Much like Ferris Bueller, Rage Against The Machine brings together an eclectic audience of guitar music enthusiasts. With a unique blend of funk that avoids the cringe often associated with bands like the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and the raw power reminiscent of Led Zeppelin—albeit with a psychotic-eyed rapper delivering incisive political critiques—Rage Against The Machine remains one of the most cherished guitar bands of the 1990s.
However, a notable downside of this legendary group is the limited amount of material they produced. Within just a decade, Rage Against The Machine created a bright yet brief discography, leaving fans with an almost flawless collection. Below, we rank the albums of Rage Against The Machine from least to most compelling.
4
Renegades (2000)
So-So Covers Collection From A Band Capable Of More
The release of a covers album by RATM is a double-edged sword. The band’s distinctive sound makes any song they cover immediately recognizable as their own. This works well for Metallica’s Garage Inc. or Weezer’s The Teal Album, yet Renegades leans more into a playful aspect rather than the complete seriousness of their original work.
Despite the fun factor, Renegades does manage to meet some of RATM’s established standards. Standout tracks like “Renegades of Funk”and “The Ghost of Tom Joad”shine, while Bob Dylan’s “Maggie’s Farm”takes on an aggression similar to that of ska-punk pioneers The Specials. Additionally, the connection to Cypress Hill makes their rendition of “How I Could Just Kill A Man”a natural fit.
Nevertheless, the album feels more like a cash grab from the record label, surfacing just two months after the band’s breakup following the 2000 MTV Video Music Awards. Ultimately, Renegades adds little to the RATM legacy.
3
The Battle Of Los Angeles (1999)
Giving The Masses The Hits They Crave
While some criticized the Evil Empire for lacking the star power of RATM’s debut, The Battle Of Los Angeles delivered some of the band’s most memorable hits. Expanding on the layers and ambitious style of its predecessor, tracks like “Sleep Now In The Fire”brought added ambiance, making it ideal for rock venues and festivals.
When it comes to thunderous album openings, “Testify”ranks among RATM’s finest. However, the second half of The Battle Of Los Angeles shows some inconsistency, which is atypical for a band renowned for firing on all cylinders. Following explosive tracks like “Calm Like A Bomb”and the iconic “Guerilla Radio”, the album stumbles with less electrifying selections such as “Voice of the Voiceless”, “War Within A Breath”, and “Born As Ghosts”. The true tragedy lies in being outshined by two superior albums.
2
Evil Empire (1996)
RATM Add Range To Their Infectious Grooves
Following the release of their groundbreaking debut album is no small feat, yet RATM tackled the challenge with remarkable skill in Evil Empire. While it might not pack the immediate impact of their first record, the album certainly leaves a lasting impression.
With a funky-punk vibe on tracks like “Tire Me”, combining elements of Led Zeppelin, MC5, Parliament, and Fear, RATM’s engagement with various styles felt fresh—even if not universally appreciated at the time. Some critics met Evil Empire with skepticism upon its release, despite its authenticity.
Creating a sequel to the band’s earth-shattering debut is virtually impossible, yet Evil Empire builds on that legendary foundation, enhancing RATM’s sound and songwriting versatility. We witness a powerhouse opening sequence in “People of the Sun”, seamlessly crashing into the tour de force “Bulls On Parade”.
1
Rage Against The Machine (1992)
One Of The All-Time Great Debut Albums
It’s no exaggeration to claim that the self-titled debut from Rage Against The Machine ranks among the finest hard rock albums ever. The groundbreaking fusion of styles pioneered by Run-DMC and Aerosmith’s ‘Walk This Way’, and the collaboration between Public Enemy and Anthrax demonstrated the potential for genre-blending, yet RATM was on another level entirely.
This album is packed with riffs that resonate well with Led Zeppelin fans, fueled by a dynamic rhythm section and a charismatic vocalist delivering powerful, socially-aware lyrics. It redefined the landscape of ’90s guitar music; indeed, many greatest hits collections lack the impact of tracks like “Killing In The Name”, and RATM’s debut effortlessly follows up with hits like “Bullet In The Head”, “Bombtrack”, “Know Your Enemy”, and “Wake Up”.
Hard enough for metal aficionados yet groovy enough to appeal to a wider audience, Rage Against The Machine expertly combined various influences, resulting in an album that boasts an impressive array of hits. While each of the band’s original albums is a classic in its own right, this debut unquestionably stands as their crowning achievement.