Reviews (page 8 of 15)
Atrociously good funk rap, rock and roll. Legitimately one of the best albums ever. It’s so angry, so funky, so riffy, so heavy! An absolute delight.
5/5
catártico, claramente. (porém não é pra mim.)
имба.
It's rage, for sure, but the bass makes it music. The earnestness is a bit exhausting, hard to listen to the whole thing in one sitting. Saved by the bass
In my book, one of the top 10 greatest debut albums of all time.
I love this album so much
Music for me before this was filtered through my parent's classic rock or my cousin's metal tastes which were much more broad (love, drugs, heartache the devil, war etc). The topics and presentation of this was a kick in the chest in the best way. Favourite song: Know Your Enemy 5/5
Listen, the anger is justified (and it is, often, in the lyrics) But it is a whole fuckload of anger, no way to be healthy in that space Woke, Furious Chili Peppers, some grooves here Very cathartic, especially in 2025, felt like being at a protest A statement of an album that maybe could’ve been an EP? A few singles? and said just as 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!
Ok
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.
Rage Against the Machine...a polarizing group for sure. I've come to appreciate them a bit more as I've gotten older. Sure, their blend of metal/funk/rock makes for an interesting listen. Growing up and actually comprehending what these guys were preaching, why they're raging against "the machine", the anger is not unfounded. Honestly, the guitar playing by Tom Morello is the main character here. Zack de la Rocha vocalizes his anger well, but Rage wouldn't be Rage without the melodic and amplified riffing from Morello's guitar. Very few can do what he does quite honestly. The bass and drums from Commerford and Wilk, respectively, complement the rest quite nicely too. Anyway, this is a banger of a debut album.
When I think of this album, I think of a sonic Molotov cocktail of punkSO passionate and defiant. It's a battle cry for social justice and a testament to the power of unapologetic resistance. Love it, but then again: not my PERSONAL musical favorite. Would give it 4.5 stars if I could
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.
Ett av dom mest ikoniska metalbanden, deras sound är toppen!
Fetare än din mamma
8/10 not really my genre, but it’s well made and I agree with the politics so there’s that
I did enjoy raging against the machine
dope AF
To much rage.
Killing in the Name is an iconic song... 3,75
3 out of 5. Now that I'm older and know more about how things work this album is better than I remembered.
I am going to Rage against Rage against the machine
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
Very good
nice album, with some banger songs
Buenos recuerdos. Fue mi día a dia
Incredible album, still holds up now
Great beats, memorable lines, important lyrics - all around this album hits the mark. The biggest detractor is how repetitive some of the moments are. Repetition can be great to hammer in a point, but too much and it just dilutes the impact. 4.3/5 -> 4/5
One of the best albums to listen to as loud as you can!
I wish I discovered this at more angsty teen age when I could have appreciated it. Now it just feels far too angry.
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.
Far too angry. Once upon a time perhaps we could have danced but that ship has sailed
Sometimes you need to encounter music at a specific time in your life to truly appreciate the artistry. If only I had encountered Rage Against the Machine as a sweaty eighteen year old in my dorm room instead of many years later as a suburbanite with a mortgage who likes fussing in the yard. We could have had a fling once upon a time, Rage, but when you own land you are the Machine. EDIT: Listening to this later in light of the onslaught of outrages coming down from our present day wannabe fascist regime is definitely an experience. I appreciate the lyrics much more now but I don't think I'll ever be able to get over the metal-rap thing. But I have more respect for the band and its fans.
I can't think of a more appropriate title for the album. Zach is a lyrical master and Morello rips.
I like their politics; I hate rap rock 99% of the time and Zach’s voice in particular is grating. This just isn’t for me. Again, I’m as anti-authoritarian as they come. Defund the police, abolish ICE, launch the billionaires on a one-way trip to Mars, I’m down with it. Just not with this music.
Awesome debut album. I was a big RATM fan as a kid learning guitar. Morello's guitar style is super unique but accessible.
Yeah, not a rap fan at all. I can recognize and acknowledge why it's good though. Would I revisit this: nah.
cool
This man is so angry. People like this huh?
I'll be honest, I liked this more than I expected to. It kept my interest, it was exciting, and I was surprised how many of these songs I already recognized. I never got in to this music, and frankly, I don't think I ever really will be "in to it," but was a good listen. I was on a roadtrip to Vegas, and actually gave this a couple repeat listens over the weekend.
