Guitar Hero II was more than just a video game; it was a cultural phenomenon that turned living rooms into sold-out stadiums and everyday folks into guitar gods. Launching on PlayStation 2 in November 2006 and Xbox 360 in Spring 2007, the anticipation for its tracklist was fever pitch. Fans, hungry for more iconic rock anthems to shred to, eagerly awaited the song reveals. And when the curtain finally lifted, the Guitar Hero Ii Playlist delivered an electrifying mix of classics and contemporary hits that solidified its place in gaming history.
Guitar Hero II gameplay screen showcasing a player rocking out to a song, highlighting the game's immersive music experience and tracklist
The tracklist wasn’t just an expansion of the original Guitar Hero; it was a carefully curated selection designed to appeal to a broader spectrum of rock enthusiasts. From the hard-hitting riffs of metal to the catchy hooks of classic rock and the raw energy of punk, Guitar Hero II’s song library was a masterclass in rock diversity. Divided into setlists that mirrored a rising rock star’s career trajectory, each tier unlocked new challenges and iconic tunes.
Opening Licks: Setting the Stage for Rock Greatness
The journey began with “Opening Licks,” a setlist designed to ease players into the Guitar Hero experience while still delivering iconic rock anthems. Kicking off with the rebellious energy of Motley Crue’s “Shout at the Devil”, players were immediately thrown into the hard rock arena. This tier showcased the breadth of rock, from the dark, brooding sounds of Danzig’s “Mother” to the power-pop perfection of Cheap Trick’s “Surrender.” The set continued its genre exploration with the blues-rock swagger of Wolfmother’s “Woman” and the sheer comedic rock brilliance of Spinal Tap’s “Tonight I’m Gonna Rock You Tonight.” This opening act was a diverse appetizer, promising a main course of pure rock intensity.
Amp-Warmers: Raising the Temperature with Classic Rock
“Amp-Warmers” turned up the heat, delving deeper into the classic rock canon. Kiss’s “Strutter” brought the glam rock swagger, while Nirvana’s “Heart-Shaped Box” injected a dose of grunge angst. The setlist showcased the versatility of guitar-driven music, transitioning from the reggae-infused rock of The Police’s “Message in a Bottle” to the high-energy shredding of Van Halen’s “You Really Got Me.” Rounding out this tier were anthems like Kansas’s “Carry on Wayward Son,” solidifying its place as a collection of rock radio staples that were perfect for honing your guitar skills.
String-Snappers: Pushing the Boundaries with Heavier Sounds
As players progressed to “String-Snappers,” the difficulty and intensity ramped up. Foo Fighters’ “Monkey Wrench” provided a high-octane alternative rock opener, followed by the gritty riffs of Alice in Chains’ “Them Bones.” This setlist explored the edgier side of rock, featuring the proto-punk fury of Iggy Pop and The Stooges’ “Search and Destroy” and the new wave energy of The Pretenders’ “Tattooed Love Boys.” The inclusion of Black Sabbath’s “War Pigs” was a statement of intent, signaling that Guitar Hero II was ready to embrace the darker, heavier side of rock music.
Thrash and Burn: Embracing the Guitar Hero Challenge
“Thrash and Burn” lived up to its name, presenting players with tracks designed to truly test their guitar hero prowess. Warrant’s “Cherry Pie” offered a taste of glam metal excess, while Butthole Surfers’ “Who Was in My Room Last Night” injected a dose of psychedelic weirdness. The setlist showcased the diverse landscape of rock, from the power-pop hooks of Matthew Sweet’s “Girlfriend” to the bluesy rock and roll of The Rolling Stones’ “Can’t You Hear Me Knockin’.” Culminating in the iconic guitar riffs of Guns N’ Roses’ “Sweet Child O’ Mine,” this tier was a proving ground for aspiring guitar heroes.
Return of the Shred: Unleashing Guitar Virtuosity
“Return of the Shred” was a clear nod to guitar virtuosity and technical skill. Rage Against the Machine’s “Killing in the Name Of” offered a politically charged and riff-heavy opener, followed by the quirky funk-metal of Primus’s “John the Fisherman.” This setlist explored the heavier and more technically demanding side of rock, featuring the stoner metal riffs of The Sword’s “Freya” and the hard rock swagger of Thin Lizzy’s “Bad Reputation.” Aerosmith’s “Last Child” provided a classic rock finish to a setlist designed to challenge even the most seasoned players.
Relentless Riffs: Non-Stop Rock Action
“Relentless Riffs” promised exactly that – a non-stop barrage of iconic guitar riffs. Heart’s “Crazy on You” opened with its signature acoustic intro before exploding into a powerful rock anthem. Stone Temple Pilots’ “Tripping on a Hole in a Paper Heart” brought a dose of grunge-era alternative rock. This tier showcased the diversity within rock, from the rockabilly swing of Stray Cats’ “Rock This Town” to the Southern rock jam of The Allman Brothers Band’s “Jessica.” Jane’s Addiction’s “Stop!” provided an art-rock infused finale, demonstrating the breadth of guitar-driven music.
Furious Fretwork: Approaching Guitar God Status
“Furious Fretwork” signaled the final ascent to guitar god status. Anthrax’s “Madhouse” kicked things off with thrash metal intensity, while The Living End’s “Carry Me Home” injected a dose of high-energy punk rock. This setlist explored the faster and more aggressive side of rock, featuring the metalcore fury of Lamb of God’s “Laid to Rest” and the psychobilly madness of Reverend Horton Heat’s “Psychobilly Freakout.” The tier culminated in the progressive rock instrumental masterpiece Rush’s “YYZ,” a true test of guitar hero skill and a fitting penultimate challenge.
Face-Melters: The Ultimate Rock Showdown
“Face-Melters,” the final setlist, was the ultimate rock showdown. Avenged Sevenfold’s “Beast and the Harlot” provided a modern metalcore opener, followed by the punk-infused thrash of Suicidal Tendencies’ “Institutionalized.” This setlist embraced the extremes of rock, featuring the surf rock classic Dick Dale’s “Misirlou” and the thrash metal precision of Megadeth’s “Hangar 18.” The epic finale came in the form of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Free Bird,” a Southern rock masterpiece that served as the ultimate test of endurance and skill, and a triumphant conclusion to the Guitar Hero II journey.
While some fans might have wished for the inclusion of bands like Iron Maiden or AC/DC in the main tracklist (leaving room for potential bonus tracks or future installments), the Guitar Hero II playlist was undeniably a landmark achievement. It delivered a diverse, challenging, and incredibly fun collection of songs that resonated with a generation of gamers and solidified Guitar Hero’s place as a cultural phenomenon. The setlist wasn’t just a collection of songs; it was a journey through the landscape of rock music, inviting players to become true guitar heroes in their own right.
