Gaming and music enthusiasts alike were electrified when the full tracklist for Guitar Hero 2 was officially unveiled. Set to launch on Playstation 2 on November 7, and Xbox 360 in Spring 2007, this sequel promised to amplify everything that made the original Guitar Hero a sensation. The song selection in Guitar Hero 2 was not just bigger; it was bolder, heavier, and designed to resonate with a broader spectrum of players. For those who spent countless hours with the first game, dreaming of shredding to iconic rock anthems, Guitar Hero 2 was poised to deliver. Finally, the anticipation was over, and the complete list of Guitar Hero two songs was here to ignite the stage.
Guitar Hero 2 game cover art showcasing the game logo and a guitarist in action, highlighting the exciting song list reveal for the popular music game
Dive into the Guitar Hero 2 Setlist: From Opening Licks to Face-Melters
The tracklist for Guitar Hero 2 is expertly organized into tiers, mirroring a player’s progression through a rock career, starting with the essential warm-ups and escalating to face-melting solos. Let’s break down the setlist tier by tier:
1. Opening Licks: Classic Rock Foundations
This opening tier lays the groundwork with instantly recognizable rock anthems. It’s a perfect starting point, blending hard rock energy with singalong choruses that get you in the rhythm.
- Motley Crue – Shout at the Devil
- Danzig – Mother
- Cheap Trick – Surrender
- Wolfmother – Woman
- Spinal Tap – Tonight I’m Gonna Rock You Tonight
2. Amp-Warmers: Raising the Intensity
Moving into “Amp-Warmers”, the intensity increases. This section features songs that are staples of rock radio, known for their driving riffs and energetic performances, perfect for getting your fingers limber and ready for harder challenges.
- Kiss – Strutter
- Nirvana – Heart-Shaped Box
- Police – Message in a Bottle
- Van Halen – You Really Got Me
- Kansas – Carry on Wayward Son
3. String-Snappers: Embracing Heavier Riffs
“String-Snappers” turns up the heat with tracks that begin to explore heavier guitar work and more complex rhythms. These songs demand more precision and introduce players to the nuances of harder rock and early metal influences.
- 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
4. Thrash and Burn: Entering the Arena Rock Stage
“Thrash and Burn” marks a significant step up in energy and guitar complexity. This tier is packed with arena-ready anthems and guitar-driven hits that are designed to get crowds roaring. Expect faster tempos and more demanding solos.
- Warrant – Cherry Pie
- Butthole Surfers – Who Was in My Room Last Night
- Mathew Sweet – Girlfriend
- Rolling Stones – Can’t You Hear Me Knockin’
- Guns N’ Roses – Sweet Child O’ Mine
5. Return of the Shred: Guitar Hero Territory
“Return of the Shred” is where Guitar Hero 2 truly starts to live up to its name. This tier is a showcase of guitar virtuosity, featuring songs known for their intricate solos, fast-paced riffs, and demanding techniques that will test any player’s skills.
- Rage Against the Machine – Killing in the Name Of
- Primus – John the Fisherman
- Sword – Freya
- Thin Lizzy – Bad Reputation
- Aerosmith – Last Child
6. Relentless Riffs: Non-Stop Rock Action
“Relentless Riffs” keeps the momentum going with a selection of songs that are characterized by their powerful and continuous guitar riffs. These tracks are all about maintaining energy and rhythm through challenging and engaging guitar parts.
- 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
7. Furious Fretwork: Pushing Your Limits
“Furious Fretwork” lives up to its name by presenting some of the most technically demanding songs in the main setlist. This tier is designed for players who are ready to tackle complex guitar passages and push their fretwork skills to the absolute limit.
- Anthrax – Madhouse
- Living End – Carry Me Home
- Lamb of God – Laid to Rest
- Reverend Horton Heat – Psychobilly Freakout
- Rush – YYZ
8. Face-Melters: The Ultimate Guitar Hero Challenge
Finally, “Face-Melters” represents the pinnacle of the Guitar Hero 2 experience. These tracks are the ultimate test of skill and endurance, featuring epic guitar solos, blistering tempos, and the kind of songs that define the “guitar hero” experience.
- Avenged Sevenfold – Beast and the Harlot
- Suicidal Tendencies – Institutionalized
- Dick Dale – Misirlou
- Megadeth – Hangar 18
- Lynyrd Skynyrd – Free Bird
Final Verdict on the Guitar Hero 2 Song Selection
While some iconic bands like Iron Maiden and AC/DC might have been absent from the initial tracklist (leaving room for potential bonus tracks or future installments), the Guitar Hero 2 songs delivered an incredibly robust and diverse selection. From classic rock anthems to thrash metal intensity and surf rock instrumentals, the tracklist catered to a wide range of rock tastes. The inclusion of tracks from Motley Crue, Guns N’ Roses, Black Sabbath, and Rush, among many others, solidified Guitar Hero 2 as a must-have for any aspiring guitar hero. Are you ready to rock?