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.
3,9/5
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
Another interesting scenario to be listening to RAGTM, sitting at a desk working in excel. I really enjoyed the bassist though, seems to be the main ingredient to the band aside from the vocals. Not something I would listen to consistently.
3.5
Powerful, energetic and brilliant. All of the songs are good on this one. Easy 5.
I'm surprised at how much I'm actually enjoying this one. I would typically not think of this as my sort of music at all.
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
Very good! Bombtrack is a bomb!
Ein Gespenst geht um in Europa
Cool aber ich konnte noch damit was anfagen
Bombtrack initially had me thinking I might actually enjoy this more than I did decades ago. Wow, was I wrong. Every other song in the same key (assuming there's enough chord structure here to even call them keys), minor variations on the same handful of riffs, monotonous scream-talking...I have no issue with the message, but could you at least put a modicum of thought into the music as opposed to subjecting us to an hour of the same grungy noodling? Listened before I died; won't be coming back.
En evig aktuell klassiker. Kun bangers.
They walk what they talk
I understand the appeal but I am not their target audience
Listened on 5/9/25 3/5 Favorite song: Killing in the Name This gave me a headache but the political commentary was top tier
Love the energy and raw feeling of RATM, even if the music isn’t my particularly cup of tea. I’d give the album a 3.5 and Bombtrack is probably the favorite.
Actually unlistenable. Basically a history lesson of what's it like to be a white guy in the early 90's and not get along with your dad
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.
ALL OF WHICH ARE AMERICAN DREAMS!!!! i fucking loved this album already so this wasn’t hard. RATM are genuinely so brave for this lowkey posting this album the same day as the presidential election is wild and the history of the album cover is so interesting, its just so groovy i love it, know your enemy has got to be in my top 30 songs ever
I really enjoyed the guitar and instrumentals of all songs but the vocals just ruined it .( as per usual for metal)
i like it!!! first song reminds me of sabotage by beastie boys which is one of my favourite songs so thats sick! obviously killing in the name is a classic and have loved that one for a hot min. one issue with this album is that it was one of my ex's favourites so that does slightly ruin it just because transporting me to dark times. shame though because this is a very good album, slightly same-y though. favourite was probs wake up though!
great album
Easy. 5/5.
Rage Against The Machine's first album delivers a potent political message, intricately woven with a fusion of pulsating funky bass, exceptional guitar riffs, and heavy metal influences. While I occasionally feel the album as somewhat repetitive, particularly in its rhythms and certain lyrics, this simplicity echoes the straightforward messaging often found in protests or marches, which perhaps explains the rationale behind this stylistic choice. Since the album's release, I have had two significant insights. Firstly, I have developed a profound appreciation for Tom Morello's innovative guitar techniques, which have continued to venture further into uncharted territories over the years. Secondly, it is unfortunate that many frat bros who partied to this album, particularly like those from my university days, failed to grasp the underlying message, as they are now major contributors to the world's problems rather than solutions. This album is undeniably impactful. Yet is disheartening to recognize that its message remains pertinent and necessary today, likely echoing the sentiments of those who were raised on the protest music of the 1960s.
all the songs sounded the same but hell yeah
adore this album, unlike a lot of what I grew up with this has absolutely stood the test of time
I expected to like this more than I did, it was decent but just don't see myself going back to it much
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.
Very angry. A lot monotonous. Very whiny.
Anger is an energy, etc.
Album art:4
masterpiece
-holy shit this is so cool, I wish I could’ve been a teenager listening to this in the early 90s -really nothing bad to say about this album in terms of quality I think. I definitely preferred the first half but it never really deteriorated in quality. can see why this one’s so loved -Favorites are Bombtrack, Killing In The Name, and Take The Power Back
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!
🎧Respect to Rage, they’re probably the most successful and influential politically-minded band of the past 40 years. Solid songs here, and that’s coming from someone who doesn’t like rap metal. Favorite track: Bullet In The Head
not for me
buenisimo
Freedom! Yeaaaaaah!!!
Worthy addition to the list. Great if you're in a combative type of mood. Gets a little repetitive after a whole album though
Definitely deserving on the list although for some reason I don't quite gel with the LA/So-Cal rap thrash/metal/punk sound - RHCP/RATM and all that.. In some ways this sounds a little bit like as if The Beastie Boys got up on the wrong side of bed - which isn't necessarily a bad thing. And no slight on this album but was surprised to see the Global score right on the money at 4....that's just outside the Top 20 - interesting given how unsurprising/more mainstream the other albums getting 4+ overall ratings are...
