Top 10 Queensryche Songs
Formed in 1982 in Washington, U.S.A., Queensryche found success within the progressive metal scene following the release of their 1988 effort, “Operation: Mindcrime.” They're a Grammy nominated act that has sold over 200 million albums around the world, though they have had their share of ups-and-downs. For this list, we'll be focusing on the period before the group recently disbanded and reformed into two separate bands. We've chosen our entries based on a combination of the artist's fan favorites and their most commercially successful songs. With that said, get ready for some seriously high-pitched vocals! Join WatchMojo.com as we count down our picks for the top 10 Queensrÿche songs.
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They brought revolution to rock. Welcome to WatchMojo.com, and today we’re counting down our picks for the top 10 Queensrÿche songs.
For this list, we’ll be focusing on the period before the group recently disbanded and reformed into two separate bands. We’ve chosen our entries based on a combination of the artist’s fan favorites and their most commercially successful songs. With that said, get ready for some seriously high-pitched vocals!
#10: “Walk in the Shadows”
Rage for Order (1986)
The only song on our list from Queensrÿche’s second album, Rage for Order, “Walk in the Shadows” sticks in our minds as a signature song that often concludes the band’s live shows. With an uplifting beat, a kickass solo and some piecing vocals from lead singer Geoff Tate, it’ll make you want to chant the chorus over and over.
#9: “Suite Sister Mary”
Operation: Mindcrime (1988)
Queensrÿche’s success skyrocketed with the release of the highly regarded record Operation: Mindcrime. The progressive metal opera tells the story of a junkie recruited into a revolutionary underground organization. “Suite Sister Mary” begins with a pretty dark narration and what follows is an epic duet between a murderer and prostitute who’s pretending to be a nun. As the longest song on the album, this is one killer ballad with a gripping story.
#8: “Another Rainy Night (Without You)”
Empire (1990)
This is the first of several tracks on our list from what’s considered by many to be Queensrÿche’s greatest album: Empire. With heavy riffs constantly shifting in speed, and reflective lyrics that scream of loneliness and determination, “Another Rainy Night” is the perfect song to listen to when you just want to vent and rock out.
#7: “Best I Can”
Empire (1990)
This is certainly one hell of an introduction to Empire. “Best I Can” opens with a cryptic and haunting narrative that alludes to a possible murder, and is then picked up by Tate’s powerful vocals. With some excellent bass accompaniment, the five-and-a-half minute number is varied and anthemic track that urges you never give up and to go out into the world and give it your all.
#6: “Empire”
Empire (1990)
Empire’s title track is rather chaotic, but that’s exactly what Queensrÿche was aiming for. With its series of roaring guitar solos and lyrics that caution Americans of a drug and criminal empire, the progressive metal tune helped the band reach the Billboard Mainstream Rock Chart’s top thirty. Written by Tate, the five-and-a-half minute rocker also found a home on the UK Singles chart.
#5: “Operation: Mindcrime”
Operation: Mindcrime (1988)
All throughout Operation: Mindcrime, Tate takes on multiple characters to bring the concept album’s story to life. In the case of the title cut, he plays the villain. As the sinister doctor, he’s trying to brainwash the protagonist, and by extension the listener, into joining his cause. With its heavy chords and lyrics filled with anarchy, it’s the definitive song for violent revolution.
#4: “Silent Lucidity”
Empire (1990)
The only song on our list to include acoustic guitar, and by far the most somber, “Silent Lucidity” is also Empire’s most successful song. Packed with raw emotion that fits perfectly with Tate’s voice, the track builds and builds, adding instruments as it progresses, and culminating in a truly heartrending climax. And, as a song inspired by dreams, you couldn’t expect anything else from this Billboard Hot 100 top ten hit.
#3: “I Don’t Believe in Love”
Operation: Mindcrime (1988)
As the story of Operation Mindcrime begins to close, we’re treated to a song about despair with some truly incredible guitar solos. Set just after the protagonist loses the woman he loves to suicide, and he’s accused and imprisoned for the crime; the song sees Tate cursing love for all the pain it brings – and adds some heavy accompaniment to boot. Ain’t heartache a bitch?
#2: “Jet City Woman”
Empire (1990)
Another successful song off of Empire, “Jet City Woman” is an uplifting and heartfelt track that pays tribute to the band’s hometown of Seattle and to their families thousands of miles away. With Tate throwing in some powerful vocals – and solos that come out of nowhere but sure as hell make an impact – the heavy and progressive metal track will long stay grounded in fans’ minds.
Honorable Mentions
- “Queen of the Reich” Queensrÿche EP (1983)
- “The Lady Wore Black” Queensrÿche EP (1983)
- “Take Hold of the Flame” The Warning (1984)
- “Promised Land” Promised Land (1994)
- “The Thin Line” Empire (1990)
#1: “Eyes of a Stranger”
Operation: Mindcrime (1988)
The conclusion to Operation: Mindcrime is also our top pick. No Queensrÿche song captures chaos, despair and overall hopelessness quite as well as this. With the protagonist of the album incarcerated in a mental asylum, he can no longer recognize himself and becomes lost in his own memories. Tate’s vocals shine on this piece and create a bitter atmosphere in which you feel sorry for a homicidal junkie. Ending with a mesh of synthesized voices that’re sure to make you shudder, this fan favorite is also a live staple.
Do you agree with our list? What’s your favorite Queensrÿche song? For more top 10s published every day, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.
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