The anticipation was palpable, and for good reason. Guitar Hero 2 for PlayStation 2 was poised to not just meet, but exceed the expectations set by its groundbreaking predecessor. Released on November 7th, 2006, this iteration promised a louder, more diverse, and ultimately more rewarding rock experience. Fans were eager to know: what songs would fuel their fretboard fantasies this time around? The answer arrived in the form of an incredible tracklist, meticulously crafted to span genres and generations of rock music.
Guitar Hero 2 game cover art showcasing the iconic logo for the PlayStation 2 version, highlighting the anticipation for its song list release.
This wasn’t just a collection of songs; it was a carefully curated journey through the landscape of rock, from classic anthems to modern metal masterpieces. For players who spent countless hours shredding in the original Guitar Hero, the burning question was finally answered: would their favorite bands make the cut? And did Guitar Hero 2 songs PS2 deliver the rock anthems they craved? Let’s dive into the setlist that solidified Guitar Hero 2 as a legendary entry in the franchise.
Opening Licks: Setting the Stage for Rock Greatness
The “Opening Licks” tier was designed to ease players into the experience, but don’t mistake “easy” for lacking in iconic status. It kicked off with the rebellious energy of Motley Crue – Shout at the Devil, a stadium anthem perfect for setting the tone. Danzig – Mother brought a darker, bluesier shade of rock to the mix, while Cheap Trick – Surrender offered pure power-pop perfection. Wolfmother – Woman injected contemporary hard rock swagger, and the comedic genius of Spinal Tap – Tonight I’m Gonna Rock You Tonight provided a lighthearted, yet undeniably rocking, moment.
Amp-Warmers: Raising the Temperature
As players progressed to “Amp-Warmers,” the intensity subtly increased. Kiss – Strutter delivered classic rock showmanship and a timeless riff. Nirvana – Heart-Shaped Box brought grunge into the fold with its haunting melody and Kurt Cobain’s unmistakable vocals. Police – Message in a Bottle showcased Sting’s songwriting prowess and Andy Summers’ intricate guitar work. Van Halen – You Really Got Me (a Kinks cover, but forever associated with VH) provided pure, unadulterated rock energy. Kansas – Carry on Wayward Son added a touch of progressive rock with its epic scope and soaring vocals.
String-Snappers: Getting Down to Business
“String-Snappers” marked a clear step up in challenge and featured some truly heavy hitters. Foo Fighters – Monkey Wrench brought Dave Grohl’s post-Nirvana energy and catchy hooks. Alice in Chains – Them Bones delivered dark, sludgy riffs and Layne Staley’s distinctive vocals. Iggy Pop and the Stooges – Search and Destroy provided a raw, punk-infused rock punch. Pretenders – Tattooed Love Boys offered Chrissie Hynde’s cool vocals and a driving rhythm. And finally, the legendary Black Sabbath – War Pigs arrived, a true metal masterpiece and a cornerstone of any serious rock game.
Thrash and Burn: Cranking Up the Heat
“Thrash and Burn” lived up to its name, bringing faster tempos and more demanding guitar parts. Warrant – Cherry Pie delivered glam metal fun and a memorable guitar solo. Butthole Surfers – Who Was in My Room Last Night added an element of psychedelic weirdness. Matthew Sweet – Girlfriend provided power-pop with a slightly edgier guitar sound. Rolling Stones – Can’t You Hear Me Knockin’ offered a sprawling, jam-band feel and classic Stones swagger. And then, the iconic intro riff of Guns N’ Roses – Sweet Child O’ Mine exploded onto the scene, a song that needs no introduction and is a highlight for any Guitar Hero 2 songs PS2 playthrough.
Return of the Shred: Guitar Hero at its Finest
“Return of the Shred” was all about guitar virtuosity. Rage Against the Machine – Killing in the Name Of brought politically charged rap-rock and Tom Morello’s revolutionary guitar techniques. Primus – John the Fisherman offered Les Claypool’s funky basslines and Larry LaLonde’s quirky guitar work. Sword – Freya delivered stoner rock riffs and a heavy, atmospheric sound. Thin Lizzy – Bad Reputation showcased twin guitar harmonies and classic hard rock songwriting. And Aerosmith – Last Child brought bluesy rock swagger and Joe Perry’s signature licks.
Relentless Riffs: Non-Stop Rock Action
“Relentless Riffs” promised exactly that: a barrage of memorable guitar riffs. Heart – Crazy on You featured Ann Wilson’s powerful vocals and Nancy Wilson’s iconic acoustic intro and electric power chords. Stone Temple Pilots – Tripping on a Hole in a Paper Heart delivered grunge-era riffs and Scott Weiland’s distinctive vocals. Stray Cats – Rock This Town injected rockabilly energy and Brian Setzer’s hot licks. Allman Brothers – Jessica offered instrumental Southern rock brilliance with dueling guitars. And Jane’s Addiction – Stop! brought alternative rock artfulness and Dave Navarro’s inventive guitar playing.
Furious Fretwork: Pushing Your Skills to the Limit
“Furious Fretwork” was where Guitar Hero 2 songs PS2 truly tested players’ skills. Anthrax – Madhouse delivered thrash metal intensity and Scott Ian’s signature rhythm guitar. Living End – Carry Me Home brought fast-paced punk rock energy from Australia. Lamb of God – Laid to Rest offered modern metal heaviness and complex guitar riffs. Reverend Horton Heat – Psychobilly Freakout injected psychobilly madness and fast, twangy guitar work. And then, the prog-rock instrumental masterpiece Rush – YYZ arrived, a true test of any Guitar Hero player’s fretboard dexterity.
Face-Melters: The Ultimate Rock Challenge
“Face-Melters,” the final tier, was designed to be the ultimate challenge, featuring epic and intense tracks. Avenged Sevenfold – Beast and the Harlot brought modern metal theatrics and shredding guitar solos. Suicidal Tendencies – Institutionalized delivered punk-infused thrash and Mike Muir’s frantic vocals. Dick Dale – Misirlou (the surf rock classic) offered incredibly fast-paced guitar picking. Megadeth – Hangar 18 brought complex thrash metal arrangements and dueling guitar solos from Dave Mustaine and Marty Friedman. And finally, the ultimate test: Lynyrd Skynyrd – Free Bird, the Southern rock epic with its legendary guitar solo, capping off the Guitar Hero 2 songs PS2 experience in spectacular fashion.
While some might have missed bands like Iron Maiden and AC/DC from the tracklist, Guitar Hero 2 songs PS2 delivered an undeniably impressive and diverse set of rock anthems. From opening licks to face-melting finales, the game provided countless hours of rocking entertainment and solidified its place as a true classic in the music game genre. Guitar Hero 2 on PS2 wasn’t just a game; it was a celebration of rock music in all its glorious forms.