Got to admit, I entered this full of bias, but by the end of the first track I was engaged. A number of tracks too heavy for me, yet overall, and in the context of its era this is a fine album.
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
Man what an angry and aggressive album. One of those albums that you have to take a break halfway through. But that's exactly what RATM set out to accomplish so credit where credits due. Killing in the Name is a great song. Not an album I'll listen to again but respect the art. 6/10 (3/5)
I felt like raging against the machine today whilst I was wait in line to vote for a prime minister, of which I think all the candidates are flogs and a waste of space
This is very rude music. But it makes me feel cool 😈
Makes me wanna kill a billionaire
Definitely not my favorite genre but lowkey I admire RATM quite a bit. This album is unapologetically radical. I’m not gonna look it up because it will make me sad if I’m wrong about this but I don’t think Tom Morello has ever had a bad take. 🤞🏻
Never heard Rage Against the Machine before and its really good. Heavy and hard rock. They got good vocals and music as well. Intense at times but I really like it. Sometimes these albums can get repetitive and sound the same.
Bangers straight through. Cohesive but each song is packed with interesting riffs to keep it entertaining. Didn’t realize they made all their music with the same consistent quality as their hits. Definitely a certain vibe that I don’t get to that frequently which is the main reason I’m only giving it 4.
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
Just what was needed
Very good album but for me I have to be in high energy mood for it. Definitely sounds as advertised. ⚡️✊🏽💪
Me likey😀👍
bombtrack is peak. tracks 2-5 are pretty mid. rest of the album is PEAK.
3.5
3.5
3.5
8.4/10 ★★★★
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.
I have really mixed feelings on this one. On one hand, it takes a bunch of subgenres I hate -- rap rock, funk metal, nu metal -- but against all odds, it kind of works about half the time. I think Zack De Le Rocha kind of saves the band from their own worst instincts. He's a cool frontman. I do think it's still kind of cheesy at times, but there's some cool stuff here, particularly "Killing in the Name" and "Freedom". 3.5 stars.
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.
I can’t decide if rage against the machine is a vibe that I’m just not totally clicked with or too cringe for me to live through so I will be positive.
An interesting album for the current era. "Killing in the Name Of" will always be a great song. I despise La Rocha's voice and the repetitive lyrics. It could do with more verses. "Self-Titled" would've been an incredible album if it didn't have those two things. 2 stars for "Self-Titled".
Great debut album.
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.
This album was ok.
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
The original! Lots of raging against the machine.
Classic
Pretty cool liked it. I am a modern rap fan so listening to it super funky but not my style some absolute bangers though
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.
Too political for my liking
I’ll admit that I was not a fan when it came out , it was really agro cock jock rock imo and I was more of a Dead Kennedys fan. But it’s not like that and I was wrong. It rocks and this album is definitely having a resurgence for reasons I am sure are a timely response to a certain political climate that finds the USA divided. Heavy guitars and good lyrics go along way.
It's really not bad. Honestly. It may be some of the best popular political punk rap I've heard. I'm just not a fan of the sound.
One of those awesome custom cars, every detail idiosyncratic, lights in surprising places, fetish lug nuts, stainless steel 'mufflers' that actually increase volume, BUT ALSO they don't know when to stop applying the wordy lefty bumper stickers.
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".
I can't say I fell in love with the album, but I liked it. I always appreciate albums with personality, and this one had a LOT of angst. This is one of those albums that feels like if you rate it poorly, you're trying really hard to make a statement. Which is a good sign that this album is decent and at the very least culturally significant.
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.
some of the songs go on too long in a meandering sort of way, losing energy by the end. only thing keeping it from a 5
the sound is just great, the lows on the album don't bring it down very much at all.
Makes me wanna #FreeLuigi a CEO and play some Devil May Cry
Much better than Coldplay.
8/10 Great guitar. Very angry
a classic
classic
It's nice I guess? Would have to listen to it more (I wonder if you can edit these later)
One of the first albums I bought when I really started getting into music at 13. Wake Up was my favourite then. This is really good, probably the peak of the genre.
It doesn't get much more metal than this!
It’s fine, not for my taste
Love. Just 🔥
Sounds like it was well produced. Clear instrument distinction. There is indeed a lot of rage.
