I Miss Guitar Hero, Part 3

Welcome back to our Guitar Hero series! I've been beyond excited for this specific post for so long; Guitar Hero III is probably my favorite video game of all time, and revisiting its soundtrack has been the absolute best time.

Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock was released October 28th, 2007 for PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, Wii, and Xbox 360, November 13th, 2007 for Windows, and December 10th, 2007 Mac OS X. Developed by Neversoft and published by ActiVision, it was a rhythm and music based game that, instead of using a traditional controller, handed you scaled down model of a Gibson SG guitar. It became the best selling game of 2007, as well it should have, aad exceeded a billion dollars in sales. Guitar Hero III scored an average of 83 from MetaCritic and an average 8.5 out of 10 from IGN, with critics saying parts of the game were too difficult but fans absolutely living for it.

This time around, almost three quarters of the songs in Guitar Hero III are master versions. We have what I consider to be the best mix of different rock genres compiled here out of all the games (can you tell I'm biased yet?), and I'm absolutely ready to dive in. Obviously, the stars of the game again are the guitar solos, so let's check them out.

Guitar Hero III featured eight "stages" on its story mode, with setlists of five songs each set in a different venue and additional bonus songs once story mode waas complete. Since I'm admittedly not a guitarist, I won't be ranking the songs based on how fun or iconic they are to play, but with the amount I played this game as a teenager I know for a fact how fun they are to emulate on the guitar controller for the Wii. Therefore, let's just check out the soundtrack and, naturally, enjoy the music.

Stage 1: Starting Out Small

Slow Ride by Foghat

Original Album: Fool for the City (1975)

Genre: Hard rock

Songwriters: D. Peverett

Do I Like It: This game is why I love this song. Yes it's the easiest one in the game but who cares?

Rock and Roll All Nite by Kiss

Original Album: Dressed to Kill (1975)

Genre: Hard rock

Songwriters: G. Simmons, P. Stanley

Do I Like It: This is THE Kiss song. Even if you don't like Kiss you probably know most of the words.

Hit Me with Your Best Shot by Pat Benatar

Original Album: Crimes of Passion (1980)

Genre: Power pop

Songwriters: E. Schwartz

Do I Like It: Legitimate banger. Pat Benatar is a legend.

Talk Dirty to Me by Poison

Original Album: Look What the Cat Dragged In (1986)

Genre: Glam metal

Songwriters: B. Sychak, R. Ream, R. Kuykendall, B. Johannesson

Do I Like It: This one's fun to both play and sing to, a double whammy.

Story of My Life by Social Distortion

Original Album: Social Distortion (1990)

Genre: Cowpunk

Songwriters: M. Ness

Do I Like It: This song took a bit to grow on me, but it's fun to sing along with now for sure.

Stage 2: Your First Real Gig

School's Out by Alice Cooper

Original Album: School's Out (1972)

Genre: Hard rock

Songwriters: A. Cooper, D. Dunaway, G. Buxton, N. Smith, M. Bruce

Do I Like It: This is another one everyone knows enough to at least sing the chorus - so delightfully catchy and Alice Cooper is such a cool guy.

Sunshine of Your Love by Cream

Original Album: Disraeli Gears (1967)

Genre: Psychedelic rock

Songwriters: E. Clapton, J. Bruce, P. Brown

Do I Like It: I always manage to forget how long Eric Clapton has been around, this is an absolute vibe from the '60s.

Barracuda by Heart

Original Album: Little Queen (1977)

Genre: Hard rock

Songwriters: A. Wilson, M. Derosier, N. Wilson, R. Fisher

Do I Like It: I'm pretty sure this song gave me carpal tunnel, but it's so great I don't even care.

Mississippi Queen by Mountain

Original Album: Climbing! (1970)

Genre: Hard rock

Songwriters: L. West, L. Laing, F. Pappalardi, D. Rea

Do I Like It: So catchy and fun, but it's still funny to me how the definition of hard rock has changed over the years.

Bulls on Parade by Rage Against the Machine

Original Album: Evil Empire (1996)

Genre: Alternative rock

Songwriters: B. Wilk, T. Commerford, T. Morello, Z. De La Rocha

Do I Like It: Iconic guitar line, certified headbanger, and you get to play "with" Tom Morello after you do the guitar battle with him so that's sick.

Stage 3: Making the Video

Miss Murder by AFI

Original Album: Decemberunderground (2006)

Genre: Post-hardcore

Songwriters: A. Carson, J. Puget, H. Burgan, D. Marchand

Do I Like It: The chorus of this song gets stuck in my head at least once a week, not gonna lie.

Lay Down by Priestess

Original Album: Hello Master (2005)

Genre: Hard rock

Songwriters: M. Heppner, M. Dyball, V. Nudo, D. Watchorn

Do I Like It: I'd forgotten about this song but as soon as it turned on it all came screaming back to me. Another fun one.

