Rage Against The Machine

More to it than just angry.

Awesome

one of the best ive heard in a long time — passionate, urgent, and unbound

got this on a picture disc

So good

fucking awesome

Love it.

GOAT

Classic

When this album originally came out, I didn't like it. As a youngster, I didn't like the "rap rock" aspect of it, and I wasn't into heavy music like this. However, into the early 2000's, I started listening to much heavier metal and hardcore, and groups like Orange 9mm brought me back around to Rage Against the Machine. At this point, I view this album and the follow-up as timeless classics, brilliant, and inspirations to musicians that play all kinds of music from hip-hop to rock to metal to even people that can just admire the lyricism.

ah, memories...!

I'd kind of wondered if we'd get Rage Against the Machine in this collection, and I'm glad we did. I really enjoyed this album when it first came out, and have listened to it quite a bit over the years, without *too* much embarrassment. I think what's always intrigued me about the band and the songs is how much tension there is between the very white-mosh-pit-college-crowd vibe of the music and the unsettling antiestablishmentarianism of most of the songs. It's very weird, even now, to see the video for "Killing in the name of" (a really powerful song, in my opinion) and all the mosh pit action by people and fans that very likely are or will become the target of the song's eviscerating social commentary; I'm also very ambivalent about the subtitled commentary in the video for "Bombtrack" (about the violent repression of Peru's also-violent Shining Path movement), one that I suspect few of the typical Rage fans pay much attention. (The "Freedom" video, on the other hand, tells a truly compelling story about Leonard Peltier, yet I wonder how much most people who love Rage have ever paid attention to that story.) All that aside, some of my favorites from this album (in addition to "Killing in the name of"): "Settle for nothing", "Know your enemy", and "Wake up". Too bad that "Bulls on Parade" isn't on this album too. I've always felt like Rage Against the Machine is what the Red Hot Chili Peppers could have been if (a) they chose a more political stance, and (b) stuck with more interesting music and lyrics. (On a side note but somewhat related to this comparison, I'm bummed to find out I missed seeing Rage Against the Machine at Lollapalooza by one year, and instead got the (very very very late) Red Hot Chili Peppers in addition to a number of great acts before them.) I'm also constantly surprised that, as far as I know, no presidential campaign has foolishly and unwittingly adopted any of Rage's anthemic songs for its campaign (I'm thinking particularly of a recent former president). Perhaps their use of the upside-down American flag kind of dissuades the more perceptive ones....

It’s crazy how much power Rage’s debut still holds today. It not only sounds clean with immaculate production, but it sounds unique, which is insane because this album launched a thousand mediocre rap-rock ships. It’s one of those records that just feels like it’s always been around, and even though many tried to Xerox it, the sound still sounds singular. You can tune your ears to just one instrument and find joy in every song here, and every song is amazing. I will say, though, that I think it’s hard to swallow as a full, single listen. In many ways, it’s the only Rage album anyone ever needs to hear, and arguably the only rap-rock/jock rock album worthy of anyone’s time. Anything more is almost too much. Arguably, that starts to become evident once you’re about 75% through with this record. Around that point, the schtick becomes predictable – funky rhythm section groove with a heavy metal punch, vaguely-leftist populist lyrics about the ills of a nation-state under capitalism that build to a rally-cry chorus, and Morello’s signature switchboard glitchy solo riffs that feel off-kilter but aren’t all that strange once you lock into their groove. It’s a great formula, but it’s formulaic, and that wears thin even in this self-contained presentation. It’s why Rage’s later material has lost most of its luster nowadays (although the stuffy production on those albums don’t help), and it’s why the whole genre went belly up by the end of the decade. Thankfully, when you pull the songs out on their own, this predictability isn’t really an issue, and even when it’s exhausting, I know this album is still very, very, very good. Rage’s debut is tight in a way few albums are tight, and it’s really hard to dislike, even if this isn’t your genre or your worldview. It’s a clear high water mark with a specific goal in mind. Also, a great workout record! Wish they didn’t peak so soon, but at least this album still stands as tall as it ever did.

Wow...I really liked this one. I particularly enjoyed the band's ability to replicate the genre conventions of Hip Hop whilst maintaining that Rock sound. The instrumentation is probably my favorite thing about the album. I particularly enjoyed Morello and Commerford's effects throughout. E.G. Morello's "record scratches" on Fistful of Steel and Commerford's "808s" on Township Rebellion. And, of course, I commend the band for taking an unapologetic stand against our nation's poor politics and betrayal of both its citizens and global citizens. Still rings true today. (They're goated for releasing this on an Election Day lol) And I appreciate the acknowledgement of both Rock and Hip Hop as protest genres born of necessity. Will be adding this to the rotation. 5/5

The first RAGE album is an unmatched classic. Never before or since have rap and rock been been merged with such excellence. There's not a dud track on the record. It's all killer, and all killer.

