Track Listing Rage Against The Machine - Rage Against The Machine 1. Bombtrack 2. Killing In The Name 3. Take The Power Back 4. Settle For Nothing 5. Bullet In The Head 6. Know Your Enemy 7. Wake Up 8. Fistful Of Steel 9. Township Rebellion 10. Freedom
Rage Against The Machine - Evil Empire 1. People Of The Sun 2. Bulls On Parade 3. Vietnow 4. Revolver 5. Snake Charmer 6. Tire Me 7. Rollin' Down Rodeo 8. Wind Below 9. Without A Face 10. Roll Right 11. Year Of Tha Boomerang
These two albums are, without a doubt, my favourite Rage Against The Machine albums. They are loud, explicit, violent and they just make you want to throw your head around.
I generally think lyrics are a very important piece of a song, but with Rage Against The Machine, it matters less. Most, if not all, of their songs are about US politics, or crime on the streets, or something else which the members find it necessary to discuss. I know little about these issues, but I do know some things, and in some cases, I think they are totally wrong in their beliefs, but this does not in any way stop me from enjoying the music.
The guitar riffs are many leagues above 'catchy' thanks to the indescribable talent of guitarist Tom Morello. He seems to never run out of ideas and renders every song individual because of the unique sound each song has.
It is these riffs, along with repeated phrases in many songs, which mean the songs stick in your head long after you've stopped listening.
The vocalist, Zack de la Rocha, has a way of getting under your skin. You want to agree with what he's saying. His rapped out lyrics are perfectly crafted to sit around the melodies and harmonies Morello creates on his guitar. de la Rocha makes you feel as though you are there in a crowd, fighting 'the movement' with every other fan. His lyrics are powerful - 'When ignorance reigns, life is lost' - Township Rebellion. The way he shouts them out from the base of his lungs makes you want to get up and do something about this injustice, even if you're not quite sure what.
There has never been a better time to get these albums. RATM have been around for so many years, but are right now making a comeback. They are scheduled to perform at T In The Park and Reading and Leeds Festivals this year - 2008. It is guaranteed that these will be some of the best performances these festivals have ever seen. The stagecraft these individuals possess is electric. Even if you only kind of like the lyrics, or find all the riffs overpowering, you will regret it if you don't see this band in concert. The best and most popular songs can be found on these albums, and once you've heard them, you will be desperate to get tickets to these events.
If you want to hear some samples, these can be found for the first album on Amazon.co.uk. The most famous and notable song being Killing In The Name. It's almost worth buying the album just for that, but I find it hard to believe that it would be the only song you would enjoy.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
Well, I own both albums, and I agree 100% with what he says, he said what I thought, and this is a review that would make me go explore/buy, its really well written, and its personal yet informative.
Great review.
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