom and justice, accountability, police brutality, racism and domestic abuse. Love it or hate it, there are reasons this album has maintained relevance to this day. Go into this one with an open mind.
Angsty 5 star init
Really not for me but it is iconic. I get why you’d like this as an edgy teen in the 90s but it’s too long overall. Plus I could never support music that suggests anything bad about the American government.
RHCP with a harder edge and political message. A lot of anger and rebellion expressed in these songs. Can't imagine trying to sing these every night at a show. Tom Morello's style is so unique.
Damn listening to this in a state capitol was funny. This is pretty badass music. Awesome guitar work by Tom Morello and Zach de La Rocha's vocals are pretty stellar too. He means every damn word here.
Completely new sound
Sucks!!!!!!!
One of the best debut records ever, if not the best. Captured a time, anger, and created their own genre.
Fuck yeah, this album is a classic. The coolest blend of metal and political hip hop. RATM definitely deserve to have this album on the list. Fav songs: - Bombtrack - Killing in the Name Of - Wake Up - Fistful of Steel
It's not as good as people are saying it is. I've never been a fan of Rage Against The Machine, and I don't really think I'll ever be. At its best, this album is just pretty decent, and at worst, it's kind of mediocre. I've never liked the rapping in this album because I don't think it lines up correctly with the percussion or instrumentation of the album. I don't even see myself enjoying the big tracks like Killing In The Name. Mid. 55/100
Good but get repetitive.
4/5. Unique guitar solos. Very angry. Rare fusion of rock and rap that worked.
Absolute 5/5 record, come on. Amazing production, sick guitar, the whole package slams. Favourite tracks: the whole thing.
It's not a phase mom.
Yesssss I just listened to this all the way through for the first time right before I moved to NYC. This album is banger central. "Killing in the Name" is obviously a classic, been listening to that one for forever. The slap bass on "Take the Power Back" is SO GOOD. "Bombtrack," "Know Your Enemy," "Wake Up," and "Freedom" also go hard af. Rage makes the perfect mix of metal/punk, funk, and hip-hop. Some songs here a little more meh than others however. Looks like I gave this a 7/10 on my IG. I need to fix that, it should be an 8 at least. The songs that I didn't save are still pretty good. It's sad that the issues they talk about this album are still relevant 30 years later, we clearly need more revolutionaries like them in pop culture.
I liked it! But I liked the suggested radio songs that came on after just a teensy but more…
Fuck posting an infographic to your insta story, this album has me ready to start hurling Molotov cocktails. The instrumentals go hard, the vocal delivery goes hard, the messaging goes hard. Full of righteous indignation and a vitriol for our current system, the album is energetic from the first note and never lets up. This album unfortunately still feels very much relevant today three decades later. Fav Songs Bombtrack Killing In the Name Take The Power Back Wake Up Fistful of Steel
A little heavy
Good album. Have always liked Rage and this an enjoyable album, though not their best. “Killing in the Name of” is an amazing song. 3.5/5 Will listen again
I loved this when I was young, and loved it today - I kept expecting it to fall off but every song bangs
This is one time I think this format hurt the album. Each song on their own is very powerful, evocative, and pointed. However, back to back it starts to turn into a slurry of anger and repeated imagery that can test a person's music endurance. I'm giving a 4. Each song on its own very 4/5 As an album a 3. Pick the protest mosh song for you.
I hope I get to rally around the Bradley really soon. Great album, loved it.
Great album. The mood is set up right from the first track. Powerful guitars, strong basslines, and angsty and hard lyrics, with a strong political and revolugionary message. All the songs sound very similar, but all the songs are bangers.
I don’t know guys, I think this one might be a bit political.
- Das Album ist nicht von dieser Welt, es muss aus einer anderen Dimension stammen, eine Dimension, in der unheimlicher Flow, krank geile Gitarren- und Bassriffs, Metal, Funk und politische Texte dominieren! - Ich liebe das Album und so ziemlich jeden Track - Aufgewachsen bin ich mit "Killing In The Name" und habe mir irgendwann nach und nach die ganze Platte erschlossen. - Es ist ein bisschen wie ein Greatest Hits Album "Killing In The Name", "Bombtrack", "Take The Power Back", "Bullet In The Head", "Know Your Enemy", "Wake Up" - HOLY SHIT, wie viele kranke Songs passen denn auf ein einziges Album?! - Niemand ist oder klingt so wie RATM! - Zach De La Rocha, Tom Morello, Tim Commerford und Brad Wilk allesamt aaaaabsolute Legenden!!! - Danke für das Album - immer wieder geil! Rating: aalglatte 5/5
- Gehört zu den 5 Alben (und Bands), die mich wohl am allermeisten musikalisch geprägt haben. - Für mich gibt es auf diesem Album keinen schlechten Song. Die Hits auf dieser Platte werfen leider häufig Schatten auf so geile Tracks wie Settle for Nothing oder Bullet In The Head, die beispielhaft zeigen, wie facettenreich und deep RATM war. - So viel Emotion, Wut und Hass wurde meiner Meinung nach (und auf Basis von dem, was ich gehört habe) NIE wieder erreicht. Vielleicht hat mich diese rohe Emotionen in Gesang, Instrumental und Komposition deswegen auch mit 12/13 Jahren so abgeholt. Und noch immer möchte man sich ein Bandana vor Nase und Mund binden und mit seinen Kumpels randalieren gehen. - Über einzelne Performances und wie ikonisch der Sound ist, braucht man gar nicht reden. - Es ist ein perfektes Album, was ich mein Leben lang immer wie gerne hören werde. 5/5
- Mega Album, ich liebe einfach den Sound von RATM
A few very powerful tracks, but the overall the album doesn't reach me. Elements from those big tracks get over used on the lesser songs to the point being musical gimmicks.
Fuck yeah
Fuckin epic
Hell yeah! Do I have to say more?
Honestly I skimmed the rest of this album after the first few songs. Still liked the sound a lot though. 4/5
Music to speed to.
It was okay, I liked the instrumental music, not so much the rap
After revisiting Rage Against the Machine's 1992 self-titled album, I find it to be more reflective of teenage angst than a profound musical statement. While their political stance against authoritarianism is commendable, recent events, such as their militant stance on the Covid pandemic and Tom Morello's Twitter outburst against a Seattle bar, have left me questioning their credibility. The incident at 'The 5 Point Cafe' highlights a disconnect between their advocacy for workers' rights and their expectation of special treatment. This album, once a symbol of rebellion, now feels more like a relic of youthful rage, lacking the depth and maturity I once attributed to it.