OHHHHHH YEAH THAT'S WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT

This is a classic for a reason

Beastie boys like

This is a special art, culture, a voice and style apart. Propulsive power rock defined. Nothing moves like a RATM concert Audience and mosh pit. Its extraordnary. The swirls and heaving. Unapologetic protest music- always and still relevant - frustration, outrage, oppression fear and unrest weaponised as music propaganda. You cant sit still for this. Used as Sound Test music at empty stadiums and outdoor concerts all over Europe for its dynamic range - it is both entertaining (fun) and eery to hear for its contained aggresion. it can sound forboding. But at its best it get the blood up, for sure. Unashamed protest music that taps into a deep rage and malaise around what is wrong. The opposite of pop and pap. They 'get' primitive emotion and expertly weaponise as music. A memoranble eloquence on so much that is unmentionable. Instantly recognisable, but maybe a bit 'male' for much of the audience, as I seem to remember when looking down at their mosh pit - where does a crowd learn those tribal moves?

The rare 5. This album held a major part in shaping my life. They reunited in 2007 for Coachella. 19 year old me, fresh with my first ever credit card, bought a bunch of tickets on a whim. We ended up going to Coachella 10 years in a row. It sparked my love of live music and festivals. Obligatory: fuck you I won't do what you tell me

Perfect. You will be hard pressed to find a better debut album. HoF for a reason

Die Kombination harten Rock mit RAP ist überraschend, aber auch genial produziert. Dieses Album ist bei aller Härte gefüllt mit Liebe zum Detail. Sehr gut produziert, klarer Sound mit tollen kleinen Klangspielereien rechts und links im Ohr. Man startet das Album und man kann nicht mehr aufhören, weil man bei jedem Lied staunt, was man sich alles einfallen ließ.Stark.

Rating: 10/10 One of the greatest debuts and albums of all time. Incredible mix of rap and metal with amazing performances and songwriting from all of the members. Favorite songs: pretty much all of them. Worst song: Settle For Nothing.

One of the greatest debut albums ever. Every single song is an absolute banger. Rage has helped this old guy more than anyone will ever know. When the frustrations of life were hitting me hard, a couple beers, headphones and singing Rage at the top of my lungs always seemed to make me feel better. I had the privilege to take my son to see the first live performance in 11 years on July 10, 2022 at Alpine Valley. Originally scheduled for 2020, after 2 years of postponements due to Covid, I got to experience one of the greatest live shows I have ever experienced. Sharing the experience with Luke will be a memory I'll never forget. Zack blew out his leg a couple nights later in Chicago, so we saw the only show of the reunion where we saw the full energy and Zach being able to bounce around the stage. I get goosebumps just typing out my memory. Bombtrack is my favorite tune of any Rage songs, but I could shout along with any song of this album. Probably any album. I could go on and on about how much I love these guys and their music. I still rock out to these guys on a regular basis and they are one of my favorite bands of all time. Even when my son was born, there was some discussions of naming him Zach. I probably blew that when I told my wife the reason. Ha. This may be favorite album I have heard from this list. Or at least it feels that way because I have rocked out to RATM all week. Just beautiful. I can't get enough. 5

This album needs no introduction. I remember the first time I listened to this as a kid when my neighbor brought it over to my house. I instantly fell in love with Rage's sound. As I've gotten older, I've realized that I had no idea what I was listening to - and now that I know, it adds even more meaning to the album. Sadly still relevant 22 years later. Aside from the music itself, this is also a phenomenally well recorded and produced album. The combo of Andy Wallace / Bob Ludwig at the helm for mixing / mastering can't be beat. I'm lucky enough to own an original 1992 vinyl press of this - and even as someone who generally questions the "vinyl always sounds better" mentality, this one really does. When I have friends over who have never heard a hi-fi system, this is high on my list of albums that I use to show how good recorded music can sound (I'll get off my audiophile soapbox now) IMO Rage never quite captured the magic of this album again, even though I do like their subsequent work. This album is just too good to beat.

I DUCKING LOVE THE RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE!!!!

I miss them so much

I remember being so blown away the first time I heard RATM as a teenager. Morello’s signature wailing guitars paired with the charisma of de la Rocha’s energetic funky, hip hop vocal delivery sounded so fresh at the time. Time hasn’t changed my opinion of their debut release, it still rips, the energy is unparalleled, it’s so good. 5 stars

This album fucking rocks.

Me at 16: Rage Against The Machine is the best band ever Me at 22: While influential in their time, there’s a certain political naiveté to RATM’s lyrics that makes it hard to take their music seriously Me at 33: Rage Against the Machine is the best band ever

hell yeah

"You either love RATM or you don't understand them." - my friend

This album bangs hard and doesn’t let up. Very powerful and heavy from start to finish. Best Song: Wake Up

Music to set fire to your local precinct to

Absolute masterpiece. Not a single second wasted on this album.

