It's time again to revisit our Guitar Hero series! This continues to be so much fun to for me to research, especially given how much I love these games.
Guitar Hero World Tour was released October 26th, 2008 for Wii, Xbox 360, PS2, and PS3 and July 26th, 2009 for Windows and 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 and for the first time in this franchise also included drum and microphone controllers for drum and voice parts. Critics and players both liked it, saying it wasn't as difficult as Guitar Hero III which made it more fun I guess? Guitar Hero World Tour scored an average of 85 from MetaCritic and an average 8.8 out of 10 from IGN (for the Wii version, which is what I had), with critics saying parts of the game had already been done better by Rock Band but that it was still a good time to play.
This iteration, every single song on the soundtrack is a master version, no covers at all. You could also create custom songs with this game, which I won't be covering but I still think it's a cool concept. This game has a ton of music in it, with a good mix of decades and rock subgenres sprinkled throughout.
Guitar Hero World Tour featured eighteen "gigs" on its story mode, with setlists of between three and six songs each set in a different venue. Like I've said before, I'm not a guitarist, so I won't be ranking the songs based on how fun or iconic they are to play. I did own this game and, while it's not quite as dear to me as Guitar Hero III, I did play it quite a bit and am happy to revisit the soundtrack and discuss the songs themselves as a whole. Let's see what we've got on deck this time!
Gig 1: Phi Psi Kappa (USA)
Livin' on a Prayer by Bon Jovi
Original Album: Slippery When Wet (1986)
Genre: Glam metal
Songwriters: J. Bongiovi, D. Child, R. Sambora
Do I Like It: This is peak Bon Jovi, which I know isn't for everyone but I personally love it.
Mountain Song by Jane's Addiction
Original Album: Nothing's Shocking (1988)
Genre: Alternative rock
Songwriters: P. Farrell, E. Avery
Do I Like It: This was pretty good; it has a good groove to it that makes it fun to listen to.
About a Girl (Unplugged Live) by Nirvana
Original Album: MTV Unplugged in New York (1994)
Genre: Acoustic rock
Songwriters: K. Cobain
Do I Like It: While I think Nirvana CAN be a bit overrated (don't come for me), I think they were really, really great in this exact setting: live and acoustic.
Gig 2: Wilted Orchid (Sweden)
Obstacle 1 by Interpol
Original Album: Turn on the Bright Lights (2002)
Genre: Indie rock
Songwriters: P. Banks, C. Dengler, D. Kessler, S. Fogarino
Do I Like It: This is pretty standard indie rock nowadays, maybe it was a bigger deal in 2002?
The One I Love by R.E.M.
Original Album: Document (1987)
Genre: Alternative rock
Songwriters: P. Buck, M. Mills, W. Berry, J. Stipe
Do I Like It: This does not sound like 80s rock to me, I feel more of a mid-90s vibe from it. Not too bad.
Beautiful Disaster by 311
Original Album: Transistor (1997)
Genre: Alternative rock
Songwriters: N. Hexum
Do I Like It: This is alright, and it's an interesting blend of different sounds from genres you wouldn't expect to hear together back then.
Gig 3: Bone Church (Poland)
What I've Done by Linkin Park
Original Album: Minutes to Midnight (2007)
Genre: Alternative rock
Songwriters: C. Bennington, M. Shinoda, B. Delson, D. Farrell, J. Hahn, R. Bourdon
Do I Like It: Still such a banger. Chester Bennington was seriously one of the great rock voices out there, may he rest in peace.
Some Might Say by Oasis
Original Album: (What's the Story) Morning Glory? (1995)
Genre: Britpop
Songwriters: N. Gallagher
Do I Like It: It's kind of unfair to Oasis that so many people only know Wonderwall, becuse this song is great.
Today by The Smashing Pumpkins
Original Album: Siamese Dream (1993)
Genre: Alternative rock
Songwriters: W. Corgan
Do I Like It: This is what comes to my mind when I think '90's grunge; not this exact song per say, but definitely the vibe it gives off.
Gig 4: Pang Tang Bay (Hong Kong)
No Sleep Till Brooklyn by Beastie Boys
Original Album: License to Ill (1986)
Genre: Rap rock
Songwriters: M. Diamond, A. Yauch, R. Rubin, A. Horowitz
Do I Like It: I don't always like Beastie Boys too overly much, but this song is absolutely a banger.
