There are bands that played rock ’n’ roll. There are bands that played heavy metal. And then there was Motörhead. Band that could make the distinction completely irrelevant.
Released in 1987, “Rock ’N’ Roll” arrived with Lemmy Kilmister, Phil “Wizzö” Campbell, Michael “Würzel” Burston and Phil “Philthy Animal” Taylor delivering exactly what you’d expect: loud guitars, pounding drums, distorted bass and zero interest in playing it safe.
The album has plenty of obvious weapons, but which track deserves the crown?
1. “Rock ’N’ Roll”
The title track is Motörhead in its purest form.
Fast, dirty and ridiculously catchy, it kicks the album into gear and announces the band philosophy without needing a complicated explanation. Just turn it up and let the riff do the talking.
It’s not trying to reinvent rock ’n’ roll.
It’s here to remind you who still owns it.
2. “Eat the Rich”
One of the album biggest tracks, “Eat the Rich” was written for the 1987 movie of the same name.
The riff is pure Motörhead, while Lemmy delivers the kind of vocal performance that sounds like he’s been dragged out of a bar at 3 a.m. and handed a microphone.
And that’s a compliment.
Phil Campbell adds another cool touch with his slide guitar work, giving the song even more attitude.
3. “Blackheart”
Want the faster side of “Rock ’N’ Roll”?
“Blackheart” delivers.
It’s a straight-ahead speed-metal attack with Campbell and Würzel creating that trademark two-guitar wall while Taylor pounds away behind them.
No unnecessary detours. Just speed, riffs and attitude.
4. “Stone Deaf in the U.S.A.”
This one comes with a spoken intro before exploding into another high-energy rocker.
It’s loud, sarcastic and unmistakably Motörhead, with Würzel adding slide guitar to the mix.
If the title doesn’t already tell you what kind of ride you’re getting, the song certainly does.
5. “The Wolf”
A darker cut that often gets overshadowed by the album better-known tracks.
That’s exactly why it’s worth revisiting.
“The Wolf” has a meaner atmosphere and shows that “Rock ’N’ Roll” wasn’t simply about throwing the same high-speed formula at you ten times.
And Then Come the Deep Cuts
“Traitor”, “Dogs”, “All for You” and “Boogeyman” keep the album moving without losing its identity.
And “Boogeyman” deserves special attention.
It’s one of the album heavier, groovier moments and Lemmy himself even stepped behind the guitar for the third lead-guitar solo.
Yes, Lemmy played guitar on Motörhead.
Because apparently bass, vocals and songwriting weren’t enough.
Then there’s “Blessing” the bizarre one-minute spoken-word piece featuring Monty Python legend Michael Palin. Motörhead were huge Monty Python fans and Palin recorded the mock-religious piece after being invited to the studio.
Only Motörhead could put that next to songs like “Eat the Rich” and somehow make it work.
So… What’s the BEST Track?
That’s the real question.
Is it the title track? “Eat the Rich”? Maybe “Blackheart”? Or are you the kind of Motörhead fan who goes straight for “Boogeyman” or another deeper cut?
VOTE: What’s the best track on Rock ’N’ Roll?
Pick your winner and tell us why in the comments.
Because when Motörhead asks you to choose the best track, there is only one acceptable answer:
Turn it up. 🤘
By
By
