Reviews (page 4 of 14)
I realise I'm severely biased by nostalgia. This album was a big thing when I was a teenager. I remember jumping around and going crazy to some of these songs on school parties. What a time that was. It's probably been over 20 years since I revisited this album and I was happy to do it for this list. Nostalgia aside I do think this is still a great album. Killing in the name is the obvious classic but I think Bullet in the head is maybe as great and there are a lot of other songs that still deliver.
Slam dunk 5. One of my favorite albums growing up - loved the rock rap fusion and passion. Revolutionary album in so many ways.
goes so hard, I love it
4.5/5 Amazing. Throughly enjoyed it. No complaints.
This album has hit in every decade of my life so far. I revisit frequently. Will I be 90 and blasting RATM? I hope so. What a great debut and introduction to RATM. Great summer album to blast while cruising in the car with the windows down or when you’re ready to quit your job. Or just want to. I don’t know if this is their best album and because of that I almost gave it a 4, but god damn it goes so hard. By the end of the album I was all in again.
Politically charged, and just as relevant today as it was in 1992, this debut record by Rage Against the Machine pulls no punches and isn't afraid to really make a statement right from rip.
A phenomenal debut album from a band that would shape music for years to come. Mike Patton crawled so Zach De La Rocha could run. Start to finish this album explodes with funky bass lines, absurd guitar riffs, and incendiary lyrics. One could even say Nu Metal started here, though RATM defies that genre classification. A must listen.
Incredible debut. RATM hit the ground running. They are a great example of a band that snuck through the cracks during the height of grunge, a time when execs were scrambling to find the next Nirvana and signed every metal band out of Los Angeles. RATM had the juice, though. It was just a completely different juice. A BETTER juice. A juice that makes you want to smash your face against the wall, but in a GOOD way! FUCK YEAAAAAAAAAH! FUCK YOU, I WON'T DO WHAT YOU TELL ME!! Unless you tell me to do my taxes, then, yeah... I'll do that.
Was rocking hard to it when I was only kid in school who knew who they are. Still rocking hard to it when this album is considered groundbreaking and genre defying
Oh yes! Was listening to this one while going home from a vacation where i was singing "Killing in the name of" every time my boyfriend tried to shake pool water out of his ears. We had a good laugh about the timing. Overall this is a perfect album. More relevant each day. ❤️💔
One of the greatest angst filled, stick it to the man records ever made. Every song is a banger.
How did I miss out of this album all these years! More rock please 1001.
Unreal. One of my first Albums
We're 15. We're angry young men. Of course we are, we're middle class white boys at a grammar school with loving families. Life is terribly unfair. The answer? Become moshers and worship at the altar of Rage Against The Machine. And do you know what? They deserve it because this, all these years later, is absolutely, unstoppably, righteously brilliant. There are SO MANY highlights. The 'no more lies' bit, the countless 'HURGH's, the last 90 seconds of Killing In The Name Of, the guitar on How High. I could go on. It's just hairs on the back of your neck brilliant, from guys who were right about everything.
Excellent album!
This album rules. Just angry, classic punk rock that gets you amped up to do anything, feels very fitting for this day and age. Never has a band/album name lived up to it's title better, an all time classic of the genre.
It seems as though we have learned nothing
Classic and apropos.
One of the all time greats!
This could be my second favorite album of all time. It definitely is my favorite rock album of all time. It woke me up politically as a young teenager made me start thinking and questioning and paying attention.
The album was phenomenal when it was released and it has stood the test of time. It is still classic. From the lyrics to the actual music itself, all of it is top notch.
Used to listen them LOADS last year and kinda toned it down, but I still think I like it as much as ever. Lyrics are great and thought provoking, and also the delivery is the best part. To my knowledge, at this time there was nobody so blatantly opposing the 'norm' politically, which is why I think they stood/stand out so much. I think they are the only band who were able to successfully mesh Rap and heavier rock. The Tom Morello guitar parts are amazing, the weird techniques which he uses to make totally unconventional sounds. The funk/rock basslines are also very standout, especially on the 3rd song. Although I've started to think more and more that some of the Guitar solos and effects are a bit extra, like the first part of the know your enemy one, or the lead guitar screaming in the verses of fistful of steel (this one kinda ruins all seriousness it might have had). But I definitely feel like there are worse solos on later releases because he ran out of interesting noises to make. Quite a lot of the solos on here are fine though. I have always thought that Evil Empire after this is better, and I definitely still stand by that, but this is for sure their second best album, not a lot to choose though I guess. Favourite songs: all but fistful of steel, My total favourites have to be know your enemy or the last one. Overall around 9/10
hell yeah bruther
They say jump, you say how high
Amazing.
I'm always down to Rage Against the Machine!
Incredible debut record that started a 90s trend. The trend wasn't great, but Rage absolutely was.
when rage against the machine hit the scene with their signature mix of rap, rock, and funk, there was nobody like them. they unabashedly expressed anti capitalist and leftist ideologies within their lyrics as well as their live shows causing a stir within the conservative media. they brought political awareness to a generation of fans through their music and activism, highlighting causes such as corrupt systems of government and the plight of leonard peltier. this is one of my favourite debut albums and it helped jumpstart my interest in leftist politics. “anger is a gift” highlights: “killing in the name” “take the power back” “wake up” “township rebellion” “freedom”
Already biased towards liking this album but man it's hard to beat. Bonus for all of the cognitively dissonant politicians that like Rage.
It turns out I still remember how to play most of this on guitar. Another classic of my era. A must for Drop D enthusiasts.
Absolute classic of its era and still visceral today!
Angrily cleaning my appartment while listening to this
Incredible debut. Bought it when it came out and still listen to it.
Un autre album que j’ai déjà écouté. Ça me ramène à ma jeune vingtaine, dans la voiture de Julien. En fait, c’est le seul contexte dans lequel j’ai écouté RATM. Cette écoute-ci est la première fois que je l’écoute intentionnellement et en solo, de surcroît. Dire qu’à l’époque, je trouvais ça un peu trop métal pour moi. Le temps a fait son effet. J’en suis à la moitié de cette écoute et je dois dire que c’est de l’excellente musique ! Je suis conquis. Je comprend très très bien pourquoi le groupe (et ce disque) a eu autant de succès à l’époque. Le mélange de métal et de rap fonctionne à merveille. Avec le propos (qui est très politique) et ce mélange de genre (réussi), on est assez loin des prochains groupes à patauger dans les mêmes eaux (Limp Bizkit : de bonnes mélodies, mais du côté des calories vides ; Linkin Park : trop pop à mon goût, plutôt mièvre). L’écoute est terminée ! La deuxième moitié est tout aussi excellente que la première ! Bravo !
iconic
This album hits you like a steel chair. Rage’s first album is a testament on why they’re regarded as one of the best and most revolutionary bands of the 90s. A lot of people may say this album is,”Too Heavy”, or,”Too Aggressive”, but that’s the point, to shock you out of your comfort zone in order for the band to get their message across. The band are tight as ever on this album, with Tim Commerford and Brad Wilk laying down funky bass lines and interesting drum grooves for the other to band members to be supported by. Tom Morello is seen as one of the great guitarists of the day, and I wholeheartedly agree with that. His use of effects on this album give his guitar parts an otherworldly feel on songs like Bombtrack and Bullet in The Head. The lyrics on the songs are as sharp as ever, with Zack De La Rocha cutting through the injustices of the world they lived in like a hot knife. The standout song is obviously Killing in The Name, which became a protest anthem and a symbol of rising up against injustice. But other songs like Bullet in The Head and Take the Power Back also shine on this album. Overall, a powerful addition to 90s rock, and an album that, in the time we live in, we need now more than ever.
Yeah it’s probably nostalgia but I love this album. The only really overlong anniversary reissue where I don’t mind the extra fluff
Все песни огонь!
The best protest album of all time. Sadly still relevant.
It’s impossible for me to describe the awesomeness of this album
Perfekt
incredibly high energy rock metal/funk from Rage Against the Machine that fully highlights their passionate civil discourse against absolutely brutal and merciless riffs, throat-shredding screams, and slamming drums. Fantastic album.
