The anticipation was palpable, and the rumors were swirling. Fans worldwide eagerly awaited the tracklist for Guitar Hero 2, the sequel to the groundbreaking rhythm game that turned living rooms into sold-out stadiums. Released for Playstation 2 in November 2006 and Xbox 360 in Spring 2007, Guitar Hero 2 delivered on its promise, boasting a significantly expanded and more diverse soundtrack that solidified its place in gaming history. Prepare to dive into the definitive list that made millions feel like true guitar heroes.
Guitar Hero 2 game cover featuring the game logo and a silhouette of a guitarist rocking out, showcasing the Guitar Hero 2 soundtrack list.
The Guitar Hero 2 soundtrack was strategically curated to appeal to a broader audience while staying true to its rock roots. The setlist was cleverly divided into tiers, progressing in difficulty and intensity as players advanced their guitar careers. From classic rock anthems to heavier metal riffs, the game offered a musical journey through rock history.
Opening Licks: Setting the Stage
The initial tier, “Opening Licks,” served as the perfect warm-up, blending familiar rock staples with harder-edged tracks:
- Motley Crue – Shout at the Devil
- Danzig – Mother
- Cheap Trick – Surrender
- Wolfmother – Woman
- Spinal Tap – Tonight I’m Gonna Rock You Tonight
Amp-Warmers: Raising the Intensity
“Amp-Warmers” turned up the heat, introducing iconic songs that tested players’ growing skills:
- Kiss – Strutter
- Nirvana – Heart-Shaped Box
- Police – Message in a Bottle
- Van Halen – You Really Got Me
- Kansas – Carry on Wayward Son
String-Snappers: Getting Serious
“String-Snappers” marked a significant jump in difficulty, demanding precision and stamina:
- Foo Fighters – Monkey Wrench
- Alice in Chains – Them Bones
- Iggy Pop and the Stooges – Search and Destroy
- Pretenders – Tattooed Love Boys
- Black Sabbath – War Pigs
Thrash and Burn: Shredding Begins
“Thrash and Burn” lived up to its name, featuring faster tempos and more complex guitar parts:
- Warrant – Cherry Pie
- Butthole Surfers – Who Was in My Room Last Night
- Matthew Sweet – Girlfriend
- Rolling Stones – Can’t You Hear Me Knockin’
- Guns N’ Roses – Sweet Child O’ Mine
Return of the Shred: Expert Level Challenges
“Return of the Shred” pushed players to their limits with technically demanding tracks:
- Rage Against the Machine – Killing in the Name Of
- Primus – John the Fisherman
- Sword – Freya
- Thin Lizzy – Bad Reputation
- Aerosmith – Last Child
Relentless Riffs: Marathon Rock Sessions
“Relentless Riffs” showcased songs known for their extended guitar work and driving rhythms:
- Heart – Crazy on You
- Stone Temple Pilots – Tripping on a Hole in a Paper Heart
- Stray Cats – Rock This Town
- Allman Brothers – Jessica
- Jane’s Addiction – Stop
Furious Fretwork: Nearing Guitar God Status
“Furious Fretwork” was a true test of skill, featuring blistering solos and intricate fretwork:
- Anthrax – Madhouse
- Living End – Carry Me Home
- Lamb of God – Laid to Rest
- Reverend Horton Heat – Psychobilly Freakout
- Rush – YYZ
Face-Melters: The Ultimate Guitar Hero Experience
The final tier, “Face-Melters,” was reserved for the most epic and challenging songs, designed to melt faces and solidify your guitar hero status:
- Avenged Sevenfold – Beast and the Harlot
- Suicidal Tendencies – Institutionalized
- Dick Dale – Misirlou
- Megadeth – Hangar 18
- Lynyrd Skynyrd – Free Bird
While some iconic bands like Iron Maiden and AC/DC were notably absent from the main tracklist, Guitar Hero 2‘s expansive soundtrack delivered a powerful and diverse collection of songs that resonated with gamers and music fans alike. It remains a benchmark for music game soundtracks, offering a thrilling and unforgettable rock and roll experience.
