Papa Roach is one of the biggest names in nu-metal. Their sound, heavily inspired by bands like Faith No More , Rage Against The Machine , and Primus , helped change the metal scene in the early 2000s.
A blend of rock, funk metal, and rap metal solidified Papa Roach's appeal to an audience that wanted heaviness without forgetting the melodic elements and groove that characterized nu-metal. Many of the band's songs are featured on lists of the genre's best tracks.
Now, about to release their new album Who Do You Trust?, the band has followed what appears to be a trend, using many elements of electronic music. Vocalist Jacoby Shaddix stated that the upcoming album will delve deeper into all of Papa Roach's influences.
We've already had a taste of very different music in the four singles released. "Who Do You Trust?", "Renegade Music" , "Not The Only One" and "Elevate" range from metal to radio-friendly pop.
In preparation for the new album, which arrives on January 18th, Wikimetal has prepared a Top 11 list of the best songs so far. It's sure to get you hyped! Check out the chosen tracks:
11- “Falling Apart”, from the album FEAR (2015)
It was on FEAR that Papa Roach's more electronic side began to emerge, despite the influence of hip-hop existing since the band's inception. "Falling Apart" strikes a great balance between guitar riffs and the more upbeat sound of electronic music. The song explodes when it reaches the chorus. For the band, this was an important turning point: the moment when vocalist Jacoby Shaddix broke free from his addictions.
10- “Gravity”, by FEAR (2015)
“Gravity” brings the influence of rap to its peak. Jacoby rhymes about a dysfunctional relationship that culminates in the thematically perfect chorus featuring vocalist Maria Brink from In This Moment .
9- “She Loves Me Not”, by lovehatetragedy (2002)
"She Loves Me Not" is a great example of why Papa Roach gained so many fans in the 2000s. The heaviness never abandons the emotional lyrics, in this case talking about yet another problematic relationship. It seems to straddle the line that separates nu-metal from emo, which was gaining strength at the time.
8- “Getting Away With Murder”, from Getting Away With Murder (2004)
A song that could be the soundtrack to a movie like American Psycho . “Getting Away With Murder” tells the story of a murderer, but also serves as a metaphor for someone who wants to hide the mistakes they've made. It's intense and catchy at the same time.
7- “Broken As Me”, by FEAR (2015)
This has to be the best song from Papa Roach's new "electronic" phase. It's powerful and catchy. Here, the electronic elements work to make the music more chaotic. It's a great example of how to innovate without losing the essence of the genre.
6- “Where Did The Angels Go”, by The Connection (2012)
“Where Did The Angels Go” was released at a time when Papa Roach was going through difficulties. Vocalist Jacoby Shaddix admitted to attempting suicide at the time and, shortly after, had to undergo surgery due to vocal problems. The song feels like a triumphant return for the band after stormy times.
5- “Scars”, from Getting Away With Murder (2004)
One of Papa Roach's anthems, "Scars" is a heartfelt song. The lyrics are powerful and set aside nu-metal to address difficult issues. It's an outlier on the album. It's about a night in Las Vegas that ended with Jacoby in the hospital after needing 11 stitches in his head.
4- “Lifeline”, by Metamorphosis (2009)
The album Metamorphosis marks the arrival of drummer Tony Palermo , who remains in the band to this day. “Lifeline” seems to have a strong hard-rock influence. It's less “modern,” but it has one of the catchiest choruses. It showcases the band's versatility, never letting go of its contagious energy.
3- “Infest” , Infest (2000)
“Infest” kicks off the album of the same name with a punch in the face. The rap-metal that marked the band's beginnings makes an appearance here in one of their best performances. A raw and heavy sound, with striking screams and very present guitar riffs.
2- “Between Angels And Insects”, by Infest (2000)
Here, Papa Roach prioritizes social concerns over personal conflicts, something not uncommon in their discography. It's a somewhat anti-capitalist anthem that borrows the ideas of Tyler Durden from Fight Club . The perfect sound for a rebellious youth of the early 20th century.
1-“Last Resort”, from Infest (2000)
Undoubtedly Papa Roach's greatest hit. Nu-metal in its essence. Rap and metal coexisting in a balanced and striking way. It also deals with important themes for a generation haunted by depression and psychological disorders. The dense lyrics stick in your mind from the first time you hear the song. "Last Resort" is one of the best nu-metal songs of all time.