This slaps. Straight 5/5
Given the riots currently occurring in California this album seems oddly prescient. The fact that it still holds up is a testament to this album and the power of their songs. For me this is the protest album of my generation.
Great album easy 5 stars. I love Tom Morello. Same vibes as peak Jack White
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 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
The soundtrack of my youth!
5/5
имба.
In my book, one of the top 10 greatest debut albums of all time.
I love this album so much
Not many albums both punch you in the face musically AND set the new high water mark for consciousness. This is one of those albums!
This album is insane
Great album! I had heard some of the songs before but listening from start to finish was amazing. Listen to this again!
Si pudiera viajar al pasado una única vez para ir a un concierto, iría a 1992 a ver a Rage Against the Machine. Este es uno de los mejores álbumes jamás creados. Desborda ira y convicción política, además de haber sido uno de los discos musicalmente más innovadores de la historia del rock. Técnicamente impecable y con una producción que estableció el estándar de la industria. Pocos álbumes son capaces de evocar tal cantidad de emociones al escucharlos. Una puta pasada. Para mí, el álbum perfecto.
You can question how authentic it's anti-capitalist credentials are; but you can't question the potency. The only time the album dips is Settle for Nothing - I could really take it or leave it off the album. It's not a bad track per se, but it changes the pace without necessarily improving the output. An easy decision to make it a 5/5, it defined a genre and it was never bettered by them or anyone else.
Epic album, been listening to it for a long time. Struggled to not walk with attitude on my walk to get my car from the repair shop.
dope AF
A little overly edgy but still totally works. Masterpiece
One of the greatest of all time. Appreciate the lyrics more and more as I get older.
This was excellent, the energy was invigorating and deeply satisfying. There's more bluesy feeling parts than I expected, overall was a great listen from start to finish. Favorite songs were: Killing in the Name Bullet in the Head Wake Up 9/10
This being today's album is a bizarre coincidence. I hung out in Tom Morello's trailer at Boston Calling for hours yesterday. Tom's bassist is also the lead singer of my girlfriend's dad's band, and he got us artists badges for the festival. I'm going to take this review as a chance to talk about the Boston Calling set. Tom is touring as "Tom Morello" these days, and his set at BC consisted of solo hits, RATM hits, Audioslave hits, and some fantastic covers. Unsurprisingly, the performance was extremely political. The backdrop featured images of black revolutionaries holding pitchforks while running through smoke bombs and fires. Tom railed against I.C.E, Trump, billionares, and landlords as he got the crowd pumped up. Highlights of the show were his cover of Woody Guthrie's "This Land is Our Land", Bruce's "Ghost of Tom Joad", and a medley of Prophet's of Rage songs with Public Enemy's Chuck D. No surprise, the final song was "Killing in the Name Of". This song hasn't lost one bit of its political power, and the crowd was raging. Tom took the time to talk about Harvard's free courses on the constitution, american history, and recognizing dictatorships. Harvard is his alma mater and he was pretty psyched to play this show. He had his bag from "The Coop" with him in the trailer and had a Harvard sweater on. Tom signed a set-list for me, and I got his pick from the show, so I was pretty psyched about that. They also had no interest in any of the stock in the trailer, so I took Tom's Grey Goose, bottled water, avocados, pringles, and Oreos home. Sarah and her dad took just as much stuff. We rode the T home with our pockets full. The self-titled is my favorite RATM album. It goes so hard and is, unfortunuately, just as appropriate in 2025 as it was in 1992. "Killing in the Name Of" is iconic and instantly recognizable the world over. As I said above, this song hasn't lost one bit of its power. "Take the Power Back" has filthy riffs and a filthy bassline. It's so sick. "Settle for Nothing" is a dope breakdown. Usually these songs clash with my "man at desk" daytime persona, but I'm taking a walk while I listen to this so I can let the energy flow. "If we don't action now, we'll settle for nothing later" is hitting pretty hard in 2025. "Know Your Enemy" goes so hard. The riffs are sick, and the vocals hit hard. "wake Up" is so funky, and I love the rapping. Having this and Public Enemy so close together has been a great blast of politically conscious music. 10/10
Incredible album, still holds up now
One of the best albums to listen to as loud as you can!
Cult classic.
If you don't like it then... FUCK YOU YOU LIKE WHAT THEY TOLD YOU FUCK YOU YOU LIKE WHAT THEY TOLD YOU X10
This album is fire. Every track on here rocks. Especially Killing In the Name Of. I'm 71 years old and I would listen to these guys for the same reason I listen to Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath or Deep Purple. Killer guitar work. The guitar is the best thing about these guys.
I can't think of a more appropriate title for the album. Zach is a lyrical master and Morello rips.
I bought a tapestry of this cover from Tower Records and had it on my wall next to a poster of the cover of Illmatic throughout high school until I moved out on my own for college. Through Rage I learned about the power of speaking truth to power. They arose atop a continuum of radical politics and fuck you mentality elemental to punk and hardcore, fusing that unapologetic posturing with Zach's rap-influenced delivery and swag. A lifelong love of this musical tradition was sparked in me. Through Zach I was introduced to Noam Chomsky, from an extended interview he did with him in the early days of YouTube, circa 2002. That sparked a deep interest in Noam's expansive work as a linguist and activist. Exposure to his work had an outsized influence on the development of my own worldview, and before I dropped out of college I had intended to find a path through college focused on linguistics. 33 years later, this album's subject matter is still depressingly relevant, maybe even moreso than when it was released. The music is aggressively in your face, and the urgency they conjure up will surely influence generations to come. This album is a populist scream, and until we've reached true equity and peace it will continue to be blared by disaffected youth.
Musically the album stylistically blends hard rock, funk and heavy metal musical styles. An unique element, while discussing music, is Tom Morello's approach to soloing. It could be described, at times, as atonal or musique concréte, emulating special effects, such as sirens or alarms, increasing with it the feeling of urgency of the record. The vocals are a blend of spoken word leaning styles, such as poetry reading, manifesto reading, proto-rap and the angst of hardcore and punk. Lyrically, The album contains politically-charged content and criticism towards the establishment.
Absolutely Love the Mix of Hip-Hop and Metal Just a gewartet Album
Powerful, energetic and brilliant. All of the songs are good on this one. Easy 5.
Easily one of the greatest and most important albums of all time, lyrically and musically. The production is some of the best ever, every single piece is easily hearable and clear, allowing you to really pick out anything to focus on. Tom Morello is one of the most unique guitarists out there with his wacky insane solos, but he can throw down regular great riffs as well, proving he's not just a trickster. Zach de la Rocha's lyrics will live on forever for every nation, powerful messages every song
Ein Gespenst geht um in Europa
En evig aktuell klassiker. Kun bangers.
They walk what they talk
Yeah well this of course is pure gold. Limp Bizkit but better. Funk, groove, metal, rap, politically engaged, unfortunately still relevant as ever. Appropriately delivered anger wrapped in musical excellence
Besides amazing music and talent RATM opened me to views and thoughts not readily available in my small bubble when I was growing up. 30 years later and the lyrics still ring true and poignant.
Easy. 5/5.
adore this album, unlike a lot of what I grew up with this has absolutely stood the test of time
I agree that the fact that RATM were signed to Sony kind of diminishes their message. I don't think it means that they don't actually agree with what they're saying and just grifting or whatever, but it is a strange decision nonetheless and shows that they at least don't have the Fugazi-level of dedication. I know that most discussions around RATM are centered around their politics (which is unsurprising considering the overtly political nature of their music). I personally listen to music just for entertainment and not political messaging. If I agree with the politics of an artist I already like, it just a sort of thing that makes me appreciate them even more but doesn’t necessarily matter otherwise. Someone like GY!BE, who have a grand total of zero words over all of their releases, having the words “Transphobes eat shit and die alone” strapped to one of their amps during shows (and their song and album titles, of course) certainly adds some sympathy points from me, but it doesn’t affect my enjoyment of their music in any way. And if the artist I like is a terrible person, my reaction is usually to just say “bummer” and move on. But no matter how compelling I or anyone else may find the message, I don't care if the music is shit... and the music of RATM's self-titled is decisively not shit. This album has some of the best riffs of any album I've heard. They're funky, groovy, and just incredibly engaging and powerful. This album is also a rare example of a metal record where bass plays a huge role and is not in the background the whole time, which I like a lot. I like the vocals too, but I would say they're probably the weakest part of the album. Not because they're bad but because all the other parts are just that good. The writing is more important here, but Zack certainly can't deliver the same amount of power as someone like Serj Tankian. Amazing album. Not perfect, but one I keep coming back to because these riff never get old. 9/10
They always play the songs from this album at the alternative clubs at my city. Very fun record.