Up Around the Bend by Creedence Clearwater Revival
Original Album: Cosmo's Factory (1970)
Genre: Rock
Songwriters: J. Fogerty
Do I Like It: It's always a safe bet that I'll enjoy CCR, and this is no exception. Banger.
You're Gonna Say Yeah by Hushpuppies
Original Album: The Trap (2005)
Genre: Garage rock
Songwriters: C. Sudraud, F. Pompidou, O. Jourdan, G. Le Guen, W. Jourdan
Do I Like It: This one is a lot of fun; it fits right in with the '00's, but you can feel hints of earlier decades in it as well.
Band On The Run by Paul McCartney & Wings
Original Album: Band on the Run (1973)
Genre: Rock
Songwriters: P. McCartney, L. McCartney
Do I Like It: Iconic in its own right, completely separate from any Beatles stuff in my opinion. It does feel like multiple different songs sandwiched together, though.
Gig 5: Amoeba Records (Los Angeles)
Hotel California by Eagles
Original Album: Hotel California (1976)
Genre: Rock
Songwriters: G. Frey, D. Felder, D. Henley
Do I Like It: One of my favorite songs of all time. No notes, it's perfect, we can all go home.
Freak On a Leash by Korn
Original Album: Follow the Leader (1998)
Genre: Nu metal
Songwriters: R. Arvizu, B. Welch, J. Davis, D. Silveria, J. Shaffer
Do I Like It: I completely credit this song (that I heard for the first time playing this game when I was in high school) for me liking Korn, so yeah I definitely like it.
Misery Business by Paramore
Original Album: Riot! (2007)
Genre: Pop punk
Songwriters: J. Farro, H. Williams
Do I Like It: As a Millennial, I can confirm that every single one of us will get absolutely turnt the minute this song comes on anywhere.
The Joker by Steve Miller Band
Original Album: The Joker (1973)
Genre: Rock
Songwriters: A. Ertegun, E. Curtis, S. Miller
Do I Like It: Another song I learned from Guitar Hero that gets stuck in my head on the reg.
Gig 6: Tool (USA)
Parabola by Tool
Original Album: Lateralus (2001)
Genre: Progressive metal
Songwriters: J. Chancellor, D. Carey, M. Keenan, A. Jones
Do I Like It: Like most Tool songs, it's just so long, but it's still pretty good.
Schism by Tool
Original Album: Lateralus (2001)
Genre: Alternative metal
Songwriters: J. Chancellor, D. Carey, M. Keenan, A. Jones
Do I Like It: I'm very familiar with this one because my husband loves Tool and is a bass player; it's one of the Tool songs I like quite a bit.
Vicarious by Tool
Original Album: 10,000 Days (2006)
Genre: Progressive metal
Songwriters: J. Chancellor, D. Carey, M. Keenan, A. Jones
Do I Like It: Again, very long but still good. Even if my favorite Tool song didn't make the cut here (The Pot).
Gig 7: Swamp Shack (Louisiana)
Stillborn by Black Label Society ft. Ozzy Osbourne
Original Album: The Blessed Hellride (2003)
Genre: Heavy metal
Songwriters: Z. Wylde
Do I Like It: Ozzy fits right in with Black Label Society, adding his classic sound to a more modern heavy metal song.
One Way or Another by Blondie
Original Album: Parallel Lines (1978)
Genre: Punk rock
Songwriters: D. Harry, N. Harrison
Do I Like It: Iconic. Debbie Harry's a legend.
Spiderwebs by No Doubt
Original Album: Tragic Kingdom (1995)
Genre: Ska punk
Songwriters: G. Stefani, T. Kanal
Do I Like It: There's just something about classic No Doubt, no matter how annoyed I get by Gwen Stefani nowadays.
Do It Again by Steely Dan
Original Album: Can't Buy a Thrill (1972)
Genre: Soft rock
Songwriters: D. Fagan, W. Becker
Do I Like It: Steely Dan can definitely be pretentious at times, but this song has a cool groove to it that I like.
