Cons Too political for some people (but not for me)...
The Bottom Line If you are looking for one of the best album of the 1990s, look no further than Rage Against the Machine's 1992 eponymous debut.
Full Review
When their eponymous debut made its way to shelves and subsequently radio in 1992/1993, Rage Against the Machine earned immediate acclaim from critics and fans alike. In the midst of the “grunge” movement in rock and roll, the hard rockers were heavily influenced instead by rap. The combo of thumping percussion, grinding electric guitars, distinctive bass lines, and frontman Zach de la Rocha’s angry rapping/vocals made for a uniquely rewarding experience.
During their brief run, Rage Against the Machine released four albums. Despite each album’s positive reception and good sales, it is the aforementioned debut that is best known. Politically charged, loud, unmistakable rock and roll it remains one of the most influential albums of the 1990s. de la Rocha along with talented guitarist Tom Morello, bassist Tim Commerford, and drummer Brad Wilk made it clear that they were a band to watch. What still strikes me about this 13-year-old album is that it is clearly rooted in fiery politics but the music is so amazing that none of the ranting really matters that much (at least to this liberal gal).
My suggestion? Sit back and let Rage Against the Machine pummel your brain with their killer guitars, bombastic beats and generally outstanding arrangements. When this album hit the streets it was something completely original. Bravo to the band for so eloquently assembling this first album. These are ten consistently excellent, often classic, and always killer tracks well worth checking out. Heck…if you want to buy just one Rage Against the Machine album, make it this one. If album opener Bombtrack doesn’t get you out of your seat and yelling then I don’t know what will.
de la Rocha yelps the line burn, burn, yes you’re gonna burn! repeatedly, and each time it becomes more urgent. This sense of urgency is definitely what makes me listen. That and (of course) the fact that the music kicks some serious ass. Rage is the kind of band that can appeal to fans of punk, rock, metal, rap, and political rants. There’s a little something here for just about everybody. Bombtrack is easily one of the best songs here, but it is followed by a pair of outstanding songs. Both Killing in the Name and Take the Power Back. The former builds into such a frenzy of bass guitar and drums that when it finally climaxes with the rebellious line f*ck you, I won’t do what you tell me! it is impossible to ignore. Only slightly less memorable is the potent Take the Power Back.
Rage Against the Machine continues to impress with a barrage of loud, bombastic, and generally amazing songs like Bullet in the Head, Know Your Enemy, Fistful of Steel, etc. They are simply all excellent. The disc passes by so quickly—I always, always, ALWAYS let the whole thing repeat at least once and probably twice. Album ender Freedom is curiously midtempo at the start, but as with everything Rage does it becomes angry and frantic toward the end. It is the perfect way to end this (dare I say it) perfect album.
Following the release of their debut, the band remained together for another eight years. In that time they recorded and released Evil Empire (1996), The Battle of Los Angeles (1999), and Renegades (2000). Despite all of the successes, the awards, and the sales of the latter albums it is Rage Against the Machine’s self titled debut that is to me clearly the best. This is one of the best albums of last decade—rock or otherwise.
Rating: 5/5 stars
Track Listing:
01. Bombtrack
02. Killing In The Name
03. Take The Power Back
04. Settle For Nothing
05. Bullet In The Head
06. Know Your Enemy
07. Wake Up
08. Fistful Of Steel
09. Township Rebellion
10. Freedom
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