If you don't like this, you're a cop.
amazing. no notes. perfect for the zeitgeist of the time, still as relevant as ever.
masterpiece
Love
Klassiker. Kanske världens bästa kompgitarr. Riffen sitter stenhårt! Attacken i sången samtidigt som man hör varje ord. Och ändå är det mjukt och vackert ibland. Femma!
Freedom! Yeaaaaaah!!!
Was für ein geiles Album - 5 Sterne
Geile Stimme, geile Drums, geile Riffs, geile Bässe. Themen, die auch heute noch aktuell sind. Geniales Album.
Absolute perfection front to back, one of my favorite albums of all time & one of the greatest albums of all time, incredible both musically & lyrically, with some of the hardest hitting basslines & riffs you'll ever hear, perfect album.
one of the best ever. pure energy
This is very rude music. But it makes me feel cool 😈
Makes me wanna kill a billionaire
Time for a pleasant listen of a few happy songs about rainbows and butterflies. No anger or dissatisfaction here, and absolutely nothing political. Just chill vibes :) Jokes aside this album absolutely slaps. One of the greatest debuts of all time, with a legendary album cover. Contains banger after banger. The rage, the attitude and the showmanship, featuring heavy guitars with interesting effects, blasting drums and eclectic basslines - together they just work. Contains concious racial politics and vitriolic commentary, calling out the sham elites who bring suffering upon the weak. Edgy, risky, and vivid. With explosive personality and carthartic energy. Play as loudly as possible. Bombtrack That opening bassline sets the stage for what's to come. The fusion of the rapping and the loud guitars is extremely effective. Goes straight on the attack as soon as the vocals come in. So much fun rage. Perfect opener. 5/5 Killing In the Name Absolutely iconic. Indescribable. Kicks ass to the moon and back. Don't think I need to justify why this slaps. Fuck the police. 5/5 Take the Power Back Magnificiently funky. Those riffs though... Anyone else up for a little riot sometime? Tom Morello deserves all the praise in the world. A perfect summertime bop to hate the current fucked up state of the world to, hasn't aged a day. 5/5 Settle For Nothing It's so ominous and dark. Love the pain and passion. Zach de la Rocha's performance on this track is something else. Love the guitars in the background. Amazing buildup into an even better release. Fantastic. 5/5 Bullet In the Head Yeah at this point what is there even left to say about this album. Every track is pretty much perfect. I'll give this track a lot of credit for how catchy it manages to be, while still providing some commentary about the media which seems to be just as relevant today as it was then, perhaps even more so. Love how the track ends. 5/5 Know Your Enemy Love how direct this track is. Just everything feels like it's being thrown straight at you, the guitars, the lyrical content and the tempo, are all so forward and clear. Love the Maynard feature in the bridge, adds some diversity to the sound. Fantastic. 5/5 Wake Up Ominous and apocalyptic. Great performance. I think it raises a lot of interesting ideas. The final section is extemely well constructed, love the scream vocal. Fantastic. 5/5 Fistful of Steel Has a great bassline, and I love a lot of the distinct guitar sounds throughout. Just isn't quite as strong as other tracks on here. Lacks a distinguishing feature to make it stand out. Has a lot of energy, just not quite on the same level as previous tracks. Good. 4/5 Township Rebellion Awesome riff. Love the strange sounds in the background, gives it a semi-industrial vibe at times. Great rap flow at times too. Great chorus, gets the point across really well. Great. 4.5/5 Freedom Pretty much sums up the spirit of the album. The instrumentation feels fsirly progressive, has an interesting rhythm to it. Love how the release of anger is depicted in the instrumental. Has yet another fantastic performance by Zach de la Rocha. Passionate and full of resentment. Great closer. Fantastic. 5/5 There might be some personal bias here, but this album will always remain one of my favourite for how effective it is. No track here is a skip, and each performance is noteworthy in some way. Love the rebellious energy and the rage. 5/5 Fave track. Take the Power Back
Me likey😀👍
bombtrack is peak. tracks 2-5 are pretty mid. rest of the album is PEAK.
One of my favourite metal albums. I love "Killing in the Name", and generally think this starts off really strong. Dips a little towards the end, but not enough to ruin a 5-star score.
There are people who say that other Rage albums are their favourites but they’re probably fibbing because this is the clear and obvious champion of Rage albums. A true riff behemoth through and through, Bombtrack, Bullet In The Head and Know Your Enemy are among the very best metal tracks of the century. Killing In The Name is in another league above that as well. There is no song that is elementally more angry with rage. Whether it’s fighting racist cops, stopping the X-Factor Christmas number one or refusing to tidy your room, this is a protest anthem for all time. Album doesn’t burn quite as brilliantly during the last three tracks. The Thich Quang Duc guy on the cover probably simmers down a bit, gets restless and bored and starts shuffling around at some point during Township Rebellion. Overall the raging highs easily outnumber the minuscule fumbly lows and it’s hard to dispute what a classic, timeless, essential rocking beast this album is.
Obra Maestra.
One of those records that changed my life. There are so many fantastic songs on this record. "Bombtrack" is an explosive opener that sets the tone for the album. Hearing "Killing in the Name" uncensored for the first time opened my eyes. "Take The Power Back" is a rousing call to action. "Know Your Enemy" urges us to challenge the system. On "Wake Up", Zach de la Rocha gives us revolutionary-tinted glasses to and then gives us a history lesson through a different lens. This record is all killer, no filler, and it is just as relevant today as it was in 1991.
Pure teenage memories. Angst, anti system, anti imperialism. It formed a part of me that I can’t deny. The entire album does not let up and just continues to deliver on its message.
This album is a classic, love it
This is my 90-ies more than anything else. And how it rocked.... Rocka röven av högern, as we say in sweden.
Okay, y’all. I wasn’t in the right mental state to listen to every song, but I already know this is a 5. The RATM songs I already knew were 5’s and the ones I hadn’t already heard were 5’s.
That's a classic. Actually I don't need to listen to it now to make notes. I just want to. Easily the best band of the 90s as far as I'm concerned. It's got the groove, but avoids being repetetive. Perfect soundtrack to ride an eboard on a late evening
Perfect and timeless, for better or worse
Today is one of those rarities in that it is an album I’m very familiar with. I remember the first time I’d heard Rage Against The Machine and falling in love with the groovy guitar riffs. The solos are genuinely bizarre, but in a way that words and sounds so obviously Tom Morello. The vocals are full of angst, and with lyrics that mean something (and seemingly never stop being important, as they are sadly always applicable to current events). This is one of those albums where I wish I was old enough to appreciate it when it was released, and to see the impact it had.
Whether you're going on how much this influenced rock and metal from the 90s onwards or how consistently brilliant it is, it's a pretty straightforward five stars. I was blown away by it in my teens and it holds up today when, sadly many of the themes are still highly relevant. If there's one silver lining to the state of the world today it's that we might get some more amazing protest music and who knows, it might be what rock music need to kickstart some fresh new subgenres. I suppose you could lay Nu-Metal at RATM's feet if you were looking for negatives, but it's hardly Zack De La Rocha's fault that none of the impersonators were anywhere close to his level. Killing In The Name has grown almost irritatingly ubiquitous by this point but there are so many other highlights that you can forgive them for an album like this accidentally spawning a smash hit. Know Your Enemy, Bullet in the Head and Wake Up are all full-throttle bangers.
