When Guitar Hero 2 stormed onto Playstation 2 and Xbox 360, it wasn’t just a game; it was a cultural phenomenon. For fans of rock music and rhythm games, the anticipation for the Guitar Hero 2 song playlist was immense. Finally released, this tracklist didn’t just meet expectations – it smashed them, delivering a heavier, wider-ranging selection of tracks that cemented the game’s legendary status. Forget wondering when you’d get to shred to Motley Crue – Guitar Hero 2 answered the call and then some. Let’s dive into the iconic setlist that had gamers worldwide air-guitaring for hours on end.
Opening Licks: Setting the Stage
The “Opening Licks” section of Guitar Hero 2 immediately signaled this wasn’t going to be just a retread of the original. Kicking off with the anthemic “Shout at the Devil” by Motley Crue, it was clear the game was aiming for a bolder, more diverse rock experience. Danzig’s brooding “Mother” and Cheap Trick’s power-pop classic “Surrender” added further layers, while Wolfmother’s “Woman” brought a contemporary edge. And for a touch of sheer rock comedy, Spinal Tap’s “Tonight I’m Gonna Rock You Tonight” was the perfect, over-the-top inclusion.
Amp-Warmers: Classic Rock Anthems
Moving into “Amp-Warmers,” the playlist shifted into overdrive with a collection of bonafide rock anthems. Kiss’s “Strutter” brought the glam-rock swagger, while Nirvana’s “Heart-Shaped Box” offered a grunge counterpoint. The Police’s “Message in a Bottle” showcased new-wave infused rock, and Van Halen’s “You Really Got Me” delivered pure, unadulterated guitar energy. Kansas’s progressive rock masterpiece “Carry on Wayward Son” rounded out this section, proving the game’s commitment to diverse rock subgenres.
String-Snappers and Thrash & Burn: Raising the Intensity
As players progressed to “String-Snappers” and “Thrash and Burn,” the intensity ramped up. Foo Fighters’ “Monkey Wrench” provided a modern rock staple, while Alice in Chains’ “Them Bones” brought a darker, heavier tone. Iggy Pop and the Stooges’ raw energy in “Search and Destroy” was a punk rock highlight, and The Pretenders’ “Tattooed Love Boys” added a touch of new wave grit. Black Sabbath’s “War Pigs” delivered a dose of classic heavy metal. “Thrash and Burn” kept the momentum going with Warrant’s “Cherry Pie” for some glam metal fun, and Guns N’ Roses’ epic “Sweet Child O’ Mine” – arguably one of the most iconic guitar riffs of all time – made its Guitar Hero debut, much to the delight of fans.
Return of the Shred and Relentless Riffs: Guitar Hero Mastery
“Return of the Shred” and “Relentless Riffs” sections were designed to truly test players’ guitar skills. Rage Against the Machine’s “Killing in the Name Of” offered a politically charged, riff-heavy challenge. Primus’s quirky “John the Fisherman” and Sword’s “Freya” added unique flavors to the mix. Thin Lizzy’s “Bad Reputation” delivered classic hard rock, and Aerosmith’s “Last Child” brought some blues-rock swagger. “Relentless Riffs” kept the challenge high with Heart’s “Crazy on You” and its blistering acoustic intro, Stone Temple Pilots’ “Tripping on a Hole in a Paper Heart”, and Stray Cats’ rockabilly infused “Rock This Town”.
Furious Fretwork and Face-Melters: The Ultimate Guitar Hero Experience
The final sections, “Furious Fretwork” and “Face-Melters,” were the ultimate test for any aspiring guitar hero. Anthrax’s “Madhouse” brought the thrash metal intensity, Living End’s “Carry Me Home” offered fast-paced punk rock, and Lamb of God’s “Laid to Rest” delivered modern metal heaviness. Reverend Horton Heat’s “Psychobilly Freakout” added a unique psychobilly twist, and Rush’s legendary instrumental “YYZ” was a true test of skill. Finally, “Face-Melters” lived up to its name with Avenged Sevenfold’s “Beast and the Harlot,” Suicidal Tendencies’ thrash-punk anthem “Institutionalized,” and Dick Dale’s surf rock classic “Misirlou.” Megadeth’s technical prowess in “Hangar 18” and Lynyrd Skynyrd’s epic “Free Bird” capped off the Guitar Hero 2 song playlist in spectacular fashion.
While some might have missed bands like Iron Maiden and AC/DC on the initial Guitar Hero 2 track list, the sheer breadth and quality of the included songs were undeniable. The Guitar Hero 2 song playlist wasn’t just a collection of tracks; it was a journey through rock history, offering something for every guitar enthusiast. It’s a playlist that continues to be celebrated and revisited by fans, solidifying Guitar Hero 2‘s place as a true icon in music gaming history.
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