Guitar Hero 2 Tracklist: Dive into the Complete Song List of a Legend

The anticipation was palpable, the hype was real, and when the tracklist for Guitar Hero 2 finally dropped, it was nothing short of a musical revelation for gamers worldwide. Released for Playstation 2 in November 2006 and Xbox 360 in Spring 2007, Guitar Hero 2 promised a more expansive and electrifying experience than its predecessor – and the song selection absolutely delivered. For fans wondering what anthems made the cut, look no further. This is the definitive Guitar Hero 2 tracklist that cemented the game’s legendary status.

Guitar Hero 2 game box art showcasing a guitarist shredding on stage with the game logo prominently displayed

The tracklist was meticulously crafted, categorized into tiers that represented a player’s progression through their rockstar journey. Each tier, from the initial “Opening Licks” to the face-melting “Face-Melters,” offered a curated set of songs designed to test and enhance your fretboard skills. Let’s break down each section and explore the iconic songs that made Guitar Hero 2 an unforgettable experience.

Opening Licks

Kicking things off, “Opening Licks” serves as the perfect warm-up, blending classic rock anthems with a hint of metal edge to get your fingers moving:

1. Motley Crue – Shout at the Devil: A stadium-sized glam metal anthem to ignite your rock spirit.
2. Danzig – Mother: Dark, brooding, and undeniably catchy, Danzig brings the gothic blues-rock vibes.
3. Cheap Trick – Surrender: Power-pop perfection that’s pure fun to play and sing along to.
4. Wolfmother – Woman: Modern retro-rock with a massive riff that’s instantly recognizable.
5. Spinal Tap – Tonight I’m Gonna Rock You Tonight: Comedy rock legends Spinal Tap add a humorous, head-banging touch.

Amp-Warmers

The “Amp-Warmers” tier turns up the heat, introducing more challenging riffs and faster tempos, featuring a mix of rock royalty and grunge icons:

1. Kiss – Strutter: Classic rock swagger from the kings of stage theatrics, with a riff that struts its stuff.
2. Nirvana – Heart-Shaped Box: Grunge angst and melodic beauty collide in this iconic 90s track.
3. Police – Message in a Bottle: Reggae-infused rock with a distinctive guitar line and Sting’s unmistakable vocals.
4. Van Halen – You Really Got Me: Eddie Van Halen’s legendary guitar work explodes in this high-energy cover.
5. Kansas – Carry on Wayward Son: Progressive rock epic with soaring melodies and intricate guitar harmonies.

String-Snappers

“String-Snappers” amps up the intensity, demanding more precision and stamina with heavier tracks and faster rhythms:

1. Foo Fighters – Monkey Wrench: Post-grunge energy with a driving rhythm and Dave Grohl’s signature vocals.
2. Alice in Chains – Them Bones: Dark, sludgy riffs and Layne Staley’s haunting vocals define this grunge masterpiece.
3. Iggy Pop and the Stooges – Search and Destroy: Raw, punk rock energy that’s pure adrenaline from the Godfather of Punk.
4. Pretenders – Tattooed Love Boys: New wave cool with a punky edge and Chrissie Hynde’s powerful presence.
5. Black Sabbath – War Pigs: Heavy metal origins with a timeless protest anthem and Tony Iommi’s iconic riffs.

Thrash and Burn

“Thrash and Burn” lives up to its name, delivering faster tempos, more intricate solos, and songs that truly test your shredding abilities:

1. Warrant – Cherry Pie: Glam metal fun with a catchy chorus and a healthy dose of guitar flash.
2. Butthole Surfers – Who Was in My Room Last Night: Alternative weirdness and psychedelic punk collide in this bizarre track.
3. Matthew Sweet – Girlfriend: Power-pop gem with jangly guitars and infectious melodies perfect for a singalong.
4. Rolling Stones – Can’t You Hear Me Knockin’: Classic rock royalty with bluesy riffs and Mick Jagger’s iconic vocals.
5. Guns N’ Roses – Sweet Child O’ Mine: One of the most iconic guitar riffs of all time, a true rock ballad turned epic.