FUCK YOU I WON'T DO WHAT YOU TELL ME!!! MOTHER FUCKERRRRRR!!!
Given I listen to this album at least once a month this is an easy 10/5. What makes this a standout album years later is such a range of factors - it's a debut album that does not in any way feel like a freshman outing for Rage. The lyrics are evolved and even with Zach's rap and lyricism, he manages to bring an intense amount of emotion to his music while also painting a rhythm through poetic lines, clever alliteration, and of course heavy doses of almost tribal repetition. It burrows into you and it's impossible not to feel the raw anger against the political system. And this is to say nothing of Tom Morello's technical proficiency which is on full display here. Political rap funk metal shouldn't work this well as a genre - and it's clear that the members together are what makes this work, as none of their solo projects have hit quite as hard as Rage has. I was lucky enough to see Rage live a few summers back when Zach had busted his leg. He spent the whole performance sitting on a cooler. The performance alone was incredible, but what floored me was Zach had more stage presence sitting on a cooler than any artist I have seen before or since. All to say, I think Zach and Rage will be looked back on as timeless musicians who spoke truth to power. People come and go but movements with fire carry on.
I've listened before back in college and can say that this is the first time I really "got it".
This album came out 33 years ago, as of this writing. The final single, the album-closing firebomb "Freedom" came out about 31 and a half years ago, bringing the case of Leonard Peltier, a wrongly-incarcerated Native American, to wider national attention with its music video. Leonard Peltier's sentence was commuted to indefinite house arrest in January of 2025. Freedom. Yeah, right.
a classic
classic
What an opening song. You can hear them going "this is it, it's our big break", and they broke big. Then Killing in the Name hits and you can feel the crowd exploding at the 2:06 mark. You can hear everyone in the club screaming "No I fucking don't" at the "And now you do what they told ya". And uhn, that dirty bass on "Take the Power Back". "Settle for Nothing" just makes me think of the song "I'm Sad" from Scott Pilgrim. You can hear the rap coming through on "Bullet in the Head", and oh my god do the boys know how to do a breakdown. And then you hear "Know Your Enemy" and you go "damn, ALL these bangers are on the same album??" JUST TO BE FOLLOWED BY "Wake Up". A theme I keep hearing is "they lied to us", which is funny considering I'm listening to this in 2025 when "they lied" is a dangerous, dangerous thing to think. "Fistful of Steel" just rolled off my back, and the same with "Township Rebellion". I think there's something to be said about the energy, and how they struggled with keeping the strength of their music up if they aren't blasting it at 11. "Freedom" does the best job of navigating the emotional register ("Anger is a gift" still hits), and as a final song, it closes off the album with the energy you'd expect from a band with the first name "Rage".
I cant believe I am Rage Against the Machine's biggest fan this whole time this one made me apologize to Zak because he apparently had the superior music taste this whole time
Classic. Amazing record.
Finally, some much needed adrenaline in this bitch!
divorced dad
Iconic RATM, nostalgic listen but holds up after all these years. Contains a UK Christmas No1 No skips Fave Track(s): - Bullet in the head - Fistful of Steel - Township Rebellion
The genre of music doesn’t vibe much for me, but damn does the message get you in the mood for it. I got into this hard, and will be a repeat listen. Great album to start your workday to, especially if you hate the company that employs you.
Awesome!
There was life before Rage, and life after it. Like, one day in middle school, it was just suddenly everywhere. Everyone had to have this album of with a monk burning to death on the cover so we could crank "Killing In the Name" in our Discman headphones and boombox speakers to stick it to our parents, teachers and anyone else who wanted to tell us what to do.
this album is incredible Every song is 10/10
Perfection. Standout track: Know your enemy 10/5 - will never get tired of shouting this in other angry people's faces in da clerb
Great
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!!!!!! LOVE Rage Against The Machine. On paper this might be Nu Metal and in my mind is not in the same stratosphere and I can't really explain why its not. Everything here works so well together and its starts with De La Rocha's zeal. He dials it up to 11 and it works. Tom Morello obviously plays a key part here too blending the classic pentatonic riffs with the bizzare bridge to hip hop with the whammy pedals. All these years later and I still don't care what they're actually raging against, all I care about is how this music makes me feel, which is fucking jacked up.
Almost got in a car accident in my suburban mommy car on my way to Lowe’s to buy a new dishwasher because I was jerking the wheel back and forth in time with the syncopated guitar that comes in halfway through the ‘now they do what the told ya’ part. That song makes me, a suburban father who works for the largest corporation in Massachusetts, want to join the revolution. Death to corporate pigs! Fuck this dishwasher. I don’t even want it! Every guitar player has a riff they play more than others, and I think ‘another bomb track’ might be Sean’s. I think I’ve heard him play it a hundred thousand times in my life, beginning when we were twelve and raging agains the machine meant going on his roof and throwing crabapples at cars. When this started playing I was immediately twelve again at Sean’s house, full of a rage so innocent and energizing it was indistinguishable from joy.
Damn. I knew this was going to be an epic album for a Monday. 😂 you could play the first 20 seconds of any of these songs for any pitcher approaching the mound with big dick energy I obviously knew the hits (who doesnt). I was impressed by Take The Power Back (very RHCP - blood sugar sex magik), know your enemy and Township Rebellion (so fun and weird, awesome metering from De La Rocha) Some of the realllllly ragey tracks like Settle For Nothing and Wake Up are jarring and give me goosebumps. De La Rocha is fucking terrifying sometimes on this. The kind of stuff that my Mom calls acid music The only thing that didn’t age well is that 90s rock band dj vinyl scratching lol - which I think Tom does on his guitar IIRC
Man, I love this album. Went through a gigantic Rage phase in early high school (right along with peak hormonal angst) and listening to this takes me right back to being 14 years old, hyping myself up to play squash. This music let me pretend I was something cooler than a strait laced suburban kid at a private school, blasting this noise in my shitty Skullcandy headphones as loud as I can to impress girls FUCK YOU I WONT DO WHAT YOU TELL ME
Brilliant album. Massive riffs, great production Very near perfect imo
This one is great too, enjoyed for years
I'm surprised how well this holds up thirty years on. Sticks with the same topic the whole way but damn it does it so well, and there's enough variation in the music that it works. That bass! A surprise 5/5 for me.
Loved this album when I was 15, had a t-shirt and all, but not sure I quite appreciated the political and social commentary back then. Tom Morello is one of the all time great guitarists.
I was really starting to worry about you 1001. Bunch of bottom-of-the-barrel stuff lately. Then you drop one of the most influential albums, not only of my generation, but of the times we live in? Redeemed. It’s a brick through a window from start to finish. This album was waaaayyy ahead of its time. Not just in the message (obviously, right? Zack's vocals hit like a bullhorn at a protest - he doesn’t ask, just tells.), but musically as well. Big riffs, massive attitude. This was nuts in '92, and still hits hard - from a rock perspective - today. There’s zero chill here, but that’s kinda the point. Killing In The Name Of was a warm-up song during my youth hockey games. Loved it. It’s tight chaos. Loud, rude, and unrelenting. And smart, too. I don’t even care that it yells at me. I probably deserve it. It's been a shitty month. Spins: ??? Playlist Additions: - Bombtrack - Killing In The Name Of - Know Your Enemy - Wake Up
I know this album note for note and line for line and my love for it runs deep. One of the hardest hitting mainstream records of 92 and a trendsetter for many acts that followed (for better or worse). Single-handedly responsible for wanton over use of harmonics, worn out pickup selectors everywhere, and the sociopolitical awakening of many a teenage kid. Tight mid tempo grooves, technically proficient playing and dynamic shifts that perfectly highlight the vocals, which bring all the angst and anger you can handle. Good shit.