I always thought I liked Rage Against The Machine, but after listening to the entirety of this album, I actually realized I do not. None of their songs or music really engaged me. I found it to be more noise than coherent musicality and meaning. I listened to most of their later albums, and with the exception of Bulls On Parade, the rest left me uninterested as well. I am just realizing that what I always liked was Bush, not RATM.
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".
Awesome. The kinda rap rock that makes you miss the days of rap rock.
great album, a little repetitive at times but great
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
I wanted to like this a lot more than I actually did. Just a little too much screaming vs singing and the repetition of the lyrics was a bit irritating. I thought some of the music was pretty good and Tom Morello for sure is talented but this just wasn't for me.
Great album, doesn’t get more protesty than this, and it’s cool to see that rage hasn’t really ever gone against their social justice ethos. The music is great too, the singers voice is perfect for his message and Tom morello’s guitar riffs make it sonically appealing as well. 4.3/5. Fav song: Killing in the Name
It was solid workout music. They just start to sound repetitive
Classic. Amazing record.
Finally, some much needed adrenaline in this bitch!
Incredibly invigorating and so full of energy. Morello’s inventive guitar playing makes the album.
All a bit childish. Same anger as the rap groups of the era but without direction or coolness
Good rage album
divorced dad
I forgot how much this album is also a really solid FUNK album in addition to all the other things it has going for it.
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
I've been told for a very long time that Rage Against the Machine is good... and I've for an equally long time disagreed. I suppose if I were angrier at "the machine," this would resonate, but I figure, I voted, so if things turn out to be a shit sandwich, either I'm partially to blame or fully free of fault. Getting angry at those in power and/or the idiots that put them there has just never felt like a good use of energy... I'd rather reserve my ire for more sensible things like malfunctioning technology and lousy coworkers. But I digress... back on topic: this album sucks. Any redeemable guitar work (and there is some) is completely lost in the splatters of screamy and oft silly cliches... seriously... I was more convinced of Alanis's anger on Jagged Little Pill than I was by the forced "rage" on this after school special...
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.
I liked the music. I hated the screaming.
Anti war anti corporate politics appropriated by the band's teenage audience as adolescent rebellion. Fuck you (mom) I won't do what you tell me! But if rock-n-roll isn't for pubescent catharsis what is it for? When that was my demographic this was the gnarliest, hardest, dirtiest, fastest thing imaginable (ie in the radio) and I was first scared of it the loved it. In retrospect it's much cleaner (the guitar is distorted but very tightly), the riffs are slower and have more of a groove, and the extreme vocals are a much more focused rap-scream delivery than I remembered. Far from wild and flailing it's precisely controlled fury and it fucking rips hard. A comp with the best tracks off this and evil empire and 2 from their 3rd album would be the best hour of 90s metal hands down, but they all have some filler.
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.
4.5
Fantastic debut album, a raw yet refined sound that you can’t help but get fired up to. Pointed and poignant lyricism that demands attention from the listener and imbues its energy into them. Zack de la Rocha vocals are raw and powerful, and Tom Morello’s iconic tone on guitar is standout from the jump. Fav track: Killing In The Name
Enjoyed it
Very political. I once read that some people say RAM is more of a "manifesto" than an album. This opinion is mixed—sometimes it's meant as praise, other times as criticism. I noticed a lot of inspiration from Minor Threat, Black Flag, and other punk bands, but some major Led Zeppelin-style riffs also resonate in certain songs. For example, Wake Up reminds me of Kashmir, particularly in the rhythmic progression that Jimmy Page often used in his compositions. I think this rebellious punk attitude is in decline—it has fully spread among the youth, and some verses from RAM sound somewhat caricatured nowadays. But it’s not completely cringe. I wouldn’t place this album among the elite, but certainly deserves to be in this list.
Baixo absurdamente saboroso, que tom tesudo que o baixista usou nesse disco PQP Musicalmente eu curti, mas liricamente e tematicamente eu acho meio vergonhoso kkkkkkk. Pra epoca, ok, mas hoje em dia até o nome da banda eu acho tosco. Importante mencionar que não gosto de Metal, e passei da minha fase de Rap, então um album de Rap Metal dificilmente me agradaria mas... Gostei de varios grooves (que nem eu disse no começo, o baixo é esplendido) e gostei de varios riffs e solos também. Não mudaram minha vida, mas são agradaveis o suficiente pra mim. E que porra é essa duração? Sinceramente, o album poderia terminar em Wake Up, as faixas que vêm depois dela são entediantes e até mesmo irritantes. 2.5/5
Another entry on the "this is an unreal debut album" list. The energy of Rage would be enough to get it on the list but the fact that they're actually good makes it a great listen. I remember buying this CD and ended up looking up the image from the album cover. Tom Morello is a sick guitarist. There's some creative use of funk. I could imagine being at a show of their would have had unreal energy.