Its loud and crass but it really makes you feel its music. When the lead singer really shouts and screams, you can feel every bit of rage coming out of him, it's impressive. I like most of the songs here and even the ones that I didn't add to my playlist I found to be alright. There's not a lot that's bad here and it's got some killer instrumentals. The fact that the lyrics are so simple yet even now hold meaning to current political climate is damn impressive (and sad).

Oh, this is so good. Every single track. Saw them live at the first everT in the Park. Memories. And that photo on the cover is disturbing and iconic

I was just too young to understand Rage when they were still together but they dominated my stereo time on middle and high school. The Battle of Los Angeles is my go to, but I always forget that this debut was absolute fire. Killer band. Great, if ultimately impotent message. Tim and Tom are a fantastic duo. Love this band.

Top tier album, every song slaps. 5/5.

Everything a protest album should be. This album doesn't hold back anything with the aggressive vocals and gritty sound of the lead guitar with seriously deep lyrics that can paint a brutal picture of the inequalities and injustices that this album aims at.

Just another funky radical bomb track.

Well, Happy Birthday to me! I love this album, and seek this out often enough. I do believe this is by far their greatest album. No need to skip anything on hear. Everything comes together perfectly, the guitar, bass, drums, and the vocals. I don't normally love yelling and screaming as vocals, but in this it seems absolutely necessary. Very fitting for the times we are currently going through, 30+ years later...

5a direkt. Behöver inte ens lyssna men gör det ändå. Den har tyvärr inte åldrats alls. Då menar jag att texterna är obehagligt aktuella fortfarande efter 30+ år. 30!!! Kan inte fatta. Spelade valda delar för min son och hans kompis. Men de var inte lika imponerade. "Vad arga de låter" Exakt! Va lite mer arg! Kan behövas. Jag älskar denna skiva. Är är samma sound genom hela och det gör inget. Jag tröttnar inte.

Fight the war, fuck the norm. Know your enemy! Morning light hits like a fucking hangover. I drag myself out of bed, fight that old demon, and lose again. It's a dirty habit, one I swear off every night and succumb to every morning. Jerked off. Pathetic. I lace up my shoes, step into Hackney's chaos. The canal's my escape route, a vein of calm cutting through the city's relentless pulse. Feet pounding pavement, I find some peace in Victoria Park, greenery sprawling out like a lover's embrace. The world is noisy, but here, it's just me and my thoughts. Gym time. I hit the elliptical, 30 minutes of sweat and breath. “Dark” plays at 1.5x speed, reality bending as I push through. I'm lost in the story, lost in the motion. Time's a twisted mess, but I keep going, keep moving. Then it's time to sculpt. Brachioradialis workout, arms burning, each rep a protest against mediocrity. I want those 3D arms, muscles that scream through my sleeves. Rage Against The Machine blares in my ears, every note a battle cry. First time through the album, and it's a fucking masterpiece. Five stars, no contest. "Killing in the Name" roars through the earbuds. Tom Morello’s guitar is a siren, a call to arms. “Fuck you, I won’t do what you tell me” becomes my mantra, each pedal stroke a defiant act. Sweat pours, muscles burn, but this is where the fight is real. Every drop of sweat a stand against the voices that say "you can't." Time to lift. "Bullet in the Head" blasts through the speakers. The raw aggression, the biting critique of media and corporate control, it’s fuel. My brachioradialis screams under the weight, muscles carving out those 3D arms. Each rep is a punch, each set a rebellion against the lies and chains. "Know Your Enemy" kicks in as I hit the heavy sets. Morello’s riffs strike like lightning, de la Rocha’s voice electrifies. The political charge, the call to resistance, it’s all there in the lift, in the burn, in the fight to be better, stronger. Each lyric a reminder that the struggle isn’t just out there; it’s in every moment of self-doubt, every push against complacency. "Fistful of Steel" pounds through the last of my energy. Drenched in sweat, invincible in spirit. The message is clear: use your voice, your body, your existence as a weapon against the injustice. Aggressive riffs, pounding drums, the rhythm of my heartbeat. This is beyond the gym; it’s a call to arms. Rage Against the Machine’s debut isn’t just music; it’s a manifesto, a revolution. It’s a radical blend of rap, metal, and funk that transforms, ignites. This album isn’t just five stars; it’s a blazing comet of truth and defiance. It’s a partner in the weight room, a motivator on the track, a companion in the fight for something real. Tim Commerford teaches us that the bass is a goddamn heartbeat, a pulse of revolution. It’s not background noise; it's the core, the driving force. His bass lines in Rage Against the Machine—they aren't just notes. They're punches, they're protests, they're power. Precision and groove, complexity and simplicity, all mixed into a raw, relentless drive. Tim shows us the beauty in the balance, how to weave through a song with funk, rock, and metal, never overshadowing, always underpinning. He teaches us that mastery isn't just technical skill; it's knowing when to strike and when to let the silence speak. It's about resilience and consistency, every performance marked by raw commitment and passion. His bass lines—they’re lessons in rebellion. On stage, he's a force, a living embodiment of the music's spirit. It’s not just about playing; it’s about feeling, conveying emotion, making statements. It’s about connection, a visceral link between musician and audience. Tim teaches us authenticity, to stay true, to channel our passions, to scream out against the bullshit. Dedication, fearlessness, those are his teachings. Every riff, every line is a call to arms, a reminder to persevere, to hold onto integrity. It’s about more than music; it’s about resistance, about challenging the status quo, inspiring change. His bass is a weapon, his music a battlefield. And then there's the visual impact. Tim shirtless, those blackout tattoos—a canvas of rebellion. He looks like a warrior, a living work of art. The tattoos aren't just ink; they're statements, layers of identity and defiance. Tim Commerford teaches us that rhythm is rebellion, and the bass is its beating heart, pounding in sync with a body that's carved out its own path, defiantly, boldly. The album powers me through the grind, the monotony, the fight against mediocrity. Each note, each lyric, is a spark that lights the fire within. Rage Against the Machine isn’t just an album; it’s the soundtrack to my war cry, the beat of my rebellion. This album's on the list – "1001 Albums to Listen to Before You Die." I'm ticking them off, one by one, a new experience every day. My pilgrimage. Today it's RATM, tomorrow, who knows? It's a journey, each sound a new frontier. I walk out of the gym, arms pumped, spirit on fire. The day’s mine. This life, this gritty, raw existence, is about small victories. And today, I fucking won.