Sexy as hell, no notes
Klassikko. Tunnettujen kappaleitten lisäks ei mitään älyttömiä bängereitä mutta sama tiukka meno koko levyn läpi. Pitää lenkillä ottaa kuunteluun. Parhaat: Bombtrack, Killing In The Name, Know Your Enemy, Wake Up
Insta 5 bez słuchania, przemieliłem ten album tyle razy w swoim życiu, że mógłbym w czasie słuchania Disco Elysium kilka razy przejść. Genialny protest album. Łączy w sobie autentyczny polityczny przekaz, wysoki artystyczny poziom i mainstreamowy poziom "słuchalności". Nie wiem, czy cokolwiek wcześniej lub później było w stanie połączyć te trzy aspekty. Sekcja rytmiczna RATM to jest coś przegenialnego, basista daje kosmiczny popis przez cały krążek, a perkusja jest mega mięsista. W ogóle całość brzmi jest fantastycznym połączeniem garażowego brzmienia z mega wysokim poziomem produkcji. Wokal łączy w sobie surowość punka z flowem złotej epoki rapu, niesamowite połączenie. Zack de la Rocha brzmi jakby mógł być liderem rewolucji, gość ma w głosie mnóstwo przekonania do swoich racji. Czysta energia przez 50 minut, dla mnie najlepszy album na tęgi trening na siłowni albo na sporty walki. Z pewnością w top 10 moich ulubionych albumów wszech czasów. Może nawet wyżej, jakbym się zastanowił.
Love it. It's iconic, i know this rage and i want it. 5/5 i want to throw a brick right now.
Love it ratm is awesome
All-time classic. Still ahead of everybody, decades later.
Pretty great shit right here. Only way political music should be.
A masterpiece. The energy and anger come through beautifully. Probably not one for folks who are more melodically minded, but who said music needs a melody, right?
Só músicas boas
Full of bangers including that one. Mid 5.
This album still hits. Maybe more now than it did in the 90s. Someone has to say what we're all thinking.
If you’re not raging then maybe you’re the machine
Thank you site-gods, I needed this today.
Still relevant, still powerful. Still unlike anything before it or since.
This album is filled with fantastic music, walk to wall. It is a bit unfortunate that they made the same album 3 times in a row. But, this one- chef’s kiss!
Rage Against the Machine’s self-titled debut album, released on November 6, 1992, is a landmark in modern music that fuses politically charged lyrics with a revolutionary blend of rap, metal, and funk. This review delves into the album's lyrics, music, production, themes, and influence while evaluating its strengths and weaknesses. ## Lyrics The album’s lyrics, penned by frontman Zack de la Rocha, are unapologetically political and confrontational. De la Rocha addresses systemic injustice, racism, police brutality, and societal inequality with searing intensity. Tracks like *Killing in the Name* denounce institutional racism and police violence through minimalist but incendiary lines such as “Fuck you, I won’t do what you tell me,” which has become an anthem of rebellion[3][7]. Songs like *Take the Power Back* critique Eurocentric education systems, while *Bullet in the Head* explores media manipulation and indoctrination[6][8]. De la Rocha’s delivery amplifies the impact of his words. His vocal style alternates between rap-like cadences and primal screams, embodying both intellectual critique and raw emotion. However, critics have noted that while the lyrics are powerful and provocative, they sometimes lack nuanced solutions to the problems they highlight[8]. ### Pros: - Bold and uncompromising political messaging. - Memorable and impactful lines that resonate with listeners. - A perfect balance of intellectual critique and emotional delivery. ### Cons: - The lyrics can feel repetitive or overly simplistic at times. - Limited exploration of actionable solutions to the issues raised. ## Music Musically, *Rage Against the Machine* is groundbreaking. The band combines rap vocals with heavy metal riffs and funk-inspired grooves to create a unique sound. Tom Morello’s innovative guitar work is a standout feature; he uses effects pedals to mimic sounds like turntable scratches and sirens, pushing the boundaries of what a guitar can do[6][7]. Tracks like *Bombtrack* and *Know Your Enemy* showcase his ability to blend groove-laden riffs with experimental techniques. Tim Commerford’s basslines and Brad Wilk’s drumming provide a rock-solid rhythm section that oscillates between funk grooves and thunderous aggression. The interplay between these elements creates a dynamic listening experience where each track feels distinct yet cohesive. ### Pros: - Innovative guitar techniques by Tom Morello that redefined rock music. - A seamless fusion of rap, metal, funk, and punk influences. - High-energy compositions that maintain their intensity throughout. ### Cons: - The musical formula can feel repetitive across some tracks. - The relentless intensity might be overwhelming for some listeners. ## Production The production on *Rage Against the Machine* is raw yet polished. Produced by Garth Richardson, the album captures the band’s live energy without overprocessing[3][4]. Unlike many modern rock albums that rely heavily on studio effects or layering, this record sounds organic. Each instrument is clearly audible in the mix, allowing listeners to appreciate the complexity of the arrangements[4]. The mastering strikes a balance between clarity and power. The low end is punchy without being muddy, while the high end remains crisp without becoming harsh. This sonic clarity has made the album a reference point for testing audio equipment[4][5]. ### Pros: - Natural production that preserves the band’s live energy. - Excellent balance between clarity and raw power. - Transparent mastering that enhances dynamics without compression artifacts. ### Cons: - Some listeners may find the production too raw compared to more polished modern albums. ## Themes Thematically, *Rage Against the Machine* is a manifesto against oppression. The album critiques capitalism (*Freedom*), systemic racism (*Killing in the Name*), media manipulation (*Bullet in the Head*), and educational indoctrination (*Take the Power Back*)[2][6]. Its overarching message is one of resistance—urging listeners to question authority and fight against injustice. This thematic cohesion gives the album its identity but also limits its scope. While it excels at rallying anger against systemic issues, it rarely ventures into personal or introspective territory. This singular focus makes it anthemic but less versatile compared to albums with broader thematic diversity. ### Pros: - Cohesive themes of resistance and rebellion. - Timeless relevance due to ongoing social injustices. - A rallying cry for activism and awareness. ### Cons: - Limited thematic range; lacks personal or introspective content. - Heavy reliance on anger as an emotional tone. ## Influence The influence of *Rage Against the Machine* cannot be overstated. It pioneered rap-metal as a genre and inspired countless bands like Linkin Park, Limp Bizkit, and System of a Down[3]. Beyond its musical legacy, it became a cultural touchstone for political activism in music. The album’s messages remain relevant decades later, resonating with new generations facing similar struggles against systemic oppression[2][7]. Its success also demonstrated that politically charged music could achieve mainstream appeal without compromising its message. The album went triple platinum in the U.S., proving that art could be both commercially viable and socially impactful[7]. ### Pros: - Pioneered a new genre by blending rap with metal. - Inspired countless artists across multiple genres. - Remains culturally relevant due to its timeless themes. ### Cons: - Its influence led to less authentic imitators in the rap-metal genre. - Some critics argue its formula overshadowed later albums by the band itself. ## Pros & Cons Summary | **Aspect** | **Pros** | **Cons** | |------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | **Lyrics** | Bold political messaging; memorable lines; emotional delivery | Repetitive themes; lack of actionable solutions | | **Music** | Innovative guitar work; dynamic fusion of genres; high energy | Formulaic at times; overwhelming intensity for some | | **Production** | Raw yet polished sound; excellent instrument clarity; transparent mastering | Rawness might not appeal to fans of more polished productions | | **Themes** | Cohesive focus on resistance; timeless relevance | Limited thematic range; heavy reliance on anger | | **Influence** | Pioneered rap-metal; inspired future artists; culturally significant | Led to less authentic imitators; overshadowed later works | ## Final Thoughts Rage Against the Machine’s debut album is an incendiary masterpiece that combines revolutionary lyrics with innovative music to create one of the most impactful records of all time. Its strengths lie in its unapologetic political stance, groundbreaking sound, and cultural significance. However, its narrow thematic focus and relentless intensity may not appeal to all listeners. Despite these minor drawbacks, this album remains essential listening for anyone interested in politically charged music or genre-defying artistry. Over three decades after its release, it continues to inspire resistance against injustice—a testament to its enduring power.