Molto metal , non ho ascoltato tutto
If you are a neo-liberal, capitalist shill, you better be ready to have your titties slapped and balls kicked by the righteous rage and fury. This is an iconic album. You might not agree with the politics, but there is truth in the message that was undeniable at the time, and has (unfortunately) continued to have impact through today.
Great energy and some great hooks - but a little bit repetitive after a while. If Sam Kinison was a lead singer then this might be the way his band would sound...
It’s about fucking time.
Much respect for these guys. Definite pioneers of the genre.
Favourites- Bombtrack, killing in the name, wake up
Experimental, political, filled with bangers from back to front and, to me personally, nostalgic. 5/5
Didnt really click. I wish the beastie boys were a little less angry
I thoroughly enjoyed this album, they do a great job Top tracks: Bombtrack, Killing In The Name
A pretty good album to kick things off for RATM. Most tracks sound similar but listenable nonetheless.
It's angry music
Icl pretty mid
I’m sorry but it was just a very long tantrum
Absolutely love this angry fusion of metal and rap.
im tired of this. im feeling too peaceful for this
I enjoy rap. I like metal. I don’t like rap metal. This felt more like a toddler having a tantrum than anything else and artful lyrics such as “fuck you I wont do what you tell me” and “no more lies ugh” really sold that image to me.
I know I'm in the minority here but I love this album. In my opinion It's one of the greatest funk rock albums of all time. The playing on this album is great from tom morello on guitar his solos are unique and very memorable and also tim commerford's playing on bass is incredible across this entire album. I can see why some people think the album is samey but I think each track stands out. This is a great album overall in my opinion. My only real criticism is the lyrics can feel a little repetitive but I think they fit the album well overall. The mixing is also superb on this album
Rage Against the Machine is honestly somewhat hard to rate for me. It was groundbreaking. Still is in many ways. Very in your face, anti-establishment nu-metal. The instrumentals are absolutely top notch. Zach de la Rocha's vocals are unique and almost instantly identifiable. Now, 32 years on from its debut, I think culture needs this album more than ever. No, it's not always a pleasant listen. If you really listen to the lyrics, they're often very challenging. You're not going to get any ballad's or "beautiful" music, but everything on this album is done with absolute excellence. It's a bit of a transcendent experience every listen.
One of the most legendary debuts of all time, this album is a must-listen. If you're a fan, you've got to check out RATM performing songs from this record before they hit it big. It's insane watching them deliver the songs we all know, with as much, if not more, fire and fury as you hear on the record. Every track on this album is an absolute banger, something other albums on this list should take note of. Just having one or two good or popular songs shouldn't automatically land your album on this list. My highlight is "Know Your Enemy," an absolutely insane song with an incredible feature from Maynard James Keenan in his prime. Rage has proven over multiple albums that they're more punk than most, if not all, of the punk bands on this list. Rage Against the Machine!
One of the all-time greats
Unfortunately, still just as relevant today.
so sad I couldn't be an angsty teen in the 90s.
Interesting. Youtube music had a disclaimer that this album has themes associated with suicide and I had to agree to the terms before I could listen to the album. It's certainly a powerful album. Very dark subject, but a powerful album.
Nothing like them. Sharp, smart lyrics and an atomic thunder funk rock blast on track after track. Probably the most challenging listen is Settle for Nothing, but the rawness, energy and rage makes it compelling as well.
America, meet the angry left wing. Incredible debut that defined heavy guitar and rap metal. Few bands have a genre to themselves. Nobody sounds like this or speaks truth with this intense urgency. Audioslave they are not. One of the most important records from one of the most important years music has seen. Play it loud and break shit. Specifically capitalism.
Favourite: Killing In the Name
Killing in the name of is such a banging song. maybe a little repetitive fav = killing in the name of
Amazing
Angry but in a good way. They aren't constantly screaming and the guitar and drums make sense and aren't just loud to be loud. I really love Rage and their music. It is deep, meaningful and important. They take a look at deep issues in a musical genre that does not traditionally focus on these ideals.
It's rock'n. I'm old. My rage has turned to a seething frustration. I'm about a 3.5 with this but bonus points for being rebels with a cause.
I want to love this because I am all about their message, but it’s delivered through a genre that’s hard for me to get into. I appreciate them raging against the machine and taking a stand though.
only bangers
Amazing album, still holds it's originality, power and controversy! This is a 5 star, for sure ;-)
Super familiar with this album, my oldest brother was a big fan. I've seen Tom Morello's side project, the Nightwatchman, live as well. There is a definite formula here, the band finds a big riff and Zach finds a sufficiently potent line and they repeat the line and riff with increasing fierceness until its time for the next one. It mostly works (Killing in the Name, legendary) but on some songs it gets a little boring, either the line isn't the skewering refrain the riff deserves or the riff falls flat on the 17th replay. The sound is definitely more developed on Evil Empire, "Bulls on Parade" started up right after the last song from self-titled and it hit so right. Either way, badass group, love when right wing authoritarian ding-dongs don't realize that they are the Machine against which we Rage, no one says "UHHNNNN" like Zach De La Rocha.
Well...this is Rage against the machine, kinda amazing that after all these years lots of dummies have no idea that they are the machine that gets raged against. Also, TM is smarter than most people.
pretty good
Great but too ragey after a while lol
Harsh and I could see why someone might not like it but I still like it after hearing it to the first time years ago
full of rage lol
Very similar to Soulfly.
Loved it. Good energy and some bangers
A lot of power, anguish and angst. I hadnt heard this album in a while, so I’m glad it popped up on this list. Dope album.
Three stars
Classic from first listen
Maybe I'm a little weird. I cry a little bit every time I listen to this album. Rage Against the Machine makes me want to be a better citizen. An angrier citizen. A citizen that doesn't take dysfunctionality in our system sitting down.
One of my all-time favorites. I was in middle school when I got into The Matrix and I was talking with a family friend a few years older than me about how awesome the end credits song was. She said, “If you like that, you gotta listen to more Rage Against the Machine.” And she burned me this album on a CD-R that I probably still have somewhere. It rocked my world. I listened to it all the time. I even fell asleep listening to it once if you can believe that. It introduced me to hard rock, metal and rap all at once. Honestly, it introduced me to leftist politics too. I had never heard the phrase “Euro-centric” before “Take the Power Back” and it irrevocably altered how I viewed history class. I recently sang "Killing in the Name" at a karaoke hangout and it was a huge hit. Highly recommended. Gets the people going. I don’t always think of Rage as being a metal band. I just don’t classify them that way in my head. But I can really hear the Sabbath influence in “Take the Power Back” today. Their style is this furious collision of heavy metal, funk and hip-hop. All the dials are turned up to 10 but the production is still clean and crisp. You can hear every instrument. They’re a lean, muscular band on this album. Zack de la Rocha is a great rapper but I forgot how much screaming he does on this album. Awesome, intense, cathartic screaming. Classic album.