5 stars. I love this album. I've always loved this album. I will always love this album. Agree or disagree with their politics, there's no debate that this album is an amazing debut. Bombtrack in the running for best opening track off a debut album. Settle for Nothing is the one weak link on the album...lyrically and musically it's the one song that just doesn't resonate with me. This is the sound of righteous anger. No one talks about Rage Against the Machine being the successors to LA Hard Core punk but you can hear it on some songs. Morello is underrated as a guitarist, you hear a song he plays on and you know it's him, there aren't many guitarists whose signature sound is so recognizable. This is the sound the Beastie Boys would have had if they'd been given a record deal by a punk label instead of a hip hop label. This was a band of and for me at the right time, they brought something familiar, something new, something interesting, something angry right when all of that was the thing I wanted to hear. Hard to separate the quality of the album from how I felt when I first heard it. Freeeeeedom! William Wallace would be proud. Your anger is a gift...it was on my t-shirt and in my mind. Great debut album, one of the best ever.

Slim yet powerful, RATM's discography is among the ones where I Iike every song. They rock hard with their half-shouted vocals, their simple yet head-banging riffs, and their slick guitar that almost sounded industrial. The lyrics are pretty solid too. Repetitive and powerful, like protest slogans. I love how they're particular and universal at the same time. Overall, they're one of my go-to artists whenever I want to bang my head, raise my fist, or do both. This album in particular is not really my favorite but it's still packed with their most beloved singles.

Great

peak rage!!!

fire

10 out of freaking 10. I repeat, 10 out of freaking 10. Personally, I am not a fan of rap music. However, Rage Against the Machine is a big fat exception for me. They combine dope metal, and sick rapping. The songs in this album are memorable, well-written, and still relevant over thirty years after its release. Let's not forget about the fact that Maynard James Keenan has been featured on its track Know Your Enemy. He is my absolute FAVOURITE singer, and sadly, this album appears to be the only one in this 1001 album thing in which he is featured. Anyway, this album is a 10/10. It certainly is a must-listen album. :)

My definition of crossover.

This was sick, wish I listened to it sooner.

Every song on this album is filled with burning rage just like the band's and album's name. My only minor gripe with this album is that it begins to sound repetitive as a whole, but because every song contains the same energy and little flourishes get sprinkled in, I can still give it 5 stars. I'm not sure I will listen to the album as a whole again, but I liked every song individually because every song has something special and the energy is amazing. We need this kind of energy in politics today. I cringe when people who swing to the right-wing listen to this and think it speaks to them. I cringe because punk rock sometimes confuses these people into thinking this music is for them and then they steal it and it becomes difficult for left-wing liberals to even listen to, but I don't give a fuck. I like it and I understand the message and I will rage against the right-wing machine who is killing in the name and FUCK YOU I WON'T DO WHAT YOU TELL ME. Right-wing fascists fuck off. Rage is for lefties. Rage is for the people, not the people creating the machine. You have no right to rage against the machine if you are supporting it and helping it grow. You have every right to rage against the machine if you are an unwilling participant in the machine, a slave to the man who put you there. I admit I am a straight cisgender white male and thus I am public enemy number one. My kind has destroyed society as we know it. But please understand there are those of us who are on the side of those who have been buried by society and care for and want to fight alongside those who are frequently disenfranchised. Fuck the machine. Destroy the machine. Break down the walls that keep us locked in our cells. Music like this can inspire these emotions in the right people who will use it to try to make our society better and inclusive for everyone.