Amazing musicianship. Conscious lyrics and interesting compositions. A well rounded album. Production value if higher would be interesting, but it's a debut album. A new standout track for me was know your enemy.
As funky and bombastic as the day it was written, and unfortunately as lyrically relevant as ever. Tom Comerford is perhaps one of the most unsung Heroes of rock bass. What a blistering debut record.
custom_rating:6.5
INCREDIBLE bass and guitar, but the singing/screaming felt repetitive after a time -- my rage might not be big enough for this idk
great instruments, great fast paced would like a little more variation
Sommige nummers zijn net teveel rap, maar overall wel goed
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
I've heard a lot about the album. It's a bit too hard for me to really like it. Overall, it reminds me too much of white rap. 2/3
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
Listening to this on my drive into the office for our team's onsite made me feel like I was in the opening scene of Office Space. I can't help but think RATM would be super disappointed if they knew this album was the soundtrack to my morning commute to my corporate job. That said, I am PUMPED UP. This isn't really a nostalgia album or band for me. I grew liking Rage and having a ton of respect for Tom Morello, but was never super into them as a band, beyond knowing the hits. Favorites here were Killing in the Name and Take the Power Back. Some really cool and unexpected guitar solos across the whole thing. Only complaint is that the rap/rock thing feels like it runs its course after 30 minutes, but that's just a matter of taste.
And that machine? Tariffs
Bit heavy for my taste
Too rough for me
What if mediocre rock but we slapped on terrible rapping on top of it? Hmmm.
As a teen I couldn’t stand RATM, and now that it’s 3 decades later… It’s fine. Had to skip one song because it was like nails on a chalkboard. WHen the album finished, I was just happy the yelling was over.
Woke nonsense, but actually they are right about most of the things. Even though I'm not a commie or an anarkist, it's true that the US has done a lot of really bad stuff in the past. But like also, the US government IMO is too stupid to do stuff like control the populace using the media, and all the other weird conspiracy shit.
Znam!!
Bored, all same style, big metal fans but not like this, 2/10
Hook-filled, yapping funk metal. It sounded a bit more toothy in the 90s and paved the way for some much worse examples (the Nu Metal / Woodstock ‘99 gang). Production sounds a bit flat thirty years on and Morello’s Led Zep-isms are a bit cloying but they were a unique bit of stuff overall.
dope
önceden dinlemiştim
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.
Angry and excellent
I love it when funk gets angry
Would love to see what this was like in concert in the front row. Spit hurtling towards you, elbow shoves and the smell of sweat... lovely. Great album.
This is so timeless - loved it. Made me feel stuff.
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
One hell of an album, pure raw energy. This one is on the favorites list for quite some time, so I listen to it occasionally. The album just works, everything is working towards a common goal of expressing ones anger and rebellion towards authority. It's hard to pick something that stands out, everything is great. The guitar work of Tom Morello is phenomenal, the riffs are heavy, interesting and diverse. The rhythm section does a great job, there are nice drum fills and hi hat work. The bass is also great, with nice solo riffs here and there. The vocals and the lyrics are a single unit, they fit in perfectly. The themes can pretty much be summed up as "fuck the system". The album is loud and fast most of the time, but isn't afraid to get slow and quiet when needed, with powerful lyrics taking the front seat. The band has two more solid albums, but this one stands out as the special one, one of the best from it's era for sure.
Soooo pissed! I listened and thought this was a very good album for the late 90s. I double checked the release date...1992! This is doubly good given the year it was released. Wow
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.
Serious rock
Angry mood music
Detta komme vidare til oslo
The zenith for angry 15 year olds.
Time travel is possible it seems. This album transported me back to the mid-90s in a scary way. Working on code while headbanging is not something I expected to do this fine Friday afternoon. This album more than most reminds me of listening to music with headphones on. This is not social music for me. This was a guilty thrill like reading under bedcovers with a torch after lights out, or sneaking into the old man's closet to page through old porno mags from the 70s and 80s. Fun to visit but I wouldn't want to live there. I'd forgotten about the Maynard cameo and all the LedZep rips.
