Guitar Hero 2 was poised to amplify everything that made the original game a phenomenon. As fans eagerly awaited its arrival on Playstation 2 and Xbox 360, the burning question was: what songs would fuel our rockstar fantasies this time? The answer, when it finally arrived, was a resounding roar – a tracklist that was bigger, bolder, and ready to melt faces.
Guitar Hero 2 game artwork showcasing the iconic logo and energetic atmosphere
For those of us who spent countless hours shredding through the first Guitar Hero, dreaming of even heavier riffs and iconic anthems, Guitar Hero 2 delivered in spades. Finally, the chance to unleash the fury of Motley Crue and dive into a setlist designed to push our fret-hand skills to the limit was on the horizon. Let’s dive into the legendary Guitar Hero 2 OST track by track:
Opening Licks: Setting the Stage for Rock Greatness
The “Opening Licks” section immediately throws you into the rock and roll deep end. Kicking off with the rebellious energy of Motley Crue’s “Shout at the Devil”, this section is pure adrenaline. From the dark, brooding vibes of Danzig’s “Mother” to the power-pop perfection of Cheap Trick’s “Surrender”, it’s a masterclass in diverse rock anthems. Wolfmother’s “Woman” brings the modern rock edge, while Spinal Tap’s “Tonight I’m Gonna Rock You Tonight” adds a touch of humor and classic rock swagger.
Amp-Warmers: Classic Rock and Arena Anthems
Get ready to crank up the volume with “Amp-Warmers,” a collection of songs built for stadiums. Kiss’s “Strutter” oozes glam rock confidence, while Nirvana’s “Heart-Shaped Box” offers a dose of grunge angst. The reggae-infused rock of The Police’s “Message in a Bottle” provides a change of pace before launching back into hard rock territory with Van Halen’s “You Really Got Me”. And who could forget the epic prog-rock masterpiece Kansas’s “Carry on Wayward Son”, a true test of guitar stamina?
String-Snappers: Heavy Riffs and Grungy Grooves
“String-Snappers” turns up the intensity with a set of songs guaranteed to challenge your fingers. Foo Fighters’ “Monkey Wrench” brings high-energy alternative rock, followed by the heavy, sludgy riffs of Alice in Chains’ “Them Bones”. Iggy Pop and the Stooges’ “Search and Destroy” delivers raw punk energy, while Pretenders’ “Tattooed Love Boys” adds a touch of new wave cool. And then there’s the iconic Black Sabbath’s “War Pigs”, a heavy metal benchmark that every guitar hero must conquer.
Thrash and Burn: Hair Metal and Hard Rock Hits
“Thrash and Burn” is pure 80s and 90s rock nostalgia. Warrant’s “Cherry Pie” serves up a slice of hair metal fun, contrasting with the alternative weirdness of Butthole Surfers’ “Who Was in My Room Last Night”. Matthew Sweet’s “Girlfriend” brings power-pop sweetness, while Rolling Stones’ “Can’t You Hear Me Knockin’” offers classic rock swagger. And of course, no “Thrash and Burn” section would be complete without the legendary Guns N’ Roses’ “Sweet Child O’ Mine”, a guitar solo showcase for the ages.
Return of the Shred: Speed and Technical Prowess
Prepare for a serious workout with “Return of the Shred.” Rage Against the Machine’s “Killing in the Name Of” ignites with its revolutionary energy and iconic riff. Primus’s “John the Fisherman” brings quirky, complex basslines and guitar work, while Sword’s “Freya” delivers heavy, stoner rock vibes. Thin Lizzy’s “Bad Reputation” showcases classic twin-guitar harmonies, and Aerosmith’s “Last Child” closes out the section with blues-rock grit.
Relentless Riffs: Unstoppable Rock Anthems
“Relentless Riffs” keeps the momentum going with a collection of driving rock anthems. Heart’s “Crazy on You” features Ann Wilson’s powerful vocals and Nancy Wilson’s acoustic and electric guitar mastery. Stone Temple Pilots’ “Tripping on a Hole in a Paper Heart” delivers grunge-era groove, while Stray Cats’ “Rock This Town” injects rockabilly energy. Allman Brothers’ “Jessica” offers instrumental southern rock brilliance, and Jane’s Addiction’s “Stop!” concludes the section with alternative rock flair.
Furious Fretwork: Technical Metal and Punk Fury
“Furious Fretwork” is where the Guitar Hero 2 OST truly pushes your skills. Anthrax’s “Madhouse” brings thrash metal intensity, while Living End’s “Carry Me Home” delivers fast-paced punk rock. Lamb of God’s “Laid to Rest” unleashes modern metal aggression, and Reverend Horton Heat’s “Psychobilly Freakout” offers high-octane psychobilly madness. And finally, the prog-rock instrumental masterpiece Rush’s “YYZ” stands as the ultimate test of guitar hero virtuosity.
Face-Melters: Epic Closers and Guitar Legends
The final section, “Face-Melters,” lives up to its name with a collection of epic tracks designed to leave you breathless. Avenged Sevenfold’s “Beast and the Harlot” delivers modern metal theatrics, while Suicidal Tendencies’ “Institutionalized” brings punk-infused thrash energy. Dick Dale’s “Misirlou” (famously known from Pulp Fiction) offers surf rock shredding, while Megadeth’s “Hangar 18” provides complex, technical thrash metal. And to close out this monumental tracklist, the legendary Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Free Bird” delivers the ultimate southern rock epic, complete with its iconic extended guitar solo.
While some fans might have missed bands like Iron Maiden and AC/DC on the main Guitar Hero 2 OST, the sheer breadth and quality of the included tracks were undeniable. The Guitar Hero 2 soundtrack cemented its place as one of the most iconic and beloved in music game history, providing countless hours of rocking entertainment for gamers worldwide. Are you ready to revisit this legendary tracklist and unleash your inner guitar hero once more?
