Motorhead Albums: Worst to First
It's time boys. |
| 22 |  | Motorhead
Overnight Sensation
Motorhead’s worst album. While some would say that title is a negative one, keep in mind, it’s still a Motorhead record at the end of the day. Anything with that logo slapped on it is still worth a listen, even if it is far from the band’s best work. My biggest gripe I have for Overnight Sensation is that the band wasn’t exactly sounding like themselves. I can’t place my finger on what it is, but there is just something slightly off with this one. Still a mild recommendation nonetheless.
Best Track: Civil War
Grade: D |
| 21 |  | Motorhead
Snake Bite Love
This one is a bit of a disappointment for me. There are a bunch of tracks on here that show great potential, but due to the record’s ludicrously short writing and production process, it comes off as a bit of a rush job. With that being said, it ain't half bad; I just wish they had a little a little longer to work on it.
Best Track: Love for Sale
Grade: D+ |
| 20 |  | Motorhead
The World Is Yours
The World is Yours is Motorhead’s 20th album, and it definitely sounds like it. This was the first (and last) time where I felt the band actually showed some signs of aging. Thankfully, the next 2 records they put out proved that the band still had it in them.
Best Track: Brotherhood of Man
Grade: C- |
| 19 |  | Motorhead
Motorizer
A solid Motorhead album, just a little too forgettable for me. There aren’t any duds on here, but the highlights are strangely muted for a Motorhead record. For that reason, I never really find myself coming back to any of these tracks.
Best Track: Time is Right
Grade: C- |
| 18 |  | Motorhead
Motörhead
As far as first albums go, this isn’t half bad. Definitely their most punk-influenced record, but they still hadn’t quite found their sound. Regardless, it still has some heavy hitters like ‘Keep Us on the Road’ and the classic title track.
Best Track: Motorhead
Grade: C |
| 17 |  | Motorhead
March Or Die
People shit on this album on a consistent basis, and is frequently touted as their worst. While I don’t agree with that sentiment, I can understand where people are coming from. Sure, it is a little more streamlined and commercial friendly, but it still delivers the goods in more ways than one. The duet with Ozzy is nice, and Motorhead’s rendition of Hellraiser will forever be the definitive version of the song.
Best Track: Jack the Ripper
Grade: C+ |
| 16 |  | Motorhead
Hammered
This one garners a lot of flack as well, but I personally find it to be pretty damn good. It does run a little bit too long for my tastes, but it sure as hell doesn’t make it one of their worst. Just wished they would have shaved 10-15 minutes off.
Best Track: Red Raw
Grade: B- |
| 15 |  | Motorhead
We Are Motorhead
They are Motorhead, and they play rock n’ roll. Really don’t have much to say about this one, just another decent Motorhead record.
Best Track: We Are Motorhead
Grade: C+ |
| 14 |  | Motorhead
Kiss of Death
There’s a fair bit of filler on here, but when the album hits it really fuckin’ hits. ‘Kingdom of the Worm’ and ‘God Was Never on Your Side’ are probably two of the best post-’Bastards’ Motorhead songs in existence.
Best Track: Trigger
Grade: B- |
| 13 |  | Motorhead
Aftershock
This was my first Motorhead album, which I was gifted on Christmas 2013. Dad saw it at Best Buy and decided I needed to become versed in the world of Motorhead. While it isn’t among their best, it was still good enough for me to seek out and purchase their entire discography in the following month. Some real badass tracks on here, and definitely a testament to the band’s longevity.
Best Track: Paralyzed
Grade: B |
| 12 |  | Motorhead
Orgasmatron
The comeback album that wasn’t a comeback. Personally I think it’s easily their weakest record since their debut. With that being said, it’s still a goddamn beast of an album. There’s a little filler here and there, but it's so chock-full of classic tracks that it is easily forgivable. My biggest complaint would probably come down to being their first record with two guitarists. They would soon settle into a groove with the twin guitars, but it's always felt a little off on here.