I knew it! So my recollection of the album The Nightfly being tied to this album is a true one. You can hear it right? The production is perfect. Like, not one single thing to pick apart or be upset about, and the balance is there too, it supports the compositions and doesn't overshadow them. I'm sure the audio-engineering side is all straightforward, time tested techniques but I still don't understand how it captures the break up of distorted guitars, how the bass somehow is both bassy and trebley, and how the drums sound so isolated and pristine and yet the performance comes across as if the full band are in the same room. It's mystifying. Right from those first few hits in track 1 you know this is going to be an experience. I don't know if there's ever been a band quite like RATM and I don't know if there will ever be another. They are so unique- harsh rap vocals (BUT DONE WELL IN THIS CONTEXT- RARE RARE RARE RARE) through a youthful vocal timbre, tight funk metal riffs (RARE), impressively clean and creative bass parts, and the drums that are the definition of tight.. wow is this a weird formula but one that works and works so well. "Killing In the Name" is one of the heaviest, angriest songs ever. When I hear those chords start I want to be transported to my 16 year old self in a moshpit and grooving and shoving and jumping up and down like I'm possessed. It's funny how this band ended up into Audioslave because it's a completely different style but one that is still in the same universe of genius- just a different set of paints. Amazing! 5/5 album. Great album cover. Sad that the state of the world is what it is right now and we have seen two similar incidents this year.
I was there, when Rage played in that legendary Mexico City concert in 1999.
Album full of songs that are musically indistinguishable from one another. idk about y'all but i dislike bleating and vacuous political messages
A must have Album
High energy angsty "grunge" on a simple mission to absolutely dismantle the poltical system. Love this album for what it stood for during its time. Zach deLa Roche was an incredible political science revolutionary, and Morello filled a hole in the electric guitar experimentation timeline that hasn't been touched since Eddie Van Halen. That being said... boring album.
omg its just really really not my thing :( like i get that its cool and they are saying interesting stuff but whoa is it unpleasant to listen to
First song, Bombtrack, has similar riff to later song, Guerilla Radio. This riff is slowed down a considerable amount. Killing in the Name Of has a nice riff. Fuck you I won't do what you tell me.....interesting 🤣. Take the Power Back has a very distinct & catchy bass riff, best song of the album thus far
This still sounds as incredible as it did the first time I heard it as a 17 year old. Feels dangerous and relevant- an all time classic.
Started incredibly strong but tapered off towards the end. Not a big fan of "Freedom" which seems against consensus Favorite Tracks - Wake Up, Killing in the Name, Bombtrack
Some good tracks & great bass lines
While great back in the day, my tastes have mellowed with time.
Released in 1992 and an album I liked but didn’t love. The tracks are commentary on American racism, police brutality, corporate greed - all of which are unfortunately still as relevant today (if not more so) and the desire to rise up and reclaim power. My issue has always been that it ends up all sounding the same - by halfway through the album you’ve switched off to the lyrics as De la Rocha screams in your ear and the guitar and bass fight for dominance on the audio.
A critical part of the late era GenXer's life soundtrack.
This album jams. A little too metal/grunge for me in certain spots but overall very solid. I always used to confuse Rage Against The Machine with Cage The Elephant for some reason. Drastically different.
Loved it. It comes as no surprise, but a bit of familiarity goes a long way with me for an album. I had never listened to this one before, but the band’s sound is so distinct and consistent that I recognized it instantly as being associated with a song from my childhood. That song turned out to be from a different album, but the key elements of it are all present here. The vocals and simple, yet mesmerizing guitar riffs carry the show for me. The message is angsty, anti-establishment, and mad. The sound matches the name perfectly. I also felt as if this album was a continuous thought. From start to finish, it could have been one really long song. Maybe at some point that will show as a limitation or shoehorn for the band, but as a casual listener, I felt it made it easy to follow and get behind. As the album went on I was continually pulled in. The way they use chants to get you to sing along is genius and makes it easy to feel like you know a song quickly. This is the best example of what a cohesive album should be from what we’ve seen thus far. No gimmicks, no heavy production, no features, just what felt like a heavy jam session that materialized into an album. Natural and fluid. Finally, I want to make an analogy with MBDTF. MBDTF is like a Michael Bay blockbuster - crazy budget, tons of stars involved, etc. awesome. This album is like American Graffiti, no budget, just some prodigy’s and some magic. This album has cut Kanye’s reign of terror short. The crown goes to rage!
I still find it hard to believe that even in 2024 people get surprised by what machine is being raged against. From their debut album they’ve been pretty clear about their stance and outlook on the world. The power to the people lyrics are incredible, but even if you took them away you’d still have an album that goes so damn hard. I really enjoyed getting to rock out to this one today.
An album for when you wake up in the morning and want to scream fuck you to the world! This is also the only album that I've ever had YouTube Music pop up an additional window stating viewer discretion is advised and required you to press confirm. Just another machine that I need to rage against! They love to repeat phrases at the end of every song: Bombtrack - "Burn, burn, yes, you're gonna burn" 16 times Killing in the Name - "Fuck you, I won't do what you tell me" 16 times Take the Power Back - "No more lies" 8 times Settle for Nothing - "If we don't take action now, we settle for nothing later" 8 times (with slight variation) Bullet in the Head - "A bullet in ya head" 15 times Know Your Enemy - "All of which are American dreams" 8 times Wake Up - "Wake Up!" 8 times Fistful of Steel - (It doesn't really happen in this one) Township Rebellion - "Why stand on a silent platform? Fight the war, fuck the norm" 4 times Freedom - "Freedom yeah" 7 times Awesome album especially for when it came out! Not perfect, or something I would listen to everyday, but there will definitely be times when I need to put this on.
nice energy
Not my favorite of the group but still a favorite group. I feel like I wish I liked Rage Against the Machine more than I do even though I still like them, but anyway good album
5/5. Unnecessary and frustrating that this is still relevant today. It makes me angry and they do such a good job and inciting that rage. Hard rock and rap elements, this music is a necessary listen for anyone willing to have any empathy for our fellow neighbor. ACAB 100% and if you believe otherwise nowadays, you lack empathy and are part of the problem. It also helps this goes so hard. Best Song: Bombtrack, Killing in the name, Bullet in the head
Feels like an ungrounded microphone, the kind that shocks your lips.
I feel the power and anger from this album. Killing in the Name is just a classic song of that 90s period. I also enjoyed the bass and guitar parts. Fire album
68/1001 5*
Not saying this album is bad, but I'd definitely have to be in a mood in order to put it on. An angsty, "f*** the world" mood. A lot of the songs had a similar formula: start with rocking out, some "screw you" lyrics, a slow build-up somewhere in the middle, finished by some rocking out. I did enjoy the formula, mostly. But as previously stated, I'd have to be in a specific mood to thoroughly enjoy the formula.
