Megadeth’s Top Five Rock ‘n’ Roll Songs

While Megadeth is primarily known for their thrash metal prowess, the band has also showcased their ability to craft rock ‘n’ roll anthems. In the evolution of their sound, particularly during the ’90s, they explored more accessible hard rock elements, creating a unique blend that still delivered powerful riffs and attitude. Below, we present a ranked list of Megadeth’s five best rock ‘n’ roll songs, proving that the thrash titans can indeed dial it back while still rocking hard.

5. “A Tout Le Monde” (Youthanasia, 1994)

Following the commercial success of Countdown to Extinction, Megadeth continued to explore a more mainstream sound with the release of Youthanasia. The album’s second single, “A Tout Le Monde,” is a poignant reflection on love and loss, marking the band’s first real foray into power ballads. With its slow tempo complemented by crunchy riffs and soaring leads, this track fit seamlessly into the rock landscape of the time.

4. “Angry Again” (Hidden Treasures, 1995)

Originally featured on the Last Action Hero soundtrack, “Angry Again” epitomizes the transition between Megadeth’s intricate thrash roots and their foray into commercial hard rock. The track features snarling guitar harmonies that hark back to their earlier work, while the mid-tempo drive makes it a favorite for radio play and live performances, ensuring its place in the band’s setlist for decades.

3. “Trust” (Cryptic Writings, 1997)

On Cryptic Writings, Megadeth took their hard rock sound to new heights with “Trust.” The song opens with a tribal drum intro reminiscent of Metallica’s “Enter Sandman” before transitioning into dark, melodic riffs paired with one of Mustaine’s most engaging choruses. The acoustic interlude and dramatic bridge enhance the song’s appeal, firmly establishing it within the rock ‘n’ roll genre.

2. “Train of Consequences” (Youthanasia)

While “Train of Consequences” straddles the line between metal and rock, its infectious drum groove and melodic guitar work in the chorus undeniably lean towards rock ‘n’ roll. The machine-gun intro riff and Mustaine’s aggressive vocals maintain an edge, making this track a quintessential representation of mid-’90s Megadeth, blending melody with muscle.

1. “Sweating Bullets” (Countdown to Extinction, 1992)

Certainly one of the standout tracks on Countdown to Extinction, “Sweating Bullets” epitomizes rock ‘n’ roll. The song features an irresistible groove, simple yet effective riffs, and Mustaine’s signature talk-singing style. While it may have divided fans of the band’s thrash roots, its catchy nature and memorable lyrics have earned it a revered place in Megadeth’s discography, solidifying it as their best rock ‘n’ roll song.

Conclusion

Megadeth’s ability to explore rock ‘n’ roll elements while remaining true to their metal roots showcases their versatility as musicians. The tracks highlighted in this list demonstrate that even thrash metal titans can produce memorable rock anthems that resonate with a wide audience. From power ballads to hard-hitting grooves, Megadeth proves that they can rock hard, no matter the tempo or style.

FAQs

What is Megadeth known for?

Megadeth is primarily known for their contributions to thrash metal and is considered one of the “Big 4” bands of the genre, alongside Metallica, Slayer, and Anthrax.

When did Megadeth adopt a more rock-oriented sound?

In the early 1990s, particularly with the release of Countdown to Extinction in 1992, Megadeth began to explore a more accessible hard rock sound.

What are some of Megadeth’s most popular songs?

Some of Megadeth’s most popular songs include “Symphony of Destruction,” “Peace Sells,” “Hangar 18,” and the rock ‘n’ roll anthems mentioned in this article.

Is “Sweating Bullets” considered a classic rock song?

Yes, “Sweating Bullets” is often cited as a classic rock song due to its catchy melody and rock-oriented structure, despite being rooted in heavy metal.