Eye of the Tiger by Survivor
Original Album: Eye of the Tiger (1982)
Genre: Hard rock
Songwriters: F. Sullivan, J. Peterik
Do I Like It: This song is another immortal meme at this point, but it's also another one that I feel like generally everybody likes.
Gig 8: Rock Brigade (The Pacific)
Dammit by blink-182
Original Album: Dude Ranch (1997)
Genre: Pop punk
Songwriters: T. DeLonge, M. Hoppus, S. Raynor
Do I Like It: Not my favorite blink-182 song, but also not the worst.
Feel the Pain by Dinosaur Jr.
Original Album: Without a Sound (1994)
Genre: Alternative rock
Songwriters: J. Mascis
Do I Like It: This is honestly a vibe. I'm not sure you can ever really know what to expect from a band called Dinosaur Jr.
Hey Man Nice Shot by Filter
Original Album: Short Bus (1995)
Genre: Industrial rock
Songwriters: R. Patrick
Do I Like It: Filter just has a cool sound to me; a little dark, dingy, and gritty, and always intriguing.
Everlong by Foo Fighters
Original Album: The Colour and the Shape (1997)
Genre: Post grunge
Songwriters: D. Grohl
Do I Like It: I like the Foo Fighters more and more with each passing year. Dave Grohl is just a delight.
The Middle by Jimmy Eat World
Original Album: Bleed American (2001)
Genre: Pop punk
Songwriters: J. Adkins, T. Linton, Z. Lind, R. Burch
Do I Like It: Again, this is one that pretty much any Millennial will get absolutely feral to when it comes on in public.
Gig 9: Strutter's Farm (Kentucky)
Go Your Own Way by Fleetwood Mac
Original Album: Rumours (1977)
Genre: Rock
Songwriters: L. Buckingham
Do I Like It: The whole Rumours album is iconic, and this song is a vital part of why.
Heartbreaker by Pat Benatar
Original Album: In the Heat of the Night (1979)
Genre: Hard rock
Songwriters: G. Gill, C. Wade
Do I Like It: Absolute banger. No notes, Pat Benatar.
Stranglehold by Ted Nugent
Original Album: Ted Nugent (1975)
Genre: Hard rock
Songwriters: T. Nugent, R. Grange, D. St. Holmes
Do I Like It: This has a cool groove and a nice, easy pacing while still maintianing a classic '70s hard rock sound.
Ramblin' Man by The Allman Brothers Band
Original Album: Brothers and Sisters (1973)
Genre: Country rock
Songwriters: F. Betts
Do I Like It: Absolutely, The Allman Brothers slap pretty much all the time.
American Woman by The Guess Who
Original Album: American Woman (1970)
Genre: Blues rock
Songwriters: B. Cummings, G. Peterson, M. Kale, R. Bachman
Do I Like It: I'm so unused to the intro to this song that at first I thought I was listening to the wrong thing. Then we figured it out and guess what, still a banger.
Gig 10: House of Blues (Los Angeles)
Kick Out the Jams by MC5
Original Album: Kick Out the Jams (1969)
Genre: Proto punk
Songwriters: R. Tyner, W. Kramer, F. Smith, M. Davis, D. Thompson
Do I Like It: This was fun; hearing the evolution of punk rock through the years is always so interesting.
Santeria by Sublime
Original Album: Sublime (1996)
Genre: Ska
Songwriters: B. Nowell, E. Wilson, F. Gaugh
Do I Like It: "SUBLIME!" -Ryan Gosling (Barbie, 2023) (But really, this song is just alright and mainly just makes me think of that one Vine)
Love Me Two Times by The Doors
Original Album: Strange Days (1967)
Genre: Blues rock
Songwriters: J. Densmore, R. Krieger, R. Manzarek, J. Morrison
Do I Like It: I mean it's The Doors so it's pretty good, but I've heard other Doors songs I've liked better for sure.
L'Via L'Viaquez by The Mars Volta
Original Album: Frances the Mute (2005)
Genre: Progressive rock
Songwriters: O. Rodríguez-López, C. Bixler-Zavala
Do I Like It: Not sure what I was expecting, but it wasn't this. What a wild ride. Also, absolutely insane that it's over 12 minutes long.