Superb!
A1 Bombtrack - 10 A2 Killing in the Name - 10 A3 Take the Power Back - 10 A4 Settle for Nothing - lite 8 A5 Bullet in the Head - light 9 B1 Know Your Enemy - 10 B2 Wake Up - strong 8 B3 Fistful of Steel - light 8 B4 Township Rebellion - light 8 B5 Freedom - decent 8 Favourite 3 Tracks - 1. Take the Power Back 2. Killing in the Name 3. Bombtrack - NOTE RATINGS ARE FROM A FIRST LISTEN -
Still holding up
I was starting to think I was in a headspace where I wasn't able to appreciate new music. Turns out I've just been getting shit albums. This one finally snapped me out of it. Goes hard af. Highlights: Killing in the Name Wake Up Fistful of Steel Township Rebellion
This is an exceptional album. So many great songs, innovative melodies and ideas. Every song has something to bring to the table, and the lyrics on top makes this a hard hitter.
Every single thing about this album is great. One of the all-time best ever to be recorded. An absolute beast!
FDT
Listened: 24/02/2025 Album no: 25 % rating: 85% Fave Song: Wake Up. Yo this album is straight fire. The riffs are so fucking unreal. So PHAT. PHAT RIFFS. WAKE UP FROM THE MATRIX SOUNDTRACKKKKKKKK DAMNNNN I FORGOT ABOUT THIS TUNE. ABSOLUTELY MASSIVE! FUCKKK I ALWAYS FORGOT RAGE IS TOM MORELLO ON GUITAR. I ALWAYS THINK OF HIS SOLO STUFF. FUCKK YEAAAA HE SHREDS SO MUCHHH 🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘 Alright this album goes so hard. Why have I never listened to it before? I’ve obviously heard the big Rage hits before, and I used to fuck with Morellos guitar playing back in the day when I was learning, so why did I never think to listen to this? Madness. Anyway, this goes so fuckin hard, and absolutely will not be my last listen. I love how it did a sick af job of taking a lot of what hip hop/rap was doing throughout the 80s with lyrical content, Melodies, and PHAT funky bass riffs and shook up the formula with some sick guitars and aggression. Loved it. What a stellar album.
Their magnum opus. Incredible debut.
Amazing album by an amazing group, listen to this if you haven't. Favorite song: Really hard, but know your enemy
Very no-skips
One of the best metal records of the 20th century. An essential, comprising 10 songs, all of which are cult classics. One of the rare debut albums which are perfect in every way. The anger in De Rocha's Voice, Wilk's simple, yet aggresive drumming, Cummerford's funky, yet precise basslines, and Morello's catchy riffs and unusual guitar solos, and these are only a part of what makes this album so great.
Perfect
Incredible
Five Stars!!!!
Banger
O que dizer desse álbum histórico e da sua importância para a música? Engajamento e luta em forma de arte!!!
Absolute classic from that era.
Just a really good album that rocks hard
Bangers from front to back
Thoughts before listening: One of the most important bands and albums of my generation. They took the political focus and angry, preachy rap style of Public Enemy and presented it through the lens of a hardcore/metal rock n roll band. I love it. Review: Not much more to say here. Just an incredibly huge band for the 90s and early 00s, and one of the biggest influences on my own musical taste. I have owned all their albums, still rock them from time to time, and even got the chance to see them when I was 15 at lollapalooza 1996. That concert had a profound effect on me and really set off my love of live music and festivals. Plus their political stances still resonate to this day, despite what I am sure will be plenty of mocking in the reviews. This album is their debut, and it's just loaded with banger after banger. I could add the whole thing to my playlist. Easy 5-star for me.
Kless
Amazing album, lots of nostalgia - great presentation of soical feeling at the time. Great bass lines
No doubt this is a quality album full of great songs. I did enjoy it but not sure having it playing in the background whilst working is the best setting for a listen. Managed to save myself from hurling my monitor out the window and flinging the keyboard to the floor and stamping on it. Which is a shame as I suspect that’s what the band would want me to do. I’m just not ready to fuck up the system quite yet. So in that sense maybe the album failed on me.
Such anger, such energy! An album to play on tax filing deadline day and shout at your clients for being idiots “WAKE UP” Fairly sure that is the political message the artist is trying to portray 😆 Of course all the songs are the same and the irony of raging against the machine while being being a massive part of corporate rock are negative points, but who cares this album rocks!
Ох уж эти злые леваки, которые издавали свое злое музло на крупном лейбле (fuck the system) И дохуя на этом зарабатывали )) Короче осуждаю левацкую движуху. Но музло ахуенное
Amazing work
It’s just another bomb track 10/10
Bombalbum
Excellent. Saving for the future. Adding to gym playlist.
Good
Still a great album- I didn't live through the L.A. Riots but you can feel the.. rage I suppose...
HELL YEAH. Makes me want to fight everybody but also love everybody. Insanely powerful, classic for a reason.
one of the defining albums, and bands, of my coming of age and youth. 5/5, 10/10, 100/100
Gateway musik smag. Det perfekte album uden fillers.
Nogen dage er det her verdens bedste debutalbum. Ja nogen dage er det faktisk verdens bedste album. Punktum. Det er de dage hvor man har brug for at blive mindet om at ens vrede er en gave og hele kroppen sitre og man har lyst til at skriger Fuck You I Won’t Do What You Tell Me!!! På de dage er der ikke noget så godt som militant revolutionær funk-metal. Tom Morellos magiske guitar, Zack de la Rochas indignerede lyrik og Brad Wilk og Tim Commerfords, på en gang funky og tunge rytmer, er ikke bare et perfekt afløb, det er også stor, stor kunst og en stadig relevant systemkritik.
Me mola más el battle of los angeles pero no quita que sea discardo
Liked it more than I thought!!
4.5/5 Passionate, catchy bangers. Love the politics and the music. Bombtrack 4.5/5 Killing In the Name 4.5/5 Take the Power Back 5/5 (FAV) Settle for Nothing 3.5/5 (LEAST FAV) Bullet In the Head 4.5/5 Know Your Enemy 5/5 Wake Up 4.5/5 Fistful of Steel 5/5 Township Rebellion 3.5/5 Freedom 4.5/5
I mean it's a classic isn't it? What an album. The guitar playing is so unique, and iconic. His vocals are really pointed and angry. It's a perfect match. There's a few tracks on here that I'm not really into that much, but the best ones are SO good as to massively elevate the whole. There's tons of great riffs and grooves across the album. Really deep and driving guitars. And there's some absolute monster tunes on here. That trio of Bullet in the Head, Know Your Enemy and Wake Up - my god!
Still hits hard af now as when I was a teenager. RATM forever!
Man, I forgot how much I like Rage. Work music for sure, afternoon work. "If ignorance is bliss, wipe the smile from my face"
Definitely still relevant!
Bragging rights: I saw them in 1996 in Fitchburg MA in a 4000 person venue. Jesus Lizard was the opener!
Ironically, I was just looking at listening to more RATM last week. Great album. I realize that I’m the machine, yet still I rage.
Loved.
Great album, heard it many times before
We need more bands like this today. Just a channeling of the populous' frustrations with the way the world is run channeled into kick ass music. Some of my favorite mantras from this project: "Shackle their minds when they're bent on the cross When ignorance reigns, life is lost" "Some of those that work forces Are the same that burn crosses" "FUCK YOU I WON'T DO WHAT YOU TELL ME" "Freedom! Yeah! Freedom? Yeah right!"
This was great, brilliant players. What a way to start the day
Already listened to this album before. I consider it a perfect album. The guitar work is awesome. I wish we saw more Hard-rock and Rap fusion in the modern day!
Absolute blast of an album. Full on rage!! Reminded me of the last scene in the matrix with Neo rocking the shades with “wake up” running in the background. Classic! Favorite track: Killing in the name of other picks: wake up, know your enemy, bombtrack
Not really heard a lot of RATM before. Now I want a black greatcoat and a pair of sunglasses, and a protest to attend.