Return of the Shred

“Return of the Shred” focuses on guitar virtuosity, showcasing complex solos and technically demanding tracks that will challenge even seasoned players:

1. Rage Against the Machine – Killing in the Name Of: Aggressive rap-rock with a revolutionary message and Tom Morello’s innovative guitar work.
2. Primus – John the Fisherman: Funky, quirky, and technically brilliant bass-driven madness from Les Claypool and Primus.
3. Sword – Freya: Stoner rock riffs and epic fantasy themes blend in this heavy, atmospheric track.
4. Thin Lizzy – Bad Reputation: Twin guitar harmonies and classic hard rock swagger from Irish legends Thin Lizzy.
5. Aerosmith – Last Child: Bluesy hard rock with a funky edge and Joe Perry and Brad Whitford’s guitar interplay.

Relentless Riffs

“Relentless Riffs” keeps the momentum going with tracks defined by their powerful and memorable guitar riffs, perfect for headbanging and air guitar solos:

1. Heart – Crazy on You: Hard rock with a folk twist, featuring Nancy Wilson’s iconic acoustic intro and powerful electric riffs.
2. Stone Temple Pilots – Tripping on a Hole in a Paper Heart: Grunge with a psychedelic edge and Dean DeLeo’s distinctive guitar tone.
3. Stray Cats – Rock This Town: Rockabilly revival with a swingin’ rhythm and Brian Setzer’s hot guitar licks.
4. Allman Brothers – Jessica: Southern rock instrumental masterpiece showcasing the band’s improvisational prowess.
5. Jane’s Addiction – Stop!: Alternative rock art with a dynamic structure and Dave Navarro’s unique guitar style.

Furious Fretwork

“Furious Fretwork” demands speed and precision, pushing your skills to the limit with faster tempos and more technically intricate guitar parts:

1. Anthrax – Madhouse: Thrash metal fury with fast riffs and mosh-pit energy from the New York thrash pioneers.
2. Living End – Carry Me Home: Aussie rockabilly punk with breakneck speed and high-octane energy.
3. Lamb of God – Laid to Rest: Modern metal heaviness with groove-laden riffs and Randy Blythe’s aggressive vocals.
4. Reverend Horton Heat – Psychobilly Freakout: Psychobilly madness with frantic tempos and Reverend Horton Heat’s signature sound.
5. Rush – YYZ: Progressive rock instrumental brilliance, showcasing Rush’s technical mastery and complex time signatures.

Face-Melters

The final tier, “Face-Melters,” is the ultimate test of your Guitar Hero prowess, featuring some of the most challenging and epic songs in the game:

1. Avenged Sevenfold – Beast and the Harlot: Modern metalcore with soaring melodies and Synyster Gates and Zacky Vengeance’s guitar work.
2. Suicidal Tendencies – Institutionalized: Punk-infused thrash metal with social commentary and Mike Muir’s unique vocal delivery.
3. Dick Dale – Misirlou: Surf rock instrumental classic, known for its incredibly fast and iconic guitar riff.
4. Megadeth – Hangar 18: Technical thrash metal masterpiece with complex song structures and Dave Mustaine’s signature style.
5. Lynyrd Skynyrd – Free Bird: Southern rock epic, culminating in a legendary guitar solo that’s a true test of endurance.

While some fans might have wished for tracks from bands like Iron Maiden or AC/DC in the main Guitar Hero 2 tracklist, the sheer breadth and quality of the included songs were undeniable. The Guitar Hero 2 song list wasn’t just a collection of tracks; it was a curated journey through rock history, designed to challenge, entertain, and transform players into guitar heroes themselves. Ready to rock? Crank up the volume and dive back into the legendary Guitar Hero 2 setlist.