Not a soft song in the bunch. Easiest 5 star album yet. Absolutely love the gritty vocals, super original sound, powerful guitar rhythms. This song had me on the edge of my seat to see what was coming next. I'm surprised this album is so old, I expected more like late 90s or 2000s.
It was good. I liked it.
Delicately loud and thoroughly enjoyable. I missed this band years back and just 2-3 years ago gave them a listen and found I dug the sound, lyrics and drive.
Beastie Boys but angrier
Hard hitting and bringing funk-rock beats with a mix of rap that makes a unique and enjoyable sound
Ég hef ekki lagt það í vana minn að hlusta mikið á Rage Against the Machine og vanalega ekki talið það til míns tónlistarsmekks en ég kemst samt ekki hjá því að komast í algjöran fíling þegar ég hlusta á þau og mér finnst gítarinn hjá Tom Morello bara frábær. Ég held ég hlusti líklega á þessa plötu aftur næst þegar ég er reiður. Fínasti gripur.
Love getting albums like this that I haven't heard for ages and being reminded just how good they are. Really consistently good from start to finish. Fav songs: Killing in the Name, Know Your Enemy, Take the Power Back
More angry angry music. Good sound, not bad at all.
4.5 Stars. So close. Definitely in my regular rotation.
Tom Morello is a modern-day riff-master. I love his stuff. However, I am way way less enthralled with Zach de la Rocha’s shouty singing/rap. It just makes for way too much of an aggressive sound for my liking. Whereas when Morello was paired by Chris Cornell, it was just as heavy but without the yelling. I know it’s critically acclaimed and all that, but for me, it just ain’t it.
Did you know that some who work forces are the same that burn crosses
what an incredible album. just perfect.
boring & weirdly embarrassing to listen to but fun at times
No
Essential album full of great songs, inspiring lyrics and themes, groundbreaking guitar solos, and tons of energy!
Oh hell yes. Gettin' fired up at work. Take the Power Back has such a great bass line. Fistful of Steel has a great guitar riff I'd never heard before.
A few all timer rage tracks and perhaps some lesser ones
classic! still very lyrically relevant. also one of the hardest album covers ever. 4.5
If we’re talking about a pure dose of influence and impact, then Rage Against the Machine’s debut was a guérilla operation. They snuck up on us and dropped a noisy, rocking, message-filled album. “Killing in the Name” stands out, repeating its defiance like a mantra. Talk about moving the needle and making your mark—in terms of the notorious and clunky genre Rap-Metal, Rage stood heads and shoulders above the rest because of the guitar work and the political-social commentary. They still strike hard, their impact hardly lessened by the decades. They took over the mantle of Only Band that Matters for a new generation of listeners; I’m not sure any group since has ever reclaimed the title from them. Maybe a Radiohead. But Radiohead never made you want to run out of your suburban home and join the Revolution.
This album is still fresh, which is pretty impressive given a description of 'funk metal'. Probably a 4.5.
I had always (perhaps unfairly) lumped Rage in with Nu Metal Bands and wrote them off. While they may have inspired a lot of dorky white boy rap/rock they are the progenitors and (I guess) the best at it. Still not really my bag, but their message kicks ass and the songs are interesting enough musically I didn’t get bored. Songs added to Spotify: 1
Best album to vent out anger.
Very White Suburban Rage, their first album doesn't really hit the same way anymore.
Great album, when this came out I was a child and thought it was a bit silly, but love it now as an adult!
Ugh Barbed wire in my ears Entitled sounding thrash shiiite.
Another self titled album, let's GOOOOOooooo! They aren't really my kind of music but it's self titled so I'm kinda obligated. It was aight.. didn't convert me to fandom. Interesting how all the self titled albums seemed to be "good" have at least one major hit.
FUCK YOU I WON'T DO WHAT YOU TELL ME FUCK YOU I WON'T DO WHAT YOU TELL ME FUCK YOU I WON'T DO WHAT YOU TELL ME FUCK YOU I WON'T DO WHAT YOU TELL ME FUCK YOU I WON'T DO WHAT YOU TELL ME FUCK YOU I WON'T DO WHAT YOU TELL ME FUCK YOU I WON'T DO WHAT YOU TELL ME FUCK YOU I WON'T DO WHAT YOU TELL ME FUCK YOU I WON'T DO WHAT YOU TELL ME FUCK YOU I WON'T DO WHAT YOU TELL ME FUCK YOU I WON'T DO WHAT YOU TELL ME FUCK YOU I WON'T DO WHAT YOU TELL ME FUCK YOU I WON'T DO WHAT YOU TELL ME FUCK YOU I WON'T DO WHAT YOU TELL ME FUCK YOU I WON'T DO WHAT YOU TELL ME FUCK YOU I WON'T DO WHAT YOU TELL ME MOTHERFUCKER Highlights: Bombtrack, Killing In the Name, Bullet In the Head, Know Your Enemy, Wake Up, Fistful of Steel
It's ok but not as great as a lot of people make out
Favorite Tracks: Killing In the Name Take the Power Back Township Rebellion
Se m'ha fet una mica llarg al final però els primers 3/4 de l'àlbum m'han semblat impressionants, especialment killing in the name of Expected Lorenzo rating: 3
This album is so fucking good. The riffs, the vocals, the attitude, the politics.. I love everything about it. So many of the lyrical themes ring as true today, if not moreso than they did in 1992: police violence, control through propaganda, anti-war, the evils of US imperialism and the hypocrisy of the American dream. I could easily go on. It's great for more than just the lyrics though, crank it up loud and a lot of these tracks have such great energy Super influential on some of the heavy rock that came later, especially the rap-metal of the likes of Linkin Park. None of those bands raged harder than these guys though. UUUUUGGGHHH!
What an incredible album this still is. It got me at the first 30 seconds! Throughout the album, there’s such power. The bass rumbles along and then the guitars just explode. Whilst the lyrics don’t relate to my life (thankfully), it doesn’t matter. The album just delivers anthem after anthem. Always has been a ‘Go to’ album for me!