On the Road Again by Willie Nelson
Original Album: Honeysuckle Rose (1980)
Genre: Country rock
Songwriters: W. Nelson
Do I Like It: Willie Nelson just makes my heart happy. He'll always be one of my favorites.
Gig 11: Ted's Tiki Hut (Tahiti)
Good God by Anouk
Original Album: Who's Your Momma (2007)
Genre: Soul
Songwriters: A. Teeuwe, R. Stotjin
Do I Like It: This surprised me in how much I dug it; it reminded me of a mix of Amy Winehouse, Duffy, and Adele.
One Armed Scissor by At the Drive-In
Original Album: Relationship of Command (2000)
Genre: Post hardcore
Songwriters: J. Ward, P. Hinojos, C. Bixler-Zavala, O. Rodríguez-López, T. Hailar
Do I Like It: The lead singer sounds like he's doing a pretty good Tool impression, but in all seriousness this was pretty good.
Rooftops (A Liberation Broadcast) by Lostprophets
Original Album: Liberation Transmission (2006)
Genre: Alternative rock
Songwriters: I. Watkins, L. Gaze, M. Lewis, R. Oliver, S. Richardson
Do I Like It: I keep reading this title as A Liberation Podcast, idk. It was alright.
Aggro by The Enemy UK
Original Album: We'll Live and Die in These Towns (2007)
Genre: Indie rock
Songwriters: T. Clarke, A. Hopkins, L. Watts
Do I Like It: This was pretty good; it was giving Sex Pistols a little bit, but I liked it way more.
Monsoon by Tokio Hotel
Original Album: Scream (2007)
Genre: Alternative rock
Songwriters: B. Kaulitz, D. Roth, P. Benzner, D. Jost, P. Hoffmann, R. Roth
Do I Like It: This reminded me of so much music that came out in my early high school days. I can see the scene kids now.
Gig 12: Will Heilm's Keep (England)
Rebel Yell by Billy Idol
Original Album: Rebel Yell (1983)
Genre: New wave
Songwriters: W. Broad, S. Stevens
Do I Like It: I can't give you a reason why because I genuinely don't know, but the chorus to this song gets stuck in my head maybe once every two weeks out of the blue and takes a full day to leave my brain.
Shiver by Coldplay
Original Album: Parachutes (2000)
Genre: Alternative rock
Songwriters: C. Martin, G. Berryman, W. Champion, J. Buckland
Do I Like It: I have a handful of Coldplay songs that I like, but this one isn't one of them. It's not that it's bad persay, it's just a bit on the boring side for me.
Beat It by Michael Jackson
Original Album: Thriller (1982)
Genre: Hard rock
Songwriters: M. Jackson
Do I Like It: Absolutely - even though my favorite MJ song is Billie Jean, this song is awesome.
Demolition Man by Sting
Original Album: Demolition Man (1993)
Genre: New wave
Songwriters: G. Sumner
Do I Like It: I like a lot of Sting stuff, but this one doesn't hit for me. It's just a lot of very busy sound all at once.
The Kill (Bury Me) by Thirty Seconds to Mars
Original Album: A Beautiful Life (2005)
Genre: Hard rock
Songwriters: J. Leto
Do I Like It: I totally forgot this song existed until now. Not bad, also brings back a lot of memories from hearing it in middle and high school from my friends who were into this music.
Gig 13: Recording Studio (Canada)
Too Much, Too Young, Too Fast by Airbourne
Original Album: Runnin' Wild (2007)
Genre: Hard rock
Songwriters: J. O'Keeffe
Do I Like It: This is trying really hard to be a '00s version of AC/DC. Not bad, but not the best thing I've ever heard either.
Float On by Modest Mouse
Original Album: Good News for People Who Love Bad News (2004)
Genre: Indie rock
Songwriters: I. Brock, E. Judy, D. Gallucci
Do I Like It: This guitar riff is iconic and instantly recognizable, despite me not connecting the dots with the melody and the song title.
Nuvole E Lenzuola by Negramaro
Original Album: Mentre Tutto Scorre (2005)
Genre: Alternative pop
Songwriters: G. Sangiorgi
Do I Like It: This was a cool addition to the list. I like in this game how they included songs that weren't English language.