Wish they still made albums.

What a nice album to get after the 4th of July.

First time listening and loved the whole thing. I’ve always loved the photo of the monk so such a cool cover to go with the music. I can see why people love it, it’s not my favorite sound in the world but executed perfectly. I’m excited to listen to their subsequent records. Rating: 4.8

An amazing debut. Bullet in the head, know your enemy and Bombtrack are the best tracks. Also please appreciate this bass work.

Håller så fruktansvärt bra!!!

Perfect

One of the great albums of all time. The message is still annoyingly relevant and the music is still fire.

One of the best albums of my generation

This is one of the all time classic records from my youth, and something I have listened to a bunch at various times in my life. An easy 5 stars.

Fantastic album, really set itself above the music landscape at the time.

Day 36 of listening to 1001 albums, one day at a time. This album is the most perfect mix of metal, 90s rap and punk. It is your face and so amazing and loud. Everything that this album does it makes sure you hear whether you want to or not. Not only was this album revolutionary for mixing 90s rap with metal in such a great way but also has a lot to say. Wake up is my favorite track that talks about the counter intelligence program the FBI used against MLK and Malcom X but also they use Hoover speech in the song. Then in the final song Freedom when they say the line “Anger is a gift” they say it quiet to throw you off because all you’ve heard so far is them yelling. I love this album it’s so awesome and great. I think I am just more mad at myself that I didn’t listen to it sooner.

For sure an album all should hear, especially Americans, before they die. The messages and lyrics are powerful, and for that time, exposing relative to other music of this popularity. It's still hilarious to me when people seem to miss the target of the anger...

Generational album, words are more true and powerful 30 yrs later. Ahead of its time

Some of those who were enforcers are the same who burn crosses. Never been more truer than today’s day and age right! Someone like Zack and the gang gotta pick up the torch! I like the heaviness of this, the raging against the machine, and Zack’s delivery. Tom Morello is an okay guitar player with a simple technique.

An incredible debut album - socially conscious, loud, innovative, and well done.

Easy 5. Production on this is so good. All the songs are good. Holds up real well. Will I listen to again: 100%

The album absolutely rules. Will take no criticism on it. 5/5

Rage Against The Machine seems to be popping up in my video feeds these days, so it was interesting that this album got served today. I was familiar with it when it was released — I remember the bassist in my band brought the CD to rehearsal and was like, "You have GOT to hear this." We covered "Killing in the Name Of," which was a lot of fun to sing, so these guys were on my radar from the jump. Ultimately, the rap/metal fusion was only interesting for so long, in my book, and I was always an admirer of what these guys were up to though I didn't follow their every release. But holy hell, this is a ferocious album and still has urgency and relevance. And no one, not even these guys (from what I know of their later material) ever matched this in terms of its influence and sheer vitality and emotion in this genre. This is a beast. I wavered... is it a 4-star? It does seem to hang on one emotional note for the entirety, but fuck, it's so good. The riffs kill, de la Rocha leaves nothing on the field, and while Moreno's guitar solos sometimes wade into a bit of a wank, he's creative and explosive and it works on this album. So yeah, the criticisms pale in relation to the sheer energy and fearlessness RATM brings to the fore.

I'm kind of amazed I never checked this album out before. I knew Killing in the Name, of course, but damn! Every song is such a banger. This has to be one of the best debut albums I've ever heard. Tom's guitar work is sublime, Zack's lyrics on-point, and that rhythm section is hard and funky. What a stunner.

There is nothing that hasn’t already been said about this amazing album!

Still rocks

I mean, this album is probably in my top ten at least in terms of the number of times I've listed to it.

It does in fact make you want to Rage Against The Machine

What an album.

Generational Angst

I have figured out long ago that I'm not a big fan of rap metal, it really doesn't jive with me and some of the worst albums on this list have been from that genre (Kid Rock). Having said that something about this just works. Front and center are the great riffs on this album. They are interesting, heavy and aggressive. The vocals really work to enforce the aggressiveness of the guitar riffs but they are very seldom the focus of the song. I hadn't listened to this album before and as such I found a few new tracks that I really enjoyed, one of these was "Know your Enemy". On this track you can really tell the influence of the flows and rhythm of the lyrics from rap artist like NWA. If I would fault the album it would be it's lack of breadth. Most of the songs follow the same formula and while it is good there is not much variation. Torn if I should give this a strong 4 or a weak 5 but I'll think I'll settle on the latter as this is such an interesting album that I think everyone should give a shot.