Great debut album! I first heard 'Killing in the Name' being played in the Underworld night club in Camden and thought this is going to be big. They got a bit bigger, but took some weird X Factor protest for them to be recognised properly by your average Auntie Mabels.... Anyway, you can hear the energy from their live shows in this record, which is a hard thing to get across in a studio, but it works. The opener 'Bombtrack' is like a bomb going off! there isn't a bad track on this album, shout outs to 'Killing in the Name Of', 'Bullet in the Head' and 'Wake Up'. A mid 5
Good arena rock
Iconic album
The first two tracks are classics and I love them. The third (Screaming for Nothing) is just that - screaming over a riff for no reason and it does nothing for me - I couldn’t even stick it out for the full song. After that, it’s fine. Know your enemy is background listening. Wake up is iconic. Fistful is pretty solid. Township fine. Freedom is meh tbh. When these guys go more towards the shouty stuff, they lose me.
na
It's such a fun album
keine demo ohne bratwurst und zack de la rocha für den pathos und die eier, frei nach audio88. hätte es den auftritt von limp bizkit beim woodstock '99 jemals ohne diese platte geben können? ich denke nicht, aber was beide unterscheidet sind offensichtlich finesse und der politische anspruch, den ich hier ausnahmsweise abkaufe. blieb mir die band bislang eher wegen der berühtem singles und als smiley-kürzel aus diversen foren in erinnerung, find ich das rezept auf albumlänge sehr gut.
Didn't listen but know it's great
Some good stuff. 3.5.
One of my favorite albums of all time.
yeah goes pretty tbf. some skips perhaps
5/5 no notes wish they didn’t sell out
Why do people like rage against the machine so much. Its like shitty rap with a back beat. Sound like White guys trying to be black and failing Favorite: take the power back, know your enemy, wake up Least favorite : settle for nothing, 3.3/5
Stone cold classic that is still as fiery and relevant in its subject matter (unfortunately) as when it first came out. And its still one of the most perfect mixes of rap & metal ever, like peanut butter and chocolate.
An incredible, raw, and politically charged album. Tom Morello's guitars cut right through you and force you to open up to Zach de la Rocha's assaulting vocal style and powerful lyrics. Where are these guys when the world needs them now? RATM also were among the first to successfully merge metal and rap. It would inspire a lot of terrible bands to come, and angsty young Republicans who didn't get the lyrics. But Rage were always the real deal. Here is probably one of my most controversial comments for this entire challenge: I always thought this was Rage's weakest of their three albums. But I accept that I am odd man out there. Having said that, they are just a great band and it's always a pleasure to hear them.
A bit too punk-ish for me tbh.
Meh Fav songs: Take the power back :*_
Excellent rock-rap mashup. Liked it!
Well it clearly goes against the grain on here but I didn't enjoy one moment of that. Musically it's nothing - calling it second rate hard rock is being kind. As for the lyrics, anyone who thinks yelling angry 6th form slogans & saying 'fuck' a lot is some sort of revolutionary insight into the ills of western capitalism needs to seriously grow up.
贝斯听湿了，有种被大汉捧着头对我吼叫的感觉
Sucks
5/5 nieśmiertelny album z przekazem
The ultimate rock-rap group and album - social issue consciousness with righteous anger and a sound that has never been reproduced.
Rage against the machine has a very definitive sound. I like their strong base and lead guitar motifs. I may listen again if in the mood for 00’s. 3/5
Revolutionary!! 5
Can't belive this was their debut album. Perfection!
TOP
Good, some weird parts
2024-03-15...
It's good. Really good. But at the same time it's also very repetitive and boring. Some really great songs, some nice breathers but also lots of filler that sound exactly the same. Needed more diverse ideas to warrant a higher rating
No skips. This album never fails to bring energy and angst. Super fun.
Not a fan…..at all…
Nice!
A great and inventive band with an important message. Dislike Zach’s voice. They are kind of full of themselves and 52 minutes feels like 20 minutes too long for this kind of music.
Fav album so far
absolute classic
Angry college kid soundtrack since 1992. I love parts of this album and parts of this band. The rest feels forced and by the numbers. I remember a classic interview with Ritchie Manic and he bagged them out saying something along the lines of "what does that even mean? Are they telling their Mum they won't clean their room?" Anyway, still gets five stars for all the jerks who didn't realise they were a political band
Banger after Banger, every member is perfect at what they do. This is one of my all time favorite albums to play bass to there are so many fun unique lines, the drumming is really tight, the rapping is perfect, and of course Tom Morello basically reinvented the guitar on this album. This was my favorite album in high school and even after so many listens it is still great to listen to. There is so much energy and passion behind every song. Zack also has a great scream on songs like Wake Up and Freedom that I wish he used more in his later albums. Shout out to MJK on Know Your Enemy. Easy 5.
Lightning in a bottle album. The energy and pace are absolutely breakneck all the way through, the guitar performances by Tom Morello are incredibly skillful and inventive, and Zack de la Rocha’s powerful, angry, and charismatic vocal performance is the glue holding it all together. 5 stars.
Its a great album, but to there isn’t really a standout moment where its THAT good. But there isn’t a moment where it’s bad as well. Every instrument hits as hard as a rock, and the vocals are obnoxious but kinda charming.
Hits hard
Wake up
Absolute classic
Very angry bloke yelling for 20 minutes (after which I turned it off).
Music is really aggressive and loud, really enjoyed it. Lyrics also aggressive and loud, somewhat less enjoyable.
Energy!
Might be even better than I remember.
The defiance is palpable. But I found most of this album to be a bit obnoxious. As a pure listening experience, I didn't think it was very enjoyable (lots of needless grunting, growling, and screaming), though I could see this being a good choice if you're feeling particularly pugnacious.
My vibe
I like the one song I like and the rest was okay
As good as punk gets. Classic.
Not a big metal fan but it did kind of sound like the beastie boys I think. I don't like the beastie boys.
All time fucking banger! An amazing album that I am always happy to listen to. Great message, great lyrics, great fucking guitar playing! Fantastic listen every single time!
Timeless classic.
Angry singing with monotone guitar, but quite good. Stand-out: Bullet In the Head
A good listen, can see why it’s so highly rated. Would listen again
Yeah, I couldn't do it. I listened all the way up to and including Bullet In The Head. Nope, not my thing. Yuck
Final Score - 81
This album is the BURNER.
I'm raging!
Pretty good but after a few songs they all sound the same. 2
Masterwork of heavy rock fueled by political neliefs
How do you review something this essential? This is perfect and necessary. There’s a reason everyone can pull quotes off this record. Killing in the Name should be the national anthem.
Rage against the machine? Well, these guys are certainly angry. The music isn’t horrible, but the lyrics are repetitive, and what passes for emotion is simply shouting. Did I mention the lyrics are repetitive. Yes, they’re repetitive. A line or phrase repeated over and over. Sometimes a pair of lines repeated, and then repeated again. With the occasional UGH thrown in. Did I mention that the words are repetitive? Maybe if I shouted it? I know a lot of people like this…. But I got not place in my heart for it. I’ll give the music a 3/5, there’s some interesting stuff here. -1 for the lyrics and shouting. 2/5
I don’t think it’s aged as well as their later albums
Very woke... maybe too much so
Before listening: This will be interesting. I like only a few songs from RATM but it's a band I've always wanted to listen to more. After listening: Loved it! Very good album. Each song kinda sounds the same though which can be said for a lot of bands but nevertheless I really liked this one.
