Rage Against the Machine Songs Ranked

Rage Against the Machine is an American rock band from Los Angeles, California. Formed in 1991, the group consists of vocalist Zack de la Rocha, bassist and backing vocalist Tim Commerford, guitarist Tom Morello, and drummer Brad Wilk. Their songs express revolutionary political views. As of 2010, they had sold over 16 million records worldwide. Rage Against the Machine released its eponymous debut album in 1992 to commercial and critical success, In 2003, the album was ranked number 368 on Rolling Stone‘s list of the 500 greatest albums of all time. The band’s second album, Evil Empire, was released in 1996, followed three years later by The Battle of Los Angeles (1999). During their initial nine-year run, Rage Against the Machine became one of the most popular and influential bands in music history, In 2000, Rage Against the Machine released the cover album Renegades and disbanded after growing creative differences led to de la Rocha’s departure. Here are all of Rage Against the Machine’s songs ranked.

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20. Maria (The Battle of Los Angeles, 1999)

“One of the most underrated RATM songs. The slow funky verses building to the hard-hitting riff crescendo along with the excellent lyrical storytelling makes this song a standout track on the Battle of Los Angeles, and my personal favorite RATM song.”

19. Vietnow (Evil Empire, 1996)

“This song talks about war, politics, and All the world. It’s one of songs which change history. It’s one the greatest song from Evil Empire! – Greatest song after the first album!”

18. Township Rebellion (Rage Against the Machine, 1991)

“The main riff makes this such a powerful song! Morello’s guitar playing in this song is just impossible to get out of your head. This is the most unique song ever written. The sound effects are so unusually pleasurable”

17. Fistful of Steel (Rage Against the Machine, 1991)

“It has great vocals by Rocha and the beginning of the song is just sick. The solo is awesome. This is such an under rated song. And if the vibe was suicide Then you would push the button But if ya bowin’ down Then let me do the cuttin’ Yeah! Come on!”

See more: Rage Against the Machine Albums Ranked

16. No Shelter (Godzilla: The Album, 1998)

“This is the the national anthem of the USA. Not officially, obviously, but factually. It explains the evil, the distortion and the cause of confusion. It doesn’t hate on the USA, it hates what the nation has done with its power — what we have let it do.”

15. Down Rodeo (Evil Empire, 1996)

“The sliding on the neck of the guitar is amazing! The drum/bass solo at the end really sets this song apart from others!”

14. Take the Power Back (Rage Against the Machine, 1991)

“It is one of their better songs, and focuses on a very important issue: the Eurocentric schools in the USA. It can also relate to schools around the world too. Zack’s lyric are very emotional and passionate, while Tom’s guitar solo is a classic”

13. Born of a Broken Man (The Battle of Los Angeles, 1999)

“Very tough choice, especially seeing as every single Rage Against The Machine (in my opinion) is absolutely incredible. Although there’s something about this song I just prefer over others, I can’t quite put my finger on it though, its just an amazing song!”

12. Renegades of Funk (Renegades, 2000)

“This song should be considered in so many teachings of music because of its range from one genre to the next. This makes people want to be, or wish they were, musical.”

11. Calm Like a Bomb (The Battle of Los Angeles, 1999)

“Look, it’s an incredible song. Amazing lyrics and a boss bassline… Other songs are just as good but I’m sorry, this one is my personal favorite…”

10. Bullet in the Head (Rage Against the Machine, 1991)

“Great lyrics, great rhythm, strange weird driven lead guitar. The one lyric ‘They say jump you say how high’ is so effective and memorable. Awesome song.”

9. Testify (The Battle of Los Angeles, 1999)

“The song Testify was written out of the band’s anger. The song is about how our government is selfish and careless. The verses “Mass graves for the pump and the price is set…” refer to how we sacrifice our soldiers, and send them into Iraq to get oil, even if it means war. It is saying how we Americans are so greedy and suicidal. The verse “I’m empty, please fill me..” is quoting that you burned the gasoline, and you want more. “I’m choking in the smoke that fills my home…” is referring to the diesel that trillions of cars our burning, and this is causing deadly pollution.”

8. Freedom (Rage Against the Machine, 1991)

“It’s the climactic end to what’s in my opinion their best studio album. There’s such a powerful message being put in this song, from the lyrics to themselves to the raw emotion heard in Zach’s voice (especially towards the end of the song).”

7. Bombtrack (Rage Against the Machine, 1991)

“Legendary song for this band and rock in general. Should be number #4 or #5 at least! When this song kicked of the releases for their self-titled album, there was NOTHING remotely like it on the radio waves. We need to pay tribute to this band and this particular song for bring heavy music to the mainstream.”

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6. Sleep Now In the Fire (The Battle of Los Angeles, 1999)

“Always forgotten this song. People tend to listen to the first album and extract from that. Much better than most of their other tunes. The riff is catchy as hell, the bass and drums are dope and the vocals kick ass!

5. Wake Up (Rage Against the Machine, 1991)

“The very epitome of Rage against the machine – passionate, energetic, loud and one hell of a riff. This song has several different parts and finishes leaving you wanting to punch through a wall and start a revolution, though the song itself is only about propaganda. Oh, and the matrix.”

4. Know Your Enemy (Rage Against the Machine, 1991)

“Everything in this song is perfect head to toe. The cool effect ridden intro followed by one of the best Rage riffs. Melody and lyrics are fantastic. The backing vocal bridge is just great and the groovy solo is easily one of Morellos best.”

3. Guerilla Radio (The Battle of Los Angeles, 1999)

“Masterpiece of a song, lyrics and music! So awesome! Put oppressive governments and capitalism back in their face! It’s just awesome, whether you like or dislike the band, you have to agree that this song is a masterpiece.”

2. Bulls on Parade (Evil Empire, 1996)

“Just the best RAM song ever! Amazing solo and amazing lyrics. Hip hop beat definitely brings it all together! Absolutely brilliant song. It is a difficult one to judge but I just never tire of this one.

1. Killing in the Name ((Rage Against the Machine, 1991)

“The song build up gives the listener loads of suspense and the style and tone of the song really shows the way that this band likes to play. In addition, the song really shows what Rage Against the Machine is capable of.”