Impossible to say anything more 5*

Love love love it has drive and its CRISPY

It still holds up. Iconic

Fuck Yeah! Every track is a bomb track! Genre defining.

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

Fight the war, fuck the norm! Love the passion, love the Rage.. this album is one of a kind.

One of the most significant albums of my generation. Unbridled indignation unleashed in a fury of angry lyrics and virtuos instrument handling.

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.

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.

Angsty 5 star init

Completely new sound

I loved this when I was young, and loved it today - I kept expecting it to fall off but every song bangs

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

Fuck yeah

Fuckin epic

Hell yeah! Do I have to say more?

Music to speed to.

It’s about fucking time.

Experimental, political, filled with bangers from back to front and, to me personally, nostalgic. 5/5

Absolutely love this angry fusion of metal and rap.

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

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

so sad I couldn't be an angsty teen in the 90s.

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.

Amazing

only bangers

Amazing album, still holds it's originality, power and controversy! This is a 5 star, for sure ;-)

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.

Loved it. Good energy and some bangers

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.

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.

A critical part of the late era GenXer's life soundtrack.

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!

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

68/1001 5*

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.

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

Did you know that some who work forces are the same that burn crosses

what an incredible album. just perfect.

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.

Best album to vent out anger.

Favorite Tracks: Killing In the Name Take the Power Back Township Rebellion

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

Didn't listen but know it's great

One of my favorite albums of all time.

5/5 no notes wish they didn’t sell out

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.

Excellent rock-rap mashup. Liked it!

贝斯听湿了，有种被大汉捧着头对我吼叫的感觉

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.

Revolutionary!! 5

Can't belive this was their debut album. Perfection!

TOP

No skips. This album never fails to bring energy and angst. Super fun.

Nice!

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.

Absolute classic

Energy!

Might be even better than I remember.

My vibe

As good as punk gets. Classic.

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.

This album is the BURNER.

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.

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.

Some of those that work forces, are the same that burn crosses

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.

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.

Love it!

Bestes crossoveralbum. Klassiker

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.

"What "machine" do you think they were raging against?"

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.

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

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.

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

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

Notable tracks: fucking all of it

😢

ratm forever.

5 stars because I would listen to this album every day and still not get tired of it

The sound of 90's rebellion, though the themes are still depressingly relevant 30 years later. There is so much anger and raw energy in these songs, carefully channeled through some of the best riffs of the decade. I am so incredibly happy I managed to see them on their latest reunion, and they sounded as powerful as ever. I will never not feel like a badass when this album is on, and for that, I thank you RATM.

A true classic that I basically grew up with. Angsty dissonant goodness that rings true over 30 years later. What an absolutely PERFECT debut album! Effing pioneers in what they did.

Sublime. What a thrill. Can’t believe this album is 32.

RaTM. Nothing else to say.

Massive album that only grows in stature and, sadly, relevance.

One good song after another

A favorite when I was a teenager that holds up just as well today

Perfection from the first to the last, one of my favourite albums, and one of my favourite bands. Listening again was well worth it too - just to be reminded of the force of Zack's anger and how heavy the music gets. Also, look out for a lovely bluesy solo thrown in at one point, just because Tom Morello likes to surprise!

Starkes Album voller aggressivem Sound. Sehr intensiv und einnehmend aber Hammer!

I got a speeding ticket on the way to work and another one on the way home while listening to this album. I loved this as a teenager and it is still fun to listen to now. High energy, you can feel the rage. The guitars are amazing. I rate this album 5 middle fingers.

Certified classic

Fuck you I won't do what you tell me!!!!! Shoulda seen this in las Cruces 😞

Lol

Intense rock music with rap-like lyrics. Pretty awesome guitar riffs and vocals.

Incredible album with slick guitar work and powerful accompanying lyrics to take down the machine. Love the chromatisms in the guitars and Tom morellos tones

Honestly an all-time-favorite of mine. Their music isn't necessarily masterful or technically amazing, but Tom Morello's creativity with a guitar is awesome and their passion is honest and invigorating. I feel like I could run through a brick wall after listening to several tracks on this album. I also don't necessarily agree with all their political beliefs -- but as a kid, their anger was powerful and fueled my 'question everything/question authority' mindset I still have today. Before my exposure to this kind of music, I believed that government, police, military, etc. were without a doubt, 'the good guys'. Hah.

The GOAT

An instant perfect album from start to finish. No fat to be found in this thing. It's all vinegar and kicks to the teeth. A true record one must hear before they die. It is a product of it's time and place, and a true piece or art.