When You Were Young by The Killers

Original Album: Sam's Town (2006)

Genre: Alternative rock

Songwriters: B. Flowers, D. Keuning, M. Stoermer, R. Vannucci

Do I Like It: The Killers just really had something going in the '00s, with this song and Mr. Brightside and Somebody Told Me.

Paint It Black by The Rolling Stones

Original Album: Aftermath (1965)

Genre: Raga rock

Songwriters: M. Jagger, K. Richards

Do I Like It: This song was a banger long before it was on Wednesday, but I'm glad it got introduced to a new group of people because of it.

The Seeker by The Who

Original Album: The Seeker - Single (1970)

Genre: Hard rock

Songwriters: P. Townshend

Do I Like It: This song gets stuck in my head, too - another classic.

Stage 4: European Invasion

Paranoid by Black Sabbath

Original Album: Paranoid (1970)

Genre: Heavy metal

Songwriters: W. Ward, A. Iommi, J. Osbourne, T. Butler

Do I Like It: A verified classic, even if it's not War Pigs.

Even Flow by Pearl Jam

Original Album: Ten (1991)

Genre: Grunge

Songwriters: E. Vedder, S. Gossard

Do I Like It: Love this song. Playing, listening, singing, the whole thing.

Anarchy in the U.K. by Sex Pistols

Original Album: Never Mind the Bollocks, Here's the Sex Pistols (1976)

Genre: Punk rock

Songwriters: S. Jones, P. Cook, G. Matlock, J. Lydon

Do I Like It: It's a bit of a banger, even if the Sex Pistols grate on my nerves a bit.

Kool Thing by Sonic Youth

Original Album: Goo (1990)

Genre: Alternative rock

Songwriters: K. Gordon, L. Renaldo, S. Shelley, T. Moore

Do I Like It: Not my favorite, it's super chaotic and just has a lot going on for me.

My Name is Jonas by Weezer

Original Album: Weezer (1994)

Genre: Alternative rock

Songwriters: J. Cropper, P. Wilson, R. Cuomo

Do I Like It: I'm pretty meh on Weezer but this song is alright.

Stage 5: Big House Blues

Same Old Song and Dance by Aerosmith

Original Album: Get Your Wings (1974)

Genre: Hard rock

Songwriters: J. Perry, S. Tallarico

Do I Like It: It's not Love in an Elevator, but it's still a fun, catchy Aerosmith song.

Holiday in Cambodia by Dead Kennedys

Original Album: Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables (1980)

Genre: Hardcore punk

Songwriters: E. Boucher, R. Pepperell, G. Lyall, B. Slesinger

Do I Like It: Another one that the chorus gets stuck in my head pretty regularly.

Welcome to the Jungle by Guns N' Roses

Original Album: Appetite for Destruction (1987)

Genre: Glam metal

Songwriters: S. Adler, J. Isbell, W. Rose, M. McKagan, S. Hudson

Do I Like It: Beyond iconic, plus you get to play "with" Slash after the guitar battle level with him.

Rock You Like a Hurricane by Scorpions

Original Album: Love at First Sting (1984)

Genre: Glam metal

Songwriters: R. Schenker, K. Meine, H. Erbel

Do I Like It: This is maybe my favorite song to play in this whole game; not sure why, I just love it.

La Grange by ZZ Top

Original Album: Tres Hombres (1973)

Genre: Blues rock

Songwriters: W. Gibbons, F. Beard, J. Hill

Do I Like It: We love this little old band from Texas over here, and I just found out this song is about The Chicken Ranch which I think is cool (if you've never seen Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, put it on your to do list).

Stage 6: Hottest Band on Earth

Black Magic Woman by Santana

Original Album: Abraxas (1970)

Genre: Blues rock

Songwriters: P. Green, G. Szabó

Do I Like It: Such a cool song with a great, semi-spooky vibe. Also I never realized this was a cover for a Fleetwood Mac song.

Pride and Joy by Stevie Ray Vaughan

Original Album: Texas Flood (1983)

Genre: Electric blues

Songwriters: S. Vaughan

Do I Like It: I love this song; it's yet another one that gets stuck in my head all the time. I sing it to both my dog and my daughter and they both look at me like I'm crazy but it's fine.

The Metal by Tenacious D

Original Album: The Pick of Destiny (2006)

Genre: Comedy rock

Songwriters: J. Black, K. Gass, J. Konesky

Do I Like It: This song kicks serious ass. Jack Black being attached to it is just an added bonus.

Cherub Rock by The Smashing Pumpkins

Original Album: Siamese Dream (1993)

Genre: Grunge

Songwriters: W. Corgan

Do I Like It: This one is a bit of a vibe, I'll give it that.

Black Sunshine by White Zombie

Original Album: La Sexorcisto: Devil Music Volume One (1992)

Genre: Groove metal

Songwriters: R. Cummings, J. Yuenger, S. Yseult, I. De Prume

Do I Like It: Yeeeeah not my favorite. Rob Zombie tends to just be a lot for me.