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
One of my favorite workout albums.
God hård rock, killing in the name, fungerer hvis man er i humøret
Not my cup of tea
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
great if you’re in the right mood (angry)!
Like if the Chilis actually had something to say… actually enjoyed this quite a bit, maybe it just hit me on the right day
I've never really listened to RATM before. I don't traffic in that kind of anger anymore but I like their sound. Morello is a good guitar player
1992, j’ai vingt-deux ans, je suis installé dans le studio de la radio indépendante, et je reçois ce truc. Une pochette avec un moine qui s'immole. Pas de fioritures, pas de logo brillant, juste la violence pure et silencieuse d'une photo historique. Je me rappelle avoir posé le diamant sur le vinyle avec une sorte d'appréhension. Ce que j'ai pris dans la gueule en cinquante minutes, c'était pas juste un disque de rock, c'était un attentat sonore. À l'époque, on sortait tout juste de la domination des brushings du hair metal et de la pop proprette. On était en plein milieu de l'explosion Grunge, mais Rage, c'était autre chose. C'était une machine de guerre conçue pour broyer le système de l'intérieur. Musicalement, c'est un séisme. Tom Morello est arrivé avec sa gratte et il a décidé que les règles n'existaient plus. Le mec ne jouait pas de la guitare, il faisait du scratching avec ses cordes, il imitait des sirènes de police, il transformait son instrument en platine de DJ ou en scie sauteuse. Pour moi, voir un type réinventer l'instrument de façon aussi radicale tout en restant "groove", c'était fascinant car on n'avait jamais entendu ça. C'était du métal, oui, mais avec une colonne vertébrale funk tellement solide qu'elle aurait pu faire danser un mort. Tim Commerford et Brad Wilk, c’est une section rythmique qui ne respire pas, elle martèle. C'est du béton armé, sec, sans aucune réverbération inutile. Et puis, il y a Zack de la Rocha. Le mec n’est pas là pour chanter, il est là pour te cracher ses convictions à la figure. C’est un flow incisif, une rage (justement) qui n’a rien de feinte. On sent que chaque mot est pesé, que chaque syllabe est une balle. À la radio, quand on passait « Killing in the Name », on savait qu’on faisait chier le monde, et c’était ça qui était bon. C’était l’époque où on croyait encore que la musique pouvait renverser des gouvernements. Ce disque, c’était le manuel de l'anarchiste mis en musique, une charge héroïque contre le capitalisme, le racisme institutionnel et la machine médiatique. C’était brut, c’était sincère, et c’était d’une efficacité redoutable. Plus tard, entre 1996 et 2000, quand je bossais dans le magasin de disques indépendant, je voyais les gamins se ruer sur cet album car c’était devenu la porte d’entrée pour toute une génération. Le problème, c'est que ça a aussi ouvert la vanne à toute la vague Nu Metal qui a suivi, et là, j'ai commencé à déchanter. Voir l'héritage de Rage Against the Machine se transformer en mecs à casquettes rouges qui pleurnichent sur leurs problèmes d'ados, ça m'a un peu flingué le plaisir. On passait de la révolte politique pure à de la soupe commerciale pour MTV. C'est peut-être là que mon regard sur ce premier album a commencé à changer, à se teinter d'une certaine amertume. Parce qu'au final, quand je remets ce disque aujourd'hui, je lui colle un 3 sur 5. Pourquoi pas plus ? Parce que c'est un album qui manque cruellement de nuances. C'est un bloc, un parpaing. C’est génial quand tu veux tout péter, mais au bout de quarante minutes, cette production ultra-propre, ultra-compressée, finit par me fatiguer. Moi qui suis un bouffeur de Post-Punk, j'ai besoin de zones d'ombre, de silences, de moments où la musique respire la défaite ou la mélancolie. Chez Rage, tout est en pleine lumière, tout est frontal, tout est dans l'affirmation constante. Il n'y a pas de place pour le doute, et pour moi, le doute, c'est l'essence même de la bonne musique. C'est un disque qui a incroyablement bien vieilli techniquement, mais qui a pris un coup de vieux dans son approche "grosse caisse claire qui claque". Quand j'écoute « Bullet in the Head », j'admire la construction, le crescendo final est monstrueux, mais ça ne me touche plus aux tripes. C'est un album de jeunesse, de testostérone et de conviction, et peut-être que j'ai juste passé l'âge de me faire hurler dessus pendant une heure sans qu'on me propose un peu de texture sonore plus complexe. Néanmoins, je ne peux pas nier l'importance de l'objet dans cette liste des 1001 albums. C'est une borne kilométrique indispensable. Ils ont réussi à fusionner le Rap et le Metal sans que ça sonne comme une blague ou un accident industriel. Ils