FUCK YOU I WON'T DO WHAT YOU TELL ME
Oof. I really tried to like this album because I love Tom Morello as a person and my dad of all people likes this but. I know they convey a powerful message but oh boy I could not focus on that at ALL. Just screaming stop screaming. I really tried to keep an open mind which makes me confidently say i hate this album. Not able to say one good thing about it. Especially the last song just tied off the ends for me and helped me come to this conclusion.
I've played this album more over the last 8 years than in the 20+ years prior. ALL of those who work forces. That moment where the straight groove kicks in on "Killing In the Name Of..." is perfect. It's all just so good. Grooves, sound, message. For what they do, this is perfection [the only quasi-negative is that it gets a bit samey by the end, although the closer "Freedom" is worth waiting around for] and nobody else in this quasi-genre got it right but RATM did. The angriest album I own/love. 9/10 5 stars.
I’ve listened to this album many times and it is perfect!
This review isn’t going to be anything super original but it really is one of the hardest rocking albums ever and also one of if not the best politically charged albums ever. Despite being about specific issues of its time the messaging and themes have aged really well. The album cover, however, hasn’t quite as much. Its a striking picture and I get the oppression connection but idk about using it for an album cover other than for shock value. Also, since this is an album that helped create nu metal it really is a bummer that the shitty nu metal of the 2000s aped the sound of this but never really had anything nearly as interesting to say and ended up being one of the most derided eras of American music instead. Anyway, I’d pay an arm and a left nut to hear this band live in their prime and my favs are the first two songs but the whole thing is great.
a bold-faced political statement. i thought the first handful of songs were fun and aggressive. not really totally my cup of tea, but i was on board with what they were cooking. for me, sustaining this for the entirety of a 53 minute long album was a bit much. i like what they were going for and i think it works, i just think that it ends up being a little bit too much and too same-y for me. after a certain point, it does feel a little bit like, "yeah, we get it" that being said, i still think the messages on this album are still relevant today and i did enjoy myself a decent amount.
Some of those that work forces, are the same that burn crosses
I came for the rage, stayed for the blend of R&B, funk, punk, heavy metal, politics, rap and mind twisting guitar. I'm too old for a steady diet of it , but in small doses it is cathartic. I saw them live at Lalapalooza, they were great, with water bottles flying the entire time, it was a great performance.
Some catchy songs and interesting guitar work. But raging against the machine got a little played out.
A harmonious balance of rap and metal sure to satisfy people of all backgrounds.
Fuck Capitalism, the police, and everyone who stands in the way! Although said a bit more eloquently by Zack de la Roche, I get the message loud and clear. Backed with awesome rifts from Tom Morello, this album has you head banging along with agreement. I hadn’t heard any thing other than “Killing in the Name” before today but it was a great listen while filing my taxes. I almost didn’t file them as a sign of D E F I A N C E.
listened to this a million times when i was a young'un. Still sounds good ( but a bit one-note). But I don't have an albums worth of teen pseudo anger these days. Fondly remember singing this in high pitch voices in the Mill.
I sure hope things got better for this ornery fella yelling and hollering about his machine, but all the anger may have been worth it because this album is an enduring classic. There's so many styles and sonic references in this album, from r&b, to funk, to stoner rock, to hip hop. Textural guitarist Tom Morello alone is shifting from jazz to heavy metal.
Great.
Love it!
Lots of rage.
I like ratm so I was happy to listen to this. So glad we actually had an album that I didn’t have to struggle through
Bestes crossoveralbum. Klassiker
I wasn't familiar with Rage Against The Machine before I was given this album, although I heard "Killing In The Name." I think they may be the first nu metal band ever. Onto my review, I found the album to be juvenile, as it is very angry and brash w/o real substance. No singing, only shouting, super repetitive riffs. Honestly, listening to the album made me angry because the band feels like a group of posers.
Disappointed. The constant political barrage and very basic, repetitive verse/chorus structure got old really quick.
Goes harder for me now than when I first heard it in high school. Bomb Track/Killing in the Name/Take the Power Back are incredible opening tracks. Zack de la Rocha is a massively charismatic MC on this, and his screaming fits the heaviness of the music perfectly. Tom Morello's guitar work is so versatile, he'll just slip into a speed metal or prog or funky whammy bar style for a few seconds, or he'll make his guitar sound like a wailing siren or a turntable scratch. I can't believe some of the first rap metal released still sounds this good and relevant after 30 years.
I have no real way to explain this but it feels a bit like music a dad would listen to, and in this way it is not for me BUT I do like the different sounds they use. I think its like, the solos, the repetition in the chorus is sometimes a bit much for me like it feels like it comes back like and takes like 3 mins of the song itself half the time, I think that's what makes it feel dad-like and that I'm not into per se Uhh like 4.5 bc of that but still obviously this is cool for being what it is and I think the lead guitar and vocalist have been vocally pro-palestine which is sick Leonard Peltier is still in prison also iirc
I’m glad that this exists but simply not for me
Good album, I used it at the gym to get motivation- I needed some rage! I prefer Audioslave though, for sitting and listening. I realize it was one of the earliest metal rap bands but Kid Tick and Limp Bizkit made me tire of this genre quickly
Een classic. Allereerst heeft dit album een van de meest indrukwekkende en tekenende hoezen ooit. Het eerste nummer 'Bombtrack' laat namelijk gelijk zien wat je kan verwachten: stompende drums, de bas en gitaar die unisono op het eerste oog lijkende, simpele melodieën spelen, en een boze meneer die eroverheen schreeuwt over het onrecht in de wereld. Alhoewel het op het eerste oog lijkt op makkelijke muziek, is dit dat niet. In het tweede nummer 'Killing in the name' (het absolute anthem van mijn middelbare schooltijd) wordt al snel duidelijk dat de band niet alleen boos is maar ook muzikaal. Die boosheid neemt echter wel de overtoon en laat mij als geprivilegieerde witte man voelen alsof míj het onrecht is aangedaan waar de zanger het alsmaar over heeft. Hij zal nog steeds wel boos zijn aangezien de problematiek die hij aanhaalt vooralsnog speelt in de volgens hem zo kwade wereld. Dit maakt het album echter wel tijdloos. Zelfs 22 jaar na uitkomst luistert het nog goed weg. 2 uur kan mijn tiktokbrein echter niet meer aan. Al met al een goed album dat me boos maakt, maar wel de goede soort boos.