Stage 7: Live in Japan

Stricken by Disturbed

Original Album: Ten Thousand Fists  (2005)

Genre: Nu metal

Songwriters: D. Draiman, M. Wengren, D. Donegan

Do I Like It: I think this was my introduction to Disturbed, and here I am now in 2024 still absolutely loving Dave Draiman's vocals.

Cult of Personality by Living Colour

Original Album: Vivid  (1988)

Genre: Alternative metal

Songwriters: C. Glover, M. Skillings, V. Reid, W. Calhoun

Do I Like It: This one is a lot of fun, super catchy hook, too.

Knights of Cydonia by Muse

Original Album: Black Holes and Revelations  (2006)

Genre: Alternative rock

Songwriters: M. Bellamy

Do I Like It: I think this was the first Muse song I ever heard, and I still like it as much today as I did back then.

3's & 7's by Queens of the Stone Age

Original Album: Era Vulgaris (2007)

Genre: Hard rock

Songwriters: J. Castillo, J. Homme, T. Van Leeuwen

Do I Like It: Yeah, this one is fun. It's hard for me to recall off the top of my head but once I listen to it I'm right back there.

Before I Forget by Slipknot

Original Album: Vol. 3 (The Subliminal Verses) (2004)

Genre: Nu metal

Songwriters: S. Crahan, C. Fehn, P. Gray, C. Jones, N. Jordison, J. Root, C. Taylor, M. Thomson, S. Wilson

Do I Like It: Yeah actually, even though Slipknot is usually too much for me. It's probably the weakest of this particular set for me though.

Stage 8: Battle for Your Soul

Through the Fire and Flames by DragonForce

Original Album: Inhuman Rampage (2006)

Genre: Power metal

Songwriters: S. Totman, Z. Theart

Do I Like It: I can't tell you how many times this song booted me for doing so badly at it, but I still have a blast listening to it.

Cliffs of Dover by Eric Johnson

Original Album: Ah Via Musicom (1990)

Genre: Instrumental rock

Songwriters: E. Johnson

Do I Like It: I love this one, it's so fun to play and listen to.

The Number of the Beast by Iron Maiden

Original Album: The Number of the Beast (1982)

Genre: Heavy metal

Songwriters: S. Harris

Do I Like It: I like this one way more than I ever expected to, especially for a true heavy metal song.

One by Metallica

Original Album: ...And Justice for All (1988)

Genre: Thrash metal

Songwriters: J. Hetfield, L. Ulrich

Do I Like It: It's not any track off of the Black Album, but it's still pretty good.

Raining Blood by Slayer

Original Album: Reign in Blood (1986)

Genre: Thrash metal

Songwriters: J. Hanneman, K. King

Do I Like It: Not my favorite. It's not melodic enough for me and goes just a bit too hard for my personal taste.

The Devil Went Down to Georgia by Steve Ouimette

Original Album: Epic (2010)

Genre: Southern rock

Songwriters: C. Hayward, C. Daniels, W. DiGregorio, F. Edwards, J. Marshall, J. Crain

Do I Like It: I'm a MASSIVE fan of the original song, and I think this version truly kicks ass.

Extra/Bonus Songs

Sabotage by Beastie Boys

Original Album: Ill Communication (1994)

Genre: Rap rock

Songwriters: M. Diamond, A. Yauch, A. Horovitz

Do I Like It: To quote my husband, "It's iconic but it's not my favorite."

Helicopter by Bloc Party

Original Album: Silent Alarm (2004)

Genre: Indie rock

Songwriters: R. Lissack, G. Moakes, K. Okereke, M. Tong

Do I Like It: This one's pretty good. Very '00s and a bit of a bop.

Cities on Flame with Rock and Roll by Blue Öyster Cult

Original Album: Blue Öyster Cult (1972)

Genre: Heavy metal

Songwriters: A. Bouchard, S. Pearlman, D. Roeser

Do I Like It: Yeah, this one's great. Again, not what I'd call heavy metal by today's standards but still a good song.

Monsters by Matchbook Romance

Original Album: Voices (2006)

Genre: Emo

Songwriters: A. Jordan, R. DePaolo, R. Kienle, A. Stern

Do I Like It: Definitely a '00s emo song. I didn't hate it.

Suck My Kiss by Red Hot Chili Peppers

Original Album: Blood Sugar Sex Magik (1991)

Genre: Funk rock

Songwriters: M. Balzary, J. Frusciante, A. Kiedis, C. Smith

Do I Like It: I know this is a big song for RHCP but I honestly do not get it.

Reptilia by The Strokes

Original Album: Room on Fire (2003)

Genre: Indie rock

Songwriters: J. Casablancas

Do I Like It: Another one that I don't realize that I know until I hear it. This one's fun.

I hope you enjoyed checking out these songs as much as I did, because I had an absolute blast. Happy listening, and see ya'll next week!