This was one of the first albums I remember buying for myself - hearing them in Tony Hawk's games and Guitar Hero was enough to make me think "yeah, I'll give them a go" - and in doing so, turned this painfully white nerd into... Still a painfully white nerd, but with better music taste. Tom Morello remains one of the most inventive guitarists I've ever heard, the lyrics still ing true today in a world that hasn't exactly improved, and the basslines remain so funky that I thank them for being the ones that convinced me to pick up a bass many years ago. Yeah, this was always going to be an easy five stars from me.
Genre and era defining. Great musicianship and relevant content. A record to the point.
Un des plus grands albums de l'histoire.
Delay, Deny, Defend.
Absolute classic album. Sadly over 25 years later it’s political message is still relevant
When I saw this come up I knew I was giving it 5 stars. I remember this album coming out, I remember seeing the Rage live as a teenager, I remember cruising down down the country roads of England rocking out to it.
Angry with a cause.
RATM is not a band that I thought I would love- growing up their heavy rock style was more aligned with my twin brothers taste. But in college, this album was on regular rotation. The political messaging is on point and I love how they blend genres, but stay true to their hardcore rock.
Got this in high school. You cannot imagine how hard “killing in the name” hit in high school. Yes, I still love this.
already been in my rotation recently but a delight to hear again. extremely hard to articulate things ab except that perhaps no political music act has ever quite managed this kind of populist chemistry...pure anthemic power while still being detailed and un-reductive, wholly catchy and accessible while still being on some level tonally appropriate for the atrocities being discussed, for the nerds as much as it is for the jocks. might be something in a description by my friend zoey saying "every ratm song is like a hard ass riff a 12 year old can play and also a solo that takes an engineering degree". excellent music to blast before heading in for an extremely long shift , byeeee
This is an easy 5. It's never out of my regular rotation for long because it holds up so well. In many ways, I wish it didn't.
Awe man legendary album! Hands down a solid 5 stars.
the guitar with this album is crazy good
Lol why are you looking at reviews? They should allow 6 stars.
This band- this album- will forever be fire. 🔥
Und immer wieder ein Push nach vorne. Großartig!
Genuinely some of the best riffs ever recorded I think. Was listening to this while skating a couple years ago and embodied my destined self. So unbelievably awesome.
Cool and badass and it sounds pretty good too
Love the guitar work and the singing/rapping is great too. The overall vibe is great, and exactly what I like.
This shit blew my fucking mind when it came out. It still hits so hard. Perfect album.
Instant classic. Could not go harder
Deliciously coherent, edgy and driven album. If I’m in the mood for it, nothing better than rage, drums, guitars.
Probably my longest standing favorite album. Dad got this for me on my 14th(?) birthday and it's been among my favorites ever since. Although in recent years I've been listening to Battle of Las Angeles more - I'm not sure if I got a little burned out on this album from over listening, or if Battle of LA feels slightly less performative. Anyway, 5/5 of course.
Topper! As if i was listening to Rise against :p
An all timer for me. I can’t explain it. I hate rap rock, but I love RATM and this album in particular. There is both a simplicity and a complexity in this music. And frankly it helped me become a young radical. Two thumbs up.
Gran disco
Wow. This was great. The bass, drums, guitar, lyrics. What an amazing album
Classic top 1 o 2 dei ratm
This album hits like a ton of bricks. The raw anger, the heavy instrumentation, and the charged lyics, absolutely classic.
3/12/24 This is my favourite album, so it was a no brainer rating this. Still listened to it though.
Not sure I’ve listened to this since I was about 16, and I forgot how insane this whole album is. I think Bombtrack was the first Rage song I heard and it blew my mind as a young’un. Still punches hard now. Wake Up was always my favourite off this and it probably still is now, although most have aged well. Cant believe Bullet In The Head isnt a massive hit for them (compared to the streams it has). I often get that little bass riff at the start in my head. Was always obsessed with that lyric ‘yellow ribbon instead of a swastika’. Class stuff
Absolute classic, there's noone else like RATM really. Went through a proper phase with them when I was around 15, the correct time really, but I still listen to them a fair bit now. This album is probably their best, always find it mad that this was released before Evil Empire which sounds much more like a debut. Like RATM in general, Tom Morello starts with classic rock essentially and makes it sound like nothing else. Zak has to be the best 'rock' rapper and together it's mint.
Man, what an album. Haven't listened to this since I was a teenager probably. Don't think it quite had the impact it did when I was a teenager, but it is still so good. My first exposure to them would've been guerilla radio on Tony hawks I kinda think it's a shame that killing in the name got played to death however long ago it was, kinda soured a great song for me a bit Still think Zach de la Rocha is cool as fuck. So many great tracks, but my favourites are Bombtrack, Know your enemy, and Settle for nothing. Know your enemy is the best of those. Although I could name most of them tbf. Simplest of 5s
Yes yes - this band and this album is loved and lambasted - but to me it is one of those cultural artefacts that made me, me. My sister had this record on cassette - at 11 Zack sounded too shouty to me so I dismissed them at first. Somehow - I don’t know when - one attempt at listening to it got me hooked. Tom morello’s guitar and Tim’s bass sounded like one instrument to my ears and their riffs compelled me to want to learn guitar - and this band was considered good musicians for the time enough for me to be accepted with other musicians. I probably can pinpoint this record as having helped me connect with the person who sold me my first guitar - the friend who introduced me to join a band, and to the friends I played on stage with first. So there is that - but this record is something else. Zack’s lyrics - and the band’s activism did affect my moral compass - yes it’s cliche but to a 12 year old - authority wasn’t necessarily having your best interests to put it mildly - and besides the loud ‘fuck you’s’ in this band - there is enough subtlety in the words and so jammed packed with references to give you tools to understand a whole lot more about the world. Naturally this band introduced me to activist friends in my formative years and led me to connect to some of my closest friends - and led me to read so much about so many things that I can’t imagine who I’d be if this album didn’t exist. In a world were fascism is on the rise and compassionate socialism is seen as extreme - this band is a shining light that is fading over the decades - the idea that antifascism, anti racism and feminism is bad - and ‘woke’ is almost considered a taboo word across the political spectrum - the band that called you to wake up needs more allies and I have to say - the way this band taught me about the world - political music is a highly needed and sorely missed factor of our social discourse. Yes and every song on this album rocks - all the riffs, all the bass lines all the beats - but Zack is the one who gives life to this band.
One of my personal favorites. 4.7 stars
Fuck you I won’t do what you tell me!
This entire album is so good. I'm on track 6 and have liked every single song so far. The bass on this album is amazing. Easily a 5
Fantastisch, wat een woede. Politiek, zonder te preken.
Absolutely slaps. It woke me up to a world outside ninja turtles and thundercats. Though, now I have to be in the right mood to listen to it. I get too worked up.
An all-time album of angst, anger, and rebellion. Excellent songs that are engaging and driving, but also diverse enough to not get stale. And I have to mention one of the best lines in any song ever - "Fuck you, I won't do what you tell me." Top tracks: Bombtrack, Killing In The Name, Know Your Enemy, Township Rebellion
Rage Against the Machine - Rage Against the Machine, 100100. (Official Rating: 10/10) Posted on, “Album of the Year," "Rate Your Music" and “ MJ’s Album Reviews.” Official Ranking of the Year: Genre: Funk Metal, Nu Metal. Artist: Rage Against ,Date: 11/21/24 “The gritty, funky and groove shows RATM best collective work, but its lyrics propel listeners to go against society. Making us deeply aware of the importance of our country and voices.”
WAAAKEE UUUUP
Nobody writes riffs like Tom Morello.
Just an amazing debut. Timeless, epic songs with huge riffs, great vocal delivery, and impeccable production and mixing.
This album rules and Tom Morello is a wizard that does perverse things on guitar. Personally, I like Evil Empire and The Battle Of Los Angeles a little more but they are all five star albums and this is the one band that can be considered rap rock and not suck. Yes, the final lyrics of Killing In The Name have been memed to death but it still rocks.