Best Track: Deaf Forever
Grade: B |
| 11 |  | Motorhead
Bastards
Bastards fixes every issue of their previous record ‘March or Die’ hard, and then proceeds to give it the middle finger with a better rendition of its artwork. The fact that this record is in 11th feels slightly blasphemous, but I’ve got 10 records I enjoy more.
Best Track: Burner
Grade: B |
| 10 |  | Motorhead
Bad Magic
What a fucking bang to end your career on. The fact that these old dogs could put out a record of this quality this late into their careers is truly inspiring. Lemmy’s voice may have aged a little, but he’s still raspy, flemmy, and above all else, pissed; and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Best Track: When the Sky Comes Looking for You
Grade: B+ |
| 9 |  | Motorhead
Inferno
Inferno sees the introduction of Cameron Webb in the producer's chair, and his influence on the band’s post-90’s sound is at it’s very best on this record. This combination of heavy brutality, with healthy doses of blues and rock ‘n roll would cement the winning formula they would continue until the end.
Best Track: Fight
Grade: B+ |
| 8 |  | Motorhead
Sacrifice
Ignore the hate this one gets, this album kills from start to finish. No exceptions. It also has the grimiest, ugliest, chunkiest, and heaviest production of the band’s entire career. Definitely a 90’s highlight.
Best Track: Out of the Sun
Grade: B+ |
| 7 |  | Motorhead
Iron Fist
Iron Fist is basically just Ace of Spades with a glossier production; but in what dimension could that ever be misconstrued as a bad thing? A little less raw, but the songs are damn close to being peak Motorhead.
Best Track: Loser
Grade: A- |
| 6 |  | Motorhead
Bomber
Poor Bomber. Poor, poor Bomber. It’s not your fault you were sandwiched between two masterpieces. You deserved so much better than being labeled as the bastard middle child. We all love you; we just love your older and younger brothers a little more.
Best Track: Talking Head
Grade: A- |
| 5 |  | Motorhead
Rock 'N' Roll
Now if there was ever a comeback in their career, this would be it. It perfectly blends their earlier blues rock stylings with the intense heaviness of their future sound. Rock N’ Roll is a 35 minute skull fucking of the highest calibre. But who the fuck thought it was a good idea to leave off ‘Just Cos You’ve Got the Power’ and ‘Cradle to the Grave’? Fuck, with those two tracks this might have been a few spots higher.
Best Track: Boogeyman
Grade: A- |
| 4 |  | Motorhead
Overkill
The album that made Motorhead Motorhead. From the very instant you start this bad boy up, you know you’re in for something special. How the fuck is this in 4th? I feel like a fucking asshole for putting this in 4th.
Best Track: Damage Case
Grade: A |
| 3 |  | Motorhead
1916
I’m willing to wager that this album is Motorhead’s most versatile and varied record of their entire career. Every single track has a distinct sound of it’s own, and never feels like you’re listening to the same badass Motorhead song over and over. Say what you will about Motorhead, but you can’t deny the band’s ability to stick to their sonic guns. 1916 sees the boys expanding upon their recognizable sound and exploring new territory with flying colors. If you want a little extra flavor in your Motorhead, 1916 is your album.
Best Track: Nightmare/ The Dreamtime
Grade: A |
| 2 |  | Motorhead
Another Perfect Day
Fuck me, I love this album. This falls into the same group as 1916 does, but pulls it off to an ever greater extent. This is Motorhead at their most fearless, willing to step out of their comfort zone, and dip their toes into new genres. I completely attribute this to their one-off guitarist, Brian Robertson’s, incredible shredcraft and meticulous attention to detail. Combining the band’s fast and loose attitude with the intricate playing style of their new guitarist was lightning in a bottle. It’s just a shame that this was released by the same band that released ‘Ace of Spades’, otherwise this would definitely be #1.
Best Track: Dancing on Your Grave
Best Track: A+ |
| 1 |  | Motorhead
Ace of Spades
Perfection. We gotta get this fucker certified gold. Get on it.
https://www.amazon.com/Ace-Spades-Motorhead/dp/B00005NHO2
Best Track: The Hammer
Grade: A+ |
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