ont apporté une conscience politique dans un milieu (le rock lourd) qui en était souvent dépourvu, ou alors de manière très superficielle. Ils ont imposé un son que personne n'a jamais réussi à copier correctement, malgré des milliers de tentatives foireuses. Rien que pour ça, le respect est éternel. C’est le genre d’album que je suis content d’avoir possédé, mais que je ne ressortirai pas spontanément pour une écoute attentive. C’est une pièce de musée vibrante, un témoignage d'une époque où on pensait que le rock pouvait encore être dangereux. Un 3/5 solide, pour l'histoire, pour le riff de « Bombtrack », pour la technique de Morello, et pour ce putain de souvenir de moi, dans mon studio de radio, pensant que le monde allait changer grâce à un riff de basse. C'était beau, c'était violent, c'était Rage. Mais la suite de l'histoire nous a appris que la "Machine" gagne toujours à la fin, et ça, le disque ne nous l'avait pas dit.
All-time classic. Still ahead of everybody, decades later.
Rage Against The Machine carries this album here. That song fucks, the rest of it is quesitonable. 3/10
as someone who plays bass, i've been obsessed with the opening basslines on bombtrack and take the power back since like grade nine, and as someone who's been varying degrees of leftist my whole life, i'd been obsessed with this album since like grade seven. all around has aged better than i expected, and i find it impressive how effectively they balanced their intellectual and political ethos-crammed lyrics with really cool instrumentals and production; kind of the thinking man's beastie boys. all around though, the tracklist feels like it's retreading the same formula a lot of the time - but these are punctuated by these really cool, almost slint-esque experimental moments. my fav tracks would be settle for nothing, wake up, bombtrack and killing in the name of! probably about a 7-8/10 for me.
Fuck you, I won't do what you tell me!
This is a fantastic album. An essential tool in the box for political advocates, the band synthesizes the frustration, anger, and critiques of punk, metal, & some strains of rap. Speaking of rap, the flow is unique — a staccato that is timed with the rhythm so the words actually hit you. The rhythms are propulsive and swaggering. While it’s political, this music puts you in your body. There are flaws. A few of the rhymes are lyrically strained. And this is not music I can listen to for too long, like I could have 30 years ago. But, it’s still essential and relevant — and it rocks!
A lot of shouting, a lot of repetition. Too long, loud and aggressive for me. Some of the guitar melodies are cool though.
Pretty great shit right here. Only way political music should be.
Unique sound and stirring lyrics. The bass lines were my favorite
Man, this a really freaking good protest album. There aren't really any low points through the album. There are a few odd instruments being used, or instruments used in odd ways that doesn't really work well. But there's really one moment where it's particularly noticeable. It's an album with an incredibly high floor. Some of the time changes are also really freaking cool. All of this while being a "fuck you" protest album. Hell yeah, brother Favorite Song(s): Killing in the Name, Take the Power Back, Wake Up
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
This is fire, iconic metal, politically fueled, the vocals are really good and super clear which is sometimes a problem I have with with metal, one song had a slap bass which went unreasonably hard on metal, a 33 year old album that still stands really well musically and politically, definitely gonna add it to my list.
Everyone should love a bit of RATM. It may not be your musical style, but the content is fucking incredible and the message gets across undeniably.
Full of bangers including that one. Mid 5.
Really cool, but gets old near the end.
God damn i expected this to be a decent album. But no this was extraordinary. To describe this album with two words: Tom Morelo. This man does everything in this album and gives some of the most consistent and amazing guitar performances I have ever heard on an album. About a 9/10.
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.
This is an excellent album, although I must be getting old, if I’m admitting that I got tired of the yelling. Overall to me this is a pretty groundbreaking album that was socially conscious and introduced rap/rock/metal (at least to the mainstream public). Lyrically it’s great, although it is sad that the themes are still relevant nearly 25 years later. what a time to be alive.
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!
Not my usual choice of genre but you can't deny the quality.
