We can’t talk about the Rock Band 1 tracklist without mentioning the bonus tracks. While many players skipped them to get to the hits, they introduced us to bands we might have otherwise missed. Who can forget the frantic energy of ? Or the chaotic fun of "Main Offender" by The Hives ? And while some bonus tracks were obscure, songs like "Timmy & the Lords of the Underworld" (from South Park ) showed that Harmonix had a sense of humor about the genre.
Some of the standout tracks on the list include:
(Just kidding. Here’s the actual iconic list:)
A rhythmic powerhouse that highlighted the importance of the Bass player. Modern Rock and Metal
Rock Band revolutionized the rhythm game genre by introducing a full-band experience. Central to its success was a massive, diverse soundtrack that spanned decades of music history, from 1960s classics to 2000s alternative hits. Below is the complete breakdown of the Rock Band 1 tracklist, including the main setlist and unlockable bonus tracks. Main Setlist (On-Disc Tracks) The main setlist features 45 legendary songs. Most of these are master recordings, though some 1970s classics appear as high-quality covers. The setlist features a diverse array of artists spanning multiple decades and genres, ranging from classic rock staples like The Rolling Stones ("Gimme Shelter") and The Who ("Won't Get Fooled Again") to 2000s hits from The Killers ("When You Were Young") and Red Hot Chili Peppers ("Dani California"). The list also includes iconic 90s tracks from Nirvana ("In Bloom") and Radiohead ("Creep"), alongside various covers and punk classics. Unlockable Bonus Tracks Rock Band 1 features 13 bonus songs, largely composed by Harmonix employees, highlighting indie and emerging artists. These tracks include: Anarchy Club ("Blood Doll") Bang Camaro ("Pleasure (Pleasure)") Freezepop ("Brainpower") Flyleaf ("I'm So Sick") Other tracks from artists like The Konks, The Acro-Brats, and a special appearance by Timmy and the Lords of the Underworld. Exporting Your Music A defining feature was the ability to export the majority of this soundtrack to
While the Rock Band 1 tracklist is generally excellent, there are a few areas where it falls short:
The tracklist leans heavily into the foundation of classic rock. These tracks provided the perfect entry point for beginners while offering legendary riffs for veteran players.
The introduction of the drum kit was Rock Band's biggest selling point, and the tracklist featured some absolute arm-destroyers.
Because Rock Band launched in the late 2000s, it tapped heavily into the nostalgia of the 1990s. This era provided some of the most fun, mid-tempo tracks for full-band play.
A psychedelic journey with complex vocal harmonies and a churning guitar solo.
41. “Blood Doll” – Anarchy Club 42. “Brainpower” – Freezepop 43. “Can't Let Go” – Death of the Cool 44. “Day Late, Dollar Short” – The Acro-brats 45. “I Get By” – Honest Bob and the Factory-to-Dealer Incentives 46. “Nightmare” – Crooked X 47. “Outside” – Tribe 48. “Pleasure (Pleasure)” – Bang Camaro 49. “Shake” – Count Zero 50. “The Final Cut” – The Darkest of the Hillside Thickets 51. “Time We Had” – The Mother Hips 52. “Timmy and the Lords of the Underworld” – Timmy and the Lords of the Underworld
The Rock Band 1 tracklist is remarkable for its diversity and attention to detail. The game's developers, Harmonix, clearly put a lot of thought into selecting songs that would appeal to both casual and hardcore gamers. Here are a few strengths of the tracklist:
