In 1996, following the dissolution of Kyuss, Josh Homme and a few of the other former members formed a band called Gamma Ray. After a short time, that band became Queens of the Stone Age, one of the heaviest and grooviest riff-oriented rock bands to become popular in the 2000s.
Led by the musical genius Homme, QOTSA has put out some of the most fun and interesting rock albums since their debut self-titled in 1998, which was recorded almost entirely by Homme himself. They followed that up with “Rated R,” their breakthrough album that produced three singles. They garnered even more critical acclaim and commercial success with their third album, “Songs for the Deaf,” which popularly featured Foo Fighters front man Dave Grohl on drums, and included the hit single “No One Knows.” QOTSA continued to release critically acclaimed albums afterwards, but none would reach the level of “Songs for the Deaf,” with the most recent release being “…Like Clockwork” in 2013.
With the continued high level of success that Queens of the Stone Age have had since “Rated R,” it doesn’t seem like they’ll be slowing down any time soon. Their ingenuity and creativity allows them to continue making music that is different enough to keep listeners interested, but similar enough that fans will keep coming to jam and groove to the highly infectious grooves of their music, and Homme’s fantastic lead vocals.
So, to celebrate their 20th anniversary year, here are some of my favorite tracks from throughout the years:
If Only
Off of their debut album, this was QOTSA’s first single. While it didn’t chart at all, it is a good starting point of their riff-oriented music that defines their popular sound.
Feel Good Hit of the Summer
Another single, this time off of “Rated R.” It won’t win any awards for super complex lyrics any time soon, as the listener can figure out what the song is about approximately 17 seconds in, but it’s a really fun jammer that is relentless. Fun fact: Judas Priest vocalist Rob Halford is one of the backing vocalists.
The Lost Art of Keeping a Secret
A more traditional cut from “Rated R,” it has one of the smoothest vocal hooks in QOTSA’s discography, which is impressive for a vocalist as powerful as Homme.
You Think I Ain’t Worth a Dollar, But I Feel Like a Millionaire
Definitely a shift from their usually vocal style, as (former?) bassist Nick Oliveri takes over lead vocals on this very driving track. It’s oddly smooth for such an aggressive song, but then again, that explains almost all of QOTSA’s music.
A Song for the Dead
Such a cool intro, such a cool riff, such a cool song. One of Homme’s best, easily. And Mark Lanegan’s scratchy vocals make this a great song to drive down a highway to.
Go With The Flow and No One Knows
It would be near blasphemy for me not to include these. Iconic Queens of the Stone Age, here. Not much else needs to be said.
Burn the Witch
Such a simple riff, but so memorable. And Homme’s almost unnerving vocals make the whole song feel even more intense.
Sick, Sick, Sick
It’s so groovy that is has a dance or club feel, and Julian Casablancas on backing vocals mixes really well with Homme’s voice.
Kalopsia
My love for Trent Reznor is here, and after hearing Homme and Reznor work together on the “Sound City” soundtrack, I was excited about this song. It’s definitely not as groovy or heavy as much of the songs on this track, but Homme’s vocals sound Bowie-esque on this track in particular.
My God Is The Sun
The last song on my list is the lead single of their sixth album, “…Like Clockwork.” It’s classic QOTSA, but still Homme manages to keep his music really fun and interesting.
Those are my favorite tracks from Queens of the Stone Age. What are some of yours?
Let me know in the comments below.
Thanks for reading!