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.
Okay … respect for the political positioning, sound production and some of the guitar work, but vocals are (to put it politely) not to my taste, tracks are repetitive and the album is too long. Also, as mentioned by another reviewer, just because the lyrics are not sung doesn’t make it rap!
This is never going to be my favorite genre (is this Nu Metal? Do people still use that, or was that a fly-by-night NME name?), but this is as good as it's going to get. I appreciate that this isn't anger for the sake of anger like some other albums on the list, they're angry about very real and legitimate things. Definitely pumped me up on the way into work and warranted another listen on the way home, but the songs do get slightly formulaic by the end of the album.
Not for me
Some good, some bad.
Bald.
Superb!
Very good. I listen to it when I exercise!
i know the lyrics are important and all but rap metal isn't for me
Really solid album with a ton of energy and a lot of great tracks. A very worthy listen.
- it just doesn't hold up ..... -
ss
Unpopular opinion : RATM is one hit song wonder with Killing in the name of.
One of the best listens so far!
An explosive manifesto of audio. Tom Morello's boundary-pushing guitar riffs compliment Zack de la Rocha’s raw emotion on every track. Unapologetically political and a middle-finger to authority in every way, but certainly can be considered among the best debut albums in rock history.
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 -
Photo of the monk is crazy work. I think Rage Against the Machine is just an average band, if I wanted to listen to something similar there are much better bands in my opinion. Vocals mediocre.
Solid album. Coupla good bangers in here, and the vibes are immaculate through the whole album
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
3.5
Oh, so heavy. Not fun. Serious and pointed. I saw these play once. Powerful and serious. Today's politics have not moved one iota from the points they have made then. It's a great bit of work. I don't like listening, but they have their place ... 4 stars, easy.
What a great way to start a week. Woke up feeling tired and drained, now I'm feeling like joining a protest and setting something on fire. What a fantastic album. People are always talking about how great Tom is, and don't get me wrong he's amazing. I'm not even sure how you make a guitar sound like he does, but he can definitely makes his sing. People seem to sleep on the bass though. It's funky, it's heavy, and the drums fit perfectly. You know it's a great album when the album ends and you listen to other songs by the band.
This album rocks, kicks, slaps, and raps. I can totally understand if someone has never heard of RATM, they probably wouldn't like them. They're aggressive, the rap flow is strange, the lyrics are very politically driven. But that's what I love about it. And, it's a fantastic album to workout to. The rhythm section is what carries the band, with Tom counting as part of that because he's incredible and his guitar definitely makes you groove and fits so well into the bass and drums. When bombtrack plays, and if you're not banging your head when the band comes in, I'm convinced you're not a fan of music. And what bass player hasn't listened to Take the Power Back and not immediately fall in love? This band rules, this album rules. It's not perfect, but I love it.
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!
In a remarkable feat, every song is exactly two minutes too long. On paper, this should be the worst idea for a band anyone's ever had, it ends up working as well as it does thanks to the earnest of the execution. Good in short bursts - maybe a song or two - but listening to this all the way through in one go seems a bit redundant.
This is a strong debut record and a true introduction of what was to come for Rage, but there are also a lot of tracks that kind of get lost in the mix and don’t measure up to the material that came later. They definitely hit you with a punch right out of the gate with Bombtrack and Killing in the Name, but it sort of levels out a bit after that. Still you hear what makes each of them such talented individuals. This is truly a 3.5 star album in my eyes but I suppose I’ll round up
This should have been Evil Empire, because this is just Rage as they’re figuring things out. Half the songs are Public Enemy ripoffs, and the others are good but still sound like bad metal production. They’ve done better, and as influential as it is, there’s so much more these guys did that it feels cheap to put this on the list.
some eternal bangers on here but the Tom Morello schtick gets old pretty quickly
FDT
Der Hard Rock Charakter, die Lyrics und die nicht singenden sondern sprechenden oder schreienden Singstimmen sprechen mich nicht so an (no pun intended). Bezüglich Rhythmus passieren allerdings interessante Dinge. Auch bei Instrumentierung, Dynamik und Harmonien sind teilweise wirklich schöne Ideen dabei. Bei allen Songs würde ich aber kritisieren, dass sie diese nicht weiterentwickeln. Darum werden die Songs mit der Zeit voraussagbar und das gesamte Album etwas invariabel.
I don't think this has lived up to the test of time, sorry...
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