Headbangend met een boos vuistje in de lucht zie ik mezelf heel misschien stiekem wel een Rage Against The Machine concert bezoeken. Ik vind het echt muziek die live veel vetter is dan vanuit je warme bedje met je oortjes in. Zelf heb ik het nummer Killing In The Name Of talloze keren live gecoverd gehoord op mijn middelbare school (ik besef me dat dat heel vreemd klinkt). Mijn middelbare stond voor vrijheid met veel ruimte voor creatieve uiting in de vorm van kunst, toneel en muziek. Killing In The Name Of was vaak een van de afsluiters van een muziekavond. Headbangend naast je wiskundeleraar. Geniaal. Terug naar de review: het is echt niet mijn cup of tea. Ik kan best genieten van de boze Public Enemy/RUN-D.M.C achtige vocalen. En de riffs en basslines zijn echt wel goed. Maar toch lijken veel nummers op dit album volgens de RATM-formule geschreven te zijn. Stevige gitaar, boze vocalen, maar vooral: veel breaks. Opbouwen naar een diepe kreun of schreeuw, gevolgd door een ‘yeahhhhhhh suckers’. Ik ben daarom vrij snel uitgeluisterd. Highlight: Killing In The Name Of. Als je er toch eentje moet noemen, dan maar deze. Op momenten kan je hier echt wel zin in hebben. Bijvoorbeeld met een kratje pils achter de kiezn. Rating: 6/10
Dit is op vele fronten de West Coast evenknie van het reeds beoordeelde album van Public Enemy. Een opwindend muziekstuk aangedreven door politieke en sociale issues, gekenmerkt door een activistische houding van niet alleen de vocalen maar ook zeker de instrumenten. De samples worden vervangen door een scala aan industriële sounds, waarvan ik niet wist dat ze uit een gitaar konden komen, en een zenuwslopende bassline die het volk op scherp zet. Het debuutalbum opent met de powerhouses 'Bombtrack' en 'Killing In the Name', wat een manier om je naam kenbaar te maken. 'In your face' in de meest positieve zin. De eerste slaat letterlijk in als een bom, maar wordt daarna zelfs overschaduwd door de agressiviteit van 'Killing In the Name'. Een generation defining track op het niveau van 'Smells Like Teen Spirit', die stapsgewijs opbouwt naar een climax die je bloed laat koken, een beetje zoals de monnik op de cover. Én wat niet onbelangrijk is, het is hands down het beste nummer om voetgangers op dood te rijden in GTA San Andreas. Ik was al onderweg om het Capitool te bestormen, maar toen werd de adrenalinekraan enigszins dichtgedraaid. 'Take the Power Back' bevat nog wel een catchy basgitaartje, maar heeft daarnaast weinig te bieden. Waarom kun je aan een bassline direct horen dat het West Coast is? Het is exact Flea of Les Claypool. Maar toen kwam 'Bullet In the Head', en scheurde de San Andreas breuklijn enkele kilometers verder open. Een 10 op de schaal van Richter. Een creepy bassline die de toon zet, m'n favoriete gitaarwerk van Tom Morello op het album, en een apotheose dat qua energie matcht met Californische hardcore punk bands. Ik kan me een comment op YouTube herinneren bij deze track die de activistische energie perfect samenvat: ''This song makes me want to go outside and flip over all the cars in the neighborhood.'' Een gruwelijke banger, maar de keerzijde van de medaille is dat ik wel behoorlijk uitgeblust was voor de rest van de plaat. Door een combinatie van gebrek aan uithoudingsvermogen voor een album vol met metal sounds, wat me niet echt ligt, én een lak aan inbeeldingsvermogen over hoe gefrustreerd de Amerikaanse jeugd rond die tijd was, zorgde ervoor dat ik me lichtelijk ging irriteren aan nummers als 'Wake Up' en 'Freedom'. De band werd een beetje een one trick pony. Waar de enerverende opbouw in songs van kantje 1 zorgde voor spektakel, waren deze nummers een enigszins simplistisch aftreksel van dit concept. Bijna een beetje een komische parodie op rebelse muziek: 'Laten we het geluid zo hard mogelijk zetten en hysterisch luid een anarchistische leus schreeuwen, 'Wake Up' of iets dergelijks.' In 'Freedom' is dit zelfs gereduceerd tot enkel dierlijk gebrul. 'Fistful of Steel' is een lichtpuntje op een tegenvallende tweede zijde. Het instrumenteel had uitstekend op een Beastie Boys of Public Enemy album gepast. Het eindoordeel is gematigd positief. De insteek wordt gewaardeerd, en dit album combineert effectief een punk attitude en de lyrical precision of rap. De oproep tot actie is duidelijk: 'Why stand on a silent platform? Fight the war, fuck the norm.' Maar naarmate het album vordert verliest de band zich in z'n eigen ijver om een revolutie te leiden, en vergeet het wat mij betreft af en toe dat het technisch ook gewoon een sterke band is. Ik had de instrumentele virtuositeit van het eerste deel graag doorgetrokken zien worden naar het tweede. Maar dit zeg ik nu vanuit een huiskamer in Utrecht, daar had een ontgoochelde tiener in een door politiek en oorlog gekweld land geen boodschap aan. 7/10 Highlights: 'Killing In the Name' 'Bullet In the Head'
OEH! Rage Against the Machine is gruwelijk. De muziek is gruwelijk hard, de riffs van Tom Morello zijn gruwelijk dik. Het tafereel op de cover is gruwelijk, maar tegelijkertijd is de foto ook gruwelijk vet en iconisch. De ontspanning van de in vlammen opgaande monnik horen we niet terug in de muziek van RATM. En zeker niet in de zang van de la Rocha. OEH! Opener Bombtrack knalt er -combinatie met het iconische Killing in the Name- lekker in. Fuck You I Won't Do What You Tell Me! Wat een classic! De energie en boosheid stromen mijn lichaam binnen. Maar dan realiseer ik me iets: niks waar RATM boos over is voel ik zelf ook. Terwijl ik luister naar RATM zit ik gepriviligeerd in een links bolwerk in het brave Nederland. Ik voel geen boosheid over een controlerende media, institutioneel racisme, politiegeweld of banden tussen de LAPD en de KKK. Het maakt mij niet boos, maar RATM overduidelijk wel. De nummers blijven maar knallen en de ene OEH! volgt de andere op. Bullet in the Head is een positieve verrassing en nieuwe favoriet, maar tegen de tijd dat ik bij Wake Up aan ben beland ben ik er wel klaar mee. De nummers kennen teveel hetzelfde recept. De laatste nummers van de plaat worden daarmee een moetje en ik luister het album ietwat geïrriteerd uit. De kracht van RATM is omgeslagen tot irritatie. Ik had toch meer gehoopt van zo'n iconische band en album. Highlights Killing in the Name Bullet in the head 7/10
"What "machine" do you think they were raging against?"