8 motherfucking stars!

Brutal, good album

BANGER, exactly my current taste. I‘ve listened to this many times before. Also one of the most recognisable album covers.

Resulta que lo tenía ya en mi librería. Brutal.

Wow! A power album railing the political machine and its conductors. I love this album and play it when I need to RAGE!

Wat een geluid en wat een teksten. Het engagement. De noodzaak. Dit komt uit hun tenen.

Excellent album. From start to finish

One of my all time favourite albums. Cant imagine what it mustve been like on 1992 when this music dropped!! So explosive. Not a weak track on here 5/5

All killer no filler 5/5

This brings back all the memories and all the feels. The first time I heard this album, I was afraid of it. A few years later i rediscovered it at the right time and it quickly became a used up CD in the car

I like to think that I'm not being biased here because I grew up with this album but this a pretty much perfect album. Lyrics: 10/10 Appropriate yelling: 11/10 Appropriate swearing: FUCK YOU I WONT DO WHAT YOU TELL ME/10 Groove: 10/10 bass: Fuck Yeah!/10 Guitar: 11/10 Message and Impact: 10/10 Cover art: 10/10 Appropriate use of cow bell (Killing in the Name of): 10/10

very good

This is one of those albums that I can listen to over and over. Zach de la Rocha’s lyrics and distinct voice mixed with the technical mastery of Tom Morello’s guitars, Brad Wilk’s driving drums, and the funkiness of Tim Commerford’s bass lines creates sound that odds uniquely Rage‘s. Every song is good listening if not great

Amazing

Excellent

great, not the best to listen to while starting my workday.

This is the right time in my life to appreciate this band

I mean... It's Rage Against The Machine...

It' amazing how this album has leatrics attacking all of the things that the goverment does and how you feel all of the rage there, i loved it!

riff after riff. Often imitated, never duplicated.

Eins meiner absoluten lieblings Alben.

As Dennis told me, it’s not music, it’s propaganda. Should be required listening for every high schooler in the US. Whoever doesn’t like it must be deported.

5 What a way to start 2024 - love it!!! An old school love this group - edgey and great lyrics

power house

An absolute classic. Youthful anger and angst dressed up in an early '90s genre-blending package, containing prescience and nostalgia all at once.

cops hate you

You Settle for Nothing with this album.

It was eye exploding when you were a teenager. It still has massive power over you today. Just a great big, cathartic middle finger to it all.

😍😍😍

4/5

One of the best

Ässä

So good. 5/5

5 étoiles easy

Kickass and important, with amazing energy and one of the best album covers of all time

A classic. You can't go wrong with this one. Ten tracks of the utmost perfection here. It's pretty great. Can't wait to see what the next one will be.

The energy of RATM is unmatched. Listening to these songs is the only time I’m ever angry in a fun way.

Speaking of impressive debuts, my god - as incendiary and sadly as politically relevant as ever, this is the prototype and frankly the apex of the whole hip-hop/metal crossover movement

This blew my mind in the 90s. Still does today.

Just a classic record, what can I say. Love to put this on whenever I’m feeling rebellious.

Such hard hitting tunes. I'd heard a few of these as they made there way to radio, but the whole album was full of surprises and a great display of talent and raw energy.

This album came along at the right time for me in my early 20s. Hard. Powerful. In your face. I disagree with some of their politics, but can look past that to the greatness that is the album as a whole.

Energetic and revolutionary (in ideas)

Yes

Fuck yeah. One of the most visceral albums of all time, and sadly the themes are even more relevant now than they were upon release. This level of speaking truth to power is what many artists grow up dreaming of doing with their work, but very few of them end up being able to do so. The music itself, even setting aside the messaging that's subtle like a sledgehammer, is outstanding too. Heavy, heavy instrumentals; tight grooves; punk singing tone. It's perfect. Favorite track: Freedom

Love this album. Own first pressing CD that I use for refence when listening to a new system. The cover is haunting, and fits the message of the album.

loud, angry and vital.

Genre defining

If I could, I'd upload a picture of me age 14 holding up this album, wearing a pair of jeans I painted on "RATM" and button down work shirt with the name Dennis on one side and a black and white Rage patch on the other. This album is perfect, it defined a generation.

I love pretty much everything about this album.

This album speaks to me. 🤘🤘

One of the greatest rock albums of all time,almost all the songs are absolute bangers.Brilliant vocals, brilliant riffs,brilliant drumming and one of the most evocative album covers of all time that signals the political message of the album as a whole.

Never before a band name matched the music they play. What you see is what you get

12/10 would take the power back.

Dope

Goes so hard. Really incredible density of iconic tracks on this album, just wall to wall bangers. Zack de la Rocha brings so much energy on everything and all the songs are distinct from each other while keeping the same vibe. The only bad thing this album did was inspire a bunch of bands to think that they could make this shit too.

