Motörhead is undoubtedly one of the most influential and iconic bands in the history of heavy metal music. Over the course of their four-decade-long career, the band released 22 studio albums, cementing their place in the pantheon of rock and roll legends. With their raw, uncompromising sound and inimitable style, Motörhead blazed a trail through the music industry, inspiring countless bands and fans alike. From their debut album in 1977 to their final release in 2015, Motörhead produced some of the most iconic and beloved songs in heavy metal history. In this article, we will take a look at the top 10 best Motörhead songs of all time, exploring what makes these tracks so special and why they continue to resonate with fans around the world. Whether you’re a lifelong Motörhead fan or just discovering their music for the first time, these songs are sure to get your blood pumping and your head banging.
1. ‘Ace of Spades’
‘Ace of Spades’ is a classic heavy metal anthem and one of the most recognizable songs from the legendary British band Motörhead. Released in 1980, the song features driving guitar riffs, thundering drums, and the gravelly vocals of frontman Lemmy Kilmister. The lyrics are a tribute to the thrill of gambling and the danger of living life on the edge, with lines like “If you like to gamble, I tell you I’m your man/You win some, lose some, it’s all the same to me.” The song’s iconic opening riff is instantly recognizable and has been covered by countless other bands over the years. With its high-energy performance and rebellious attitude, ‘Ace of Spades’ is a true classic of the heavy metal genre.
2. ‘Killed By Death’
‘Killed By Death’ is another standout track from Motörhead’s extensive discography. Released in 1984, the song features a frenetic guitar riff, pounding drums, and Lemmy’s trademark vocals. The lyrics are a dark meditation on mortality and the inevitability of death, with lines like “If you squeeze my lizard, I’ll put my snake on you/I’m a romantic adventure/And I’m a reptile too.” The song’s music video is equally memorable, featuring the band members riding motorcycles through the streets of Los Angeles and wreaking havoc along the way. ‘Killed By Death’ is a classic example of Motörhead’s hard-hitting sound and uncompromising attitude, and remains a fan favorite to this day.
3. ‘Overkill’
‘Overkill’ is a standout track from Motörhead’s 1979 album of the same name. The song features a driving, relentless beat and Lemmy’s distinctive bass playing, which propels the song forward with a sense of urgency. The lyrics are a celebration of the power of rock and roll, with lines like “Only way to feel the noise is when it’s good and loud/So good I can’t believe it, screaming with the crowd.” The song’s instrumental section is particularly memorable, with a blistering guitar solo that showcases the band’s impressive musicianship. ‘Overkill’ is a classic example of Motörhead’s signature sound and remains a fan favorite to this day.
4. ‘Orgasmatron’
‘Orgasmatron’ is a crushing heavy metal track from Motörhead’s 1986 album of the same name. The song features a slow, heavy groove and Lemmy’s distinctive vocals, which are delivered with a sense of menace and aggression. The lyrics are a dark meditation on power and control, with lines like “I am the one, Orgasmatron, the outstretched grasping hand/My image is of agony, my servants rape the land.” The song’s slow build and explosive climax make it a favorite among fans of the heavy metal genre, and it remains one of Motörhead’s most popular tracks to this day.
5. ‘Born to Raise Hell’
‘Born to Raise Hell’ is a hard-hitting collaboration between Motörhead and punk rock legends The Damned. Released in 1994, the song features a driving beat and aggressive vocals from both Lemmy and The Damned’s Dave Vanian. The lyrics are a celebration of rebellion and rock and roll, with lines like “Born to raise hell, we know how to do it and we do it real well.” The song’s infectious energy and catchy chorus make it a standout track from Motörhead’s extensive discography, and it remains a fan favorite to this day.
6. ‘Built for Speed’
‘Built for Speed’ by Stray Cats is a high-energy rockabilly song that perfectly captures the essence of 1950s rock and roll. The track features a driving beat, lively guitar riffs, and a catchy chorus that will get you singing along in no time. Brian Setzer’s vocals are full of attitude and swagger, perfectly complementing the song’s rebellious lyrics about living life on the edge and not looking back. The track’s overall sound is raw and unpolished, which only adds to its charm and authenticity. ‘Built for Speed’ is a classic example of Stray Cats’ signature sound and remains a fan favorite to this day.
7. ‘Iron Fist’
‘Iron Fist’ is a hard-hitting heavy metal track by the legendary band Motörhead. From the opening guitar riff, the song exudes a feeling of pure power and aggression. The drums and bass soon join in, creating a driving rhythm that propels the song forward at breakneck speed. Lemmy Kilmister’s signature growling vocals add an extra layer of intensity, delivering lyrics about taking on the world with an unbreakable will and iron fist. The chorus is a forceful declaration of strength and determination, urging the listener to join in and raise their own iron fist. The track’s overall sound is loud, fast, and unrelenting, making it a classic example of Motörhead’s unique brand of heavy metal. ‘Iron Fist’ is a song that will get your blood pumping and your fists pumping in the air, making it a favorite among metalheads around the world.
8. ‘(We Are) The Road Crew’
‘(We Are) The Road Crew’ is a classic rock and roll song by Motörhead that pays tribute to the hardworking and unsung heroes of the music industry – the road crew. The track features a fast-paced beat, thunderous drums, and Lemmy Kilmister’s signature growling vocals. The lyrics are a celebration of the hard-drinking, hard-partying lifestyle of the road crew, with Lemmy declaring “We are the road crew, we are the ones that’ll do.” The chorus is a rallying cry for all those who live and breathe rock and roll, making this song a staple of Motörhead’s live shows and a fan favorite.
9. ‘Hellraiser’
‘Hellraiser’ is a heavy metal classic by Motörhead that was co-written with Ozzy Osbourne. The song features a driving guitar riff and Lemmy Kilmister’s powerful vocals, which perfectly capture the song’s rebellious spirit. The lyrics are a celebration of living life to the fullest and not conforming to society’s expectations. The chorus is a call to arms, urging listeners to embrace their inner hellraiser and “raise some hell, we’re gonna raise some hell.” The track’s overall sound is loud, raw, and unapologetic, making it a favorite among metal fans.
10. ‘Motorhead’
‘Motorhead’ is the title track of the band’s debut album and has since become one of their most iconic songs. The track features a driving bassline, thunderous drums, and Lemmy Kilmister’s signature growling vocals. The lyrics are a statement of intent, with Lemmy declaring “I’m the man you see, rocking your town, want me to stick around, I’ll shut up and sit down.” The chorus is a rallying cry for all those who love rock and roll, making this song a staple of Motörhead’s live shows and a fan favorite. The track’s overall sound is raw and unpolished, perfectly capturing the band’s unique brand of heavy metal.
Samuel Moore is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