I wished the frat boys that listened to this... actually listened to this
Highway Star and Smoke on the Water are classics, Space Trucker
Partly heard before Saved 10/10
Every song is perfect and original. Love this kind of riff based rock.
Love Rage, love this album and what it stands for.
So much rage. This music is all political, kinda too much so.
Listened to this a ton when it was new. Some great tracks, but not quite 5 stars for me.
Hell yeah
Unrelenting. Aggressive. Breakdowns, build ups, poignant political lyrics, growling passionate cries, riffing guitars. The no sampling, synth, or keys helps drive the rawness that the album works so well. This is prototype for what rap metal could be is an all-timer. Standouts are "Bombtrack", "Killing In the Name", and "Bullet In the Head" but there are no weak tracks throughout.
Perfect
Legendary.
Highly relevant & should be required listening. This is a big fuck you to the Machine & bigots. If you felt motivated to advocate for the oppressed, do something about it. Don't just talk the talk by posting on social media to feel like you've done something. You'd better be taking actionable steps to fight the Systems. And if you feel scared or intimidated, listen to this album. FUCK THE MACHINE.
This is an album that struck a massive chord with me back in the day. It added to my arsenal of music that taught me to recognize what the system was set up to do and to fight it every step of the way. The world today really does lack albums like this. It's a shame. Actually, that's not exactly true. The music DOES exist, but the system has taken over and made it a lot harder to rise to prominence.
This is one of my all time favourite albums and has been for a long time
The funk rock of Red Hot chili peppers with Public Enemy-like anger in their lyrics. Totally missed this the first time around but will be listening to this more. Killing In The Name, Bullet In The Head, and Wake Up are my favorites.
Dance like you have a big shit in your baggy pants. The earnestness and “I’d prefer not to tidy my bedroom” sentiments don’t grate on me as they did when this came out, though I hear the germ of a lot of awful music that followed. The band do their thing well, panache in the burp burp bass and Morello’s switching between hard rock riff and fancy squiggly sounds, the drums admirably minimalist at times. The album doesn’t have many tunes. After the opener and the sweary one, the next time I checked to see what song was playing was three songs later, Bullet in the Head, the other famous single. The rest is serviceable, bops and races along winsomely, but rely on B-side Sabbath riffs that lack doom or hook.
Great concept but the music is too RHCP-adjacent to be truly classic. Always good to hear the best Xmas #1, sets the mood for the season
Banged on bangers man.
Unbelievable album. Full of classics. Fuelling teenage rebellion throughout the 90's. Full of anti-racist, anti-capitalist anthems. Especially beloved of white, right wing American's who don't trust their liberal government. Not sure that was the target demographic. Also odd, for a staunchly anti-capitalist band; lots of great merch. Everyone has heard of this album. Take some time out from screaming "F**** you I won't do what you tell me" and enjoy Tom Morello's brilliantly innovative guitar sounds, and weirdly out of place jazz solo's. Fantastic stuff.
Super iconic sound. Definitely a vibe and how much you will enjoy the music will greatly depend on your state of mind at the time. I think I prefer their other album so giving it a 4 but you always know a Rage song.
Fire. Gets me pumped and went hard in the gym. Righteous political vibes, makes you feel like a young revolutionary.
I lit myself on fire for the duration of this album
I appreciate the lyrics and value this group brings to the music scene and I can totally imagine really enjoying them when in an intense/angry mood. I don't get angry often though, so I probably won't listen to this much.
I was surprised to find out that there were quite a lot of familiar songs in this album, and the rest pretty much sounded the same.
Powerful and timeless
Where metal heads and hip hop heads can get together. Always good to have a reminder of this album, and kinda sad to be reminded of how relevant it continues to be.
Easy 5 stars. This may be top ten ever. If you rate music by how much it makes makes you feel then this is god tier.
Amazing album. Loved the energy
Album 315 of 1001 Rage Against the Machine - Rage Against the Machine Rating : 4 / 5 Nice album. Great debut. Released the day Clinton was elected President. It's political themes meshed perfectly for what was going on at the time...at this time, one could say. Anthrax yesterday and this today. I'm feeling energized!
Niet mijn stijl, maar desondanks een iconisch album, dat prettiger is om naar te luisteren dan gedacht.
OK! But not my thing
Notable tracks: fucking all of it
Solid 4. I usually only listen to the track “Killing in the Name Of” but it’s a good album overall.
😢
Definitely a classic album, easily my favorite Rage album.
No rap please
I wasn't paying attention and accidentally listened to a YouTube rip of the album plus the four extra songs on a bonus disc from the 1995 australian cd re-release. So i was prepared to come here and talk about how much i liked "Year of the Boomerang" but oh well. really like a lot of the guitar and bass work, tempo changes. it felt long, but i had four extra songs. would have been ok with 00:52, but 01:15 was a lot. 3.5 rounded up to 4.
My dad in 1997: why do you have my fender and a monkey wrench in your room Mason stop messing with my stuff! Me: *all of 11 years old and doing tom morello shit to the fender with the wrench* FUCK YOU I WON'T DO WHAT YOU TELL ME
It wasn’t awful, but I probably wouldn’t listen again. I don’t normally love metal.
not my favorite musicwise but the anti-war anti-state anti-cop vibes were really hitting this weekend. 2.5
I enjoyed this until about track 8 when I suddenly realized a lot of the guitar and drum bits are very repetitive throughout the album. I think RATM goes with AC/DC in the stack of "don't listen to a whole album front to back" artists for me.
I preferred the music over than the guy’s voice but it wasn’t bad More politics than I expected but honestly I should have known with a band name like rage against the machine
Makes me wanna break some stuff
Ein prägendes Album meiner Musikgeschichte.
This is some solid hard protest metal. I dig it.
I recall enjoying Rage when I was younger, but couldn't get into it now. There are many good parts of the album, but are surrounded by too much discord for me to truly enjoy it.
I did not particularly enjoy this album, but it has some nostalgia for me as I wrote a Research Paper on Protest Music and Rage Against the Machine in high school. While I likely would not listen to this apart from a couple songs, I think thematically this album is significant and important.
ratm forever.
respect the hell out of the message but its very unlikely that i’ll relisten to this lol. just not my preferred genre
if anything they sound like NWA somehow
5 stars because I would listen to this album every day and still not get tired of it
That was a violation of the eighth amendment
Great album
god rage is so fucking good im gonna be cranking this down the mountain this weekend. FUCK U I WONT DO WHAT YA TELL ME
This just has no appeal to me. Sorry
Fire, dude