The best. Just the best. Every song just slays and never gets old. If it gets me moving, it’s good. Listen again: Absolutely Purchase for my collection: Yes-on my wish list! Favourite Song: Killing In The Name
Right between the eyes.
As debut albums go, this is right up there. Each track is like a two-footed tackle... to the back of the head. Bombtrack and Killing in the Name have to be one of the best pairs of opening tracks to any album, punching you in the chest at every turn. Put it on and rock out like a mother.
Angry and revolutionary, both lyrically and musically. Basically a hip hop rhythm section, creative guitar playing with a heavy focus on rhythm, and vocals that fill the listener with anxious energy. Had my 8 year old ass running around elementary school "Land of the free? whoever told you that is your enemy"
gøy
fuck yeah. The pure aggression of this record is unmatched.
This record was huge in college for me. Talented dude just hate the politics. I don’t love politics mixed with my music I’m trying enjoy. I can look past it though as audio only. Once I watch a performance I’m turned off. That all said this record is awesome - different from anything else out at the time. For that it’s close to five stars. Actually I can look past the lyrics it is 5 stars.
Very appropriate post 2024 election album.
This album is such a banger. Garth Richardson’s production is both minimalist and slick and Andy Wallace’s mix is punchy and huge. The sound is mostly just the band with minimal overdubs and the band is incredibly tight. Tom Morello’s guitar work is otherworldly and one of a kind. This was maybe the first album that successfully blended rock and rap into an entirely new thing and it still sounds fresh and relevant after more than 30 years.
It's simply a great Metal/funk/rap album. I honestly listened to this yesterday and thought, how could anyone not like it? Yes it's loud and in your face but it's funky as hell. Credit gets handed out to Zack and Tom all the time and rightly some but this albums is truly held together by Tim and Brad that rhythm section is absolutely tight as!
This album is like a kick in the face, but in a good way. It has an incredible energy and bravura to it and not a single bad song on it.
Le rock agressif a rarement été aussi funky. Implacablement contagieux, convaincu et irrésistible
A classic. Still holds up.
Fuck you I won't do what you tell me (I won't rate it with less than 5 stars)
I was about twelve or thirteen. I went down to the local half pipe to inline skate (as kids did in the late nineties). This other local kid were laying down sick lines while blasting rage against the machine on a boombox. I was awestruck, amazed, flabbergasted - I had never heard anything like it. I immediately knew I had found my new favourite band. This album shaped me like no other. I still return to it now and then for Zach De La Rochas youthful anger, Tom Morellos blasting and inventive guitar and the funky rhythm section. A shining beacon in a genre often dismissed. Ten out of ten absolute bangers. Not a weak track. What a debut.
Brilliant.
Mi álbum de punk favorito 10/10
"Fuck you, I won't do what you tell me" So no review, today, 1001 Albums app. You're a machine, too, after all. Number of albums left to review: 32 Number of albums from the list I find relevant enough to be mandatory listens: 419 (including this one, of course -- the intensity of the music and the incendiary lyrics makes this record a classic today, just like the three other studio albums by this pivotal nineties band) Albums from the list I *might* include in mine later on: 243 Albums from the list I won't include in mine: 310
An unbelievably beast record. Maybe a bit one note but I fucking adore that note.
Master piece, absolute groove start to finish. Love.
An iconic album.
I did not get RATM when I was in high school. Now I do. Some of the most visceral music of the 90s, and still relevant today. Expertly played and produced, yet retains a raw edge that cannot be denied.
FUCK YOU I WON'T DO WHAT YOU TELL ME
Revolutionary. It defined a generation. How can we say words about this album. To say it speaks for itself is both absolutely true and trite at the same time.
So powerful. 5 stars
I was there when this album dropped and it meant everything to me. I am not the only one and the angst of the times and the fears that corporate capitalist greed had slowly taken over everything was as real then as it is now. (It DID take everything over; we did not pay attention or were overpowered by the strength of hate). Anyhow, this IS that pot-stirring, and it IS that relevant to this day. It also happens to be what I would simply call the most "badass" album I ever heard. Is it redundant? Maybe. Is it completely insane? Probably. Does it make you want to get up and do stupid stuff like jump out of airplanes and try speed skiing? Yeah. Is it really all that? Yes. Yes it is...
It was really good. It was Nice to finally hear - you cant not love Tom morello
Such a hard hitting album. One of the best hard rock debuts ever. Still sounds fresh over 30 years later. Nothing else really sounded like this at the time and that made Rage legends. They were smart to break up before they lost the magic. This album should be in every hard rock/metal collection.
This album fucks. To write something that not only is lyrically relevant when it came out as well as thirty years later, but to have it still rock out is an incredibly admirable feat. Outstanding production, unique vocals, original writing, the entire album is wholly enjoyable from start to finish. 5/5
One of my favourite angry days albums.
Banger
Immaculate record. Gets better every time I hear it. Simple, but biting anti-authoritarian lyrics shouted over the funkiest, grooviest riffs you'll ever hear. I find myself bobbing my head to every single song. I feel like a lot of people who aren't as familiar with hip hop don't realize how incredible it is that this was released in 1992. A whole YEAR before Enter the Wu Tang, Rage' was putting out music this cutting edge and extreme. Other than some of the flows being intrenched in that late 80s style, this sounds like it could have come out yesterday. *Heard before.
"Fuck you, I won't do what you tell me!"
Hell yeah.
A really solid album with a lot of power and uh... rage. Can't believe this was released in '92. Feels like it could be an album from this decade.
Scratches that itch in my brain.
What a debut. Hard hitting, infectious and full of hits
I probably saw this coming when i went into this album but I love Rage Against The Machine. I only really had experience with two of this albums singles being Killing In The Name and Bombtrack (mostly the Stone Sour cover) and they are great songs but the other songs in the album are no slouches either. The guitar riffs were some of the most creative i have ever heard and really prove how good of a guitarist Tom Morello really is. The vocals are also the perfect kind of aggressive for this album. This is most definitely one of the best albums i have done for this project and is very deserving of it's global review score. Best Song: Take The Power Back Worst Song: Know Your Enemy
Jeg er ikke helt færdig endnu men har krydset midterlinjen nu, og anden halvdel af det her album ved jeg udmærket godt er 10/10 og 5 af de største bangers fra hele det årti. Nem nem 5’er
What a defining album and it was their debut.. Zack has a lot on his mind and it gets communicated very clearly and angrily. Tom Morello is also on a mission to change the way a guitar sounds. These riffs are just SO GOOD. Top quality and a no-brainer 5⭐️
One of the handful of greatest albums I've ever enjoyed listening to over the course of my lifetime. There are eight absolute bangers on this album that I would put up with any other rock songs in the category of 'Songs That Make You Want To Go Crazy', and one song ('Know Your Enemy') that is in the inner circle of my favorite songs of all time. I don't know what newer generations think of Rage Against the Machine, how they have aged into a new era, but to me and my 40-year old viewpoint they remain as relevant and important as ever, and their music -- This album especially -- continues to be unlike anything made before it or since.
Revolutionary, leftist, aggressive
Just about tore my throat out during the drive to work thanks to this!
This shit is fire.
já ouvi
5/5
Regardless of any issues I take with their premises (though only a few), it’s damn fine rock and roll. The in ovation and technicality, paired with the passion and emotion, make this an incredible album.
HEY YO, IT’S JUST ANOTHER BOMBTRACK!
*Face-melting guitar solo* 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!
This album is perfect it has no flaws. You might like something else more or their lyrics on later albums might hit better for you, but this album is truly p[perfect at what it's supposed to be. Pure passion, musicianship, and raw SOUND this thing is absolutely fucking huge. The bass tone alone could make this perfect. On top of that I think the ideas and themes are still so potent and important and come from such a real place, especially being released around the time of the Rodney King riots. Awesome music, awesome message, awesome performance, and if you say "well if they like communism so much why are they rich from people buying their music" then you clearly just don't understand the subject matter, what else are they supposed to do lol. But also fuck their stupid price gouged tickets maybe everyone's right