Pretty Vacant by Sex Pistols
Original Album: Never Mind the Bollocks, Here's the Sex Pistols (1977)
Genre: Punk rock
Songwriters: S. Jones, P. Cook, G. Matlock, J. Lydon
Do I Like It: Not bad, considering Sex PIstols can get on my nerves at times.
Lazy Eye by Silversun Pickups
Original Album: Carnavas (2006)
Genre: Indie rock
Songwriters: B. Aubert, C. Guanlao, J. Lester, N. Monninger
Do I Like It: This was chill. I liked the guitar line in it a lot.
Gig 14: AT&T Park (San Francisco)
Purple Haze by The Jimi Hendrix Experience
Original Album: Are You Experienced (1967)
Genre: Psychedelic rock
Songwriters: J. Hendrix
Do I Like It: Undeniable banger. I've been into Hendrix lately and this song is awesome.
The Wind Cries Mary by The Jimi Hendrix Experience
Original Album: Are You Experienced (1967)
Genre: Psychedelic rock
Songwriters: J. Hendrix
Do I Like It: Another side of Jimi Hendrix, and every bit as good as Purple Haze.
Are You Gonna Go My Way by Lenny Kravitz
Original Album: Are You Gonna Go My Way (1993)
Genre: Hard rock
Songwriters: C. Ross, L. Kravitz
Do I Like It: Lenny Kravitz is so fun to listen to for me. This song has great energy and an iconic guitar line for sure.
Sweet Home Alabama by Lynyrd Skynyrd
Original Album: Second Helping (1974)
Genre: Country rock
Songwriters: R. Van Zant, G. Rossington, E. King
Do I Like It: Ok, be real, I think EVERYONE likes Sweet Home Alabama at least a little bit.
Assassin by Muse
Original Album: Black Holes and Revelations (2006)
Genre: Alternative rock
Songwriters: M. Bellamy
Do I Like It: Ok, we've found a Muse song I'm not super crazy about. It's just so chaotic, and not in a way I enjoy.
Escuela de Calor by Radio Futura
Original Album: La ley del desierto, la ley del mar (1984)
Genre: Latin rock
Songwriters: E. Egea, J. Velazquez, L. Auseron, S. Auseron
Do I Like It: This is an absolute bop. Seriously, what a blast to listen to.
Gig 15: Tesla's Coil (Australia)
Hail to the Freaks by Beatsticks
Original Album: Limbo Messiah (2007)
Genre: Rock
Songwriters: A. Teutoburg-Weiss, B. Kurtzke, T. Götz, T. Scholz, P. Baumann
Do I Like It: Not bad. Sounds like a standard '00s rock song.
Hollywood Nights by Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band
Original Album: Stranger In Town (1978)
Genre: Rock
Songwriters: R. Seger
Do I Like It: Bob Seger is just such a classic rock sound. It's just satisfying to listen to.
VinterNoll2 by Kent
Original Album: Vapen & ammunition (2002)
Genre: Alternative rock
Songwriters: J. Berg
Do I Like It: This one I dig. It's a catchy melody and hook, and I'm interested in it from start to finish.
Soul Doubt by NOFX
Original Album: White Trash, Two Heebs and a Bean (1992)
Genre: Hardcore punk
Songwriters: M. Burkett
Do I Like It: Not my favorite. The guitar line is alright, but that's about all I liked from it.
Toy Boy by Stuck in the Sound
Original Album: Nevermind the Living Dead (2006)
Genre: Alternative rock
Songwriters: E. Barichasse, A. Bordas, F. Ernie, J. Fontao, R. Della Valle
Do I Like It: This is okay, but doesn't really stick out from the tons of other '00s alt rock songs that sound extremely similar.
Gig 16: Ozzfest (Germany)
Crazy Train by Ozzy Osbourne
Original Album: Blizzard of Ozz (1980)
Genre: Heavy metal
Songwriters: R. Daisley, J. Osbourne, R. Rhoads
Do I Like It: A masterepiece, I'd dare say. No notes.
Mr. Crowley by Ozzy Osbourne
Original Album: Blizzard of Ozz (1980)
Genre: Heavy metal
Songwriters: J. Osbourne, R. Rhoads, R. Daisley
Do I Like It: I'm not as familiar with this one as Crazy Train, but what a banger.