Best and most important album of the 1990s

Everything about this album just feels massive. Amazing.

All time classic,

Outstanding

The revolution will not be televised. It will be funky as hell. Rage's self-titled debut is a firm reminder that you can absolutely go at the throat of the world's injustices and still sound absolutely amazing while doing it. Every song slaps and every member nails the performance. Killing In the Name will always be my favourite though. I just love how the tempo fluctuates throughout the track, leading up to a crescendo and the ever-memorable chant of "Fuck you, I won't do what you tell me!" Just an absolute high octane rush of a track. Sadly the subject it's protesting against, police brutality, is still a thing. All the political subjects being attacked are still very much a thing over 30 years later. I think it's high time for another band like this. Regardless, Rage Against The Machine is energetic, funky, angry and so important. This absolutely deserves to be high up in the 1001. Favourite: Killing In the Name

Amazing

Yeaa this is a great album. Still sounds good today and the heavy rock and angsty, politically charged lyrics just work so well.

Awesome riffs and lyrics. Gets your rock on! Love this album. Recommend listening to this album. 10/10

AgitProp never sounded this funky. There’s a lot to be said about this from a political point of view, but it’s too early in the morning rn, so I’m gonna go all lib on this and just say the music slaps and that’s enough

Hype hype hype - you wanna punch the air and start a fire in your living room

Fire, listened twice

This album absolutely sick!

Listened to full album while folding clothes and other things. I'm very familiar with the album and it exceeded my memory of how good it is. Super strong start, middle, and finish. Album held up exceptionally well and the topics are still as relevant if not more relevant today.

This album stands the test of time by still being relevant 31 years later. I won’t do what you tell me!

mood today tomorrow forever tbh

Nostalgia bomb of fantastic music

Solid album, listened to this so many times in my life. I thought maybe wouldn’t rate as high, not sure if it aged well… But the music is so good

classic

5/5 - FUCK YOU I WONT DO WHAT YOU TELL ME albums like this are why i spend lots of money on nice headphones and will inevitably spend lots of money on hearing aids.

"Rage Against the Machine" is the debut album by American rock band Rage Against the Machine. Lots of interesting genres listed describing their music: rap metal, funk metal, alternative metal and rap rock. All songs feature political content. The famous cover shows the self-immolation of Thích Quảng Đức, a Vietnamese Buddhist monk, protesting President Ngô Đình Diệm's administration for oppressing the Buddhist religion. Band members include Zack de la Rocha (vocalist), Tom Morello (guitarist), Tom Commerford (bass) and Brad Wilk (drums). The album received wide-spread critical acclaim and, commercially, hit #45 in the US and #17 in the UK. A bass start, the kicks in and we're off with "Bombtrack." Morello with heavy metal guitar riffs. De la Rocha rapping about social inequality, landlords and power whores. The drums, the bass, a cowbell and that hypnotic guitar riff opens "Killing in the Name." One of many ridiculous Morello solos. It's a protest against police brutality. A memorable song ending with de la Rocha screaming and repeating "fuck you, I won't do what you told me" until he and the band come to a climatic close. They get a little funky in "Bullet in the Head" with the bass and drums. Morello with a scratching wah-wah guitar. This time it's the government controlling the population via the media. Wilk's drumming shines closing the song. The band gets a little help from Maynard James Keenan in "Know Your Enemy." A wobbly, echoing guitar. Anti-war, anti-authoritarian. The music has an urgent nature in "Wake Up." The song keeps speeding up as de la Rocha screams about racism. A loud rock start by the band begins the closer "Freedom." They get a speed-up, slow-down cycle going. The government and corporations are controlling the population. The song appropriately ends with de la Rocha screaming and loud feedback. This is quite a debut album. The music, lyrics and vocals are intense and match each other. The musicianship is top notch with Morello guitar solo's original and top notch. I'd have to say this is their best but their other three albums all have songs worth listening to. Highly recommended.

The soundtrack of my middle school experience that somehow still holds up. Such a statement as a debut album and completely shaped the sound, for better and worse, for bands years to come. Often copied, never replicated. 5/5

5/5 Still almost perfect. Hasn’t aged a second.

An absolute classic of an album. This one is more raw than later releases but showcases so much amazing songcraft, heavy grooves and the finest playing of any band of the time.

Angry. Iconic.

Favourite songs: Bombtrack, Take the Power Back, Killing in the Name, Know Your Enemy, Bullet in the Head, Wake Up, Freedom, Fistful of Steel, Township Rebellion Least favourite songs: Settle for Nothing 5/5

A classic from start to finish.

Loved this album when it came out and love still.

Fuck you I won't do what you tell me.

Gather round the piano for an old fashioned family shout along.

fuck you I won't do what you tell me