Our Truth by Lacuna Coil
Original Album: Karmacode (2006)
Genre: Nu metal
Songwriters: A. Ferro, C. Mozzati, C. Migliore, C. Scabbia, M. Biazzi, M. Coti Zelati
Do I Like It: Ah, some classic emo sounding metal from high school days.
Love Removal Machine by The Cult
Original Album: Electric (1987)
Genre: Hard rock
Songwriters: W. Duffy, I. Astbury
Do I Like It: The beginning reminded me a lot of Start Me Up, and I ended up liking the song as a whole pretty well.
Prisoner of Society by The Living End
Original Album: The Living End (1998)
Genre: Punk rock
Songwriters: C. Cheney
Do I Like It: This is another one that sounds like it's emulating the Sex Pistols mixed with a little bit of Dropkick Murphys, weirdly. It's alright.
Antisocial by Trust
Original Album: Répression (1980)
Genre: Hard rock
Songwriters: B. Bonvoisin, N. Krief
Do I Like It: I'm not sure what I was expecting, but it wasn't this. This was a fun time for me.
Gig 17: Times Square (New York City)
Scream Aim Fire by Bullet for My Valentine
Original Album: Scream Aim Fire (2008)
Genre: Melodic metalcore
Songwriters: M. Tuck
Do I Like It: Yeah, this is modern metal alright.
La Bamba by Los Lobos
Original Album: La Bamba Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (1987)
Genre: Rock & Roll
Songwriters: R. Valens
Do I Like It: If you've never seen La Bamba, that's your homework this week. Incredible movie, and I love this cover as much as I love the original.
Trapped Under Ice by Metallica
Original Album: Ride the Lightning (1984)
Genre: Thrash metal
Songwriters: K. Hammett, L. Ulrich, J. Hetfield
Do I Like It: There's a certain amount of Metallica I enjoy, but this doesn't fall in that category.
Overkill by Mötorhead
Original Album: Overkill (1979)
Genre: Heavy metal
Songwriters: E. Clark, I. Kilmister, P. Taylor
Do I Like It: It's a little heavy and noisy for me, personally.
Re-Education (Through Labor) by Rise Against
Original Album: Appeal to Reason (2008)
Genre: Punk rock
Songwriters: J. Principe, B. Barnes, Z. Blair, T. McIlrath
Do I Like It: Idk, this doesn't give punk rock to me but I guess I get why it is?
B.Y.O.B. by System of a Down
Original Album: Mezmerize (2005)
Genre: Thrash metal
Songwriters: D. Malakian, S. Tankian
Do I Like It: I think I'd say this even if System wasn't my husband's favorite band: banger.
Hot for Teacher by Van Halen
Original Album: 1984 (1984)
Genre: Glam metal
Songwriters: E. Van Halen, A. Van Halen, D. Roth, M. Sobolewski
Do I Like It: Not one of my favorites, but I know it's iconic in its own right.
Gig 18: Sunna's Chariot (Asgard)
Weapon of Choice by Black Rebel Motorcycle Club
Original Album: Baby 81 (2007)
Genre: Alternative rock
Songwriters: P. Hayes, R. Been
Do I Like It: Honestly, it's a bop.
Pull Me Under by Dream Theater
Original Album: Images and Words (1992)
Genre: Progressive metal
Songwriters: J. LaBrie, J. Myung, J. Petrucci, K. Moore, M. Portnoy
Do I Like It: I'm not sure I've ever said this about a metal song before, but parts of this were really beautiful.
Satch Boogie by Joe Satriani
Original Album: Surfing with the Alien (1987)
Genre: Rock
Songwriters: J. Satriani
Do I Like It: It's not 100% my cup of tea, but I respect the hell out of it.
Never Too Late by The Answer
Original Album: Rise (2006)
Genre: Hard rock
Songwriters: J. Heatley, P. Mahon, C. Neeson, M. Waters
Do I Like It: Eh, this was pretty mid for me.
Love Spreads by The Stone Roses
Original Album: Second Coming (1994)
Genre: Alternative rock
Songwriters: J. Squire
Do I Like It: This is a vibe. I like the groove and the guitar riff a lot.
This was a LOT of music this week, guys - if you're still here, I hope you had fun checking out these rock classics like I did. Happy listening, and see ya'll next week!
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