Corey Taylor names his favorite songs of all time. Corey Taylor is a famous singer who adds different vocal versions to his songs for bands like Slipknot and Stone Sour and his solo projects. In this article, we will detail the 12 songs that Corey Taylor named as his favorite of all time.
Corey Taylor, also known as Number Eight, is the lead vocalist and songwriter of the legendary metal band, having joined as the sixth member.
Outside of Slipknot, Corey Taylor is a member of another band called Stone Sour, which he co-founded in 1992 with drummer Joel Ekman. Taylor has also collaborated with Junk Beer Kidnap Band, Korn, Disturbed, Apocalyptica, Code Orange, Anthrax, Steel Panther, Falling in Reverse, and Soulfly.
First, let’s look at his life; Corey Taylor is a talented American musician best known as the main vocalist and lyricist for the rock bands Slipknot and Stone Sour. Taylor, born in Des Moines, Iowa, on December 8, 1973, has enormously affected the communities of heavy metal and rock music.
On the other hand, Taylor’s songs with Stone Sour showcased his flexibility as a musician. Taylor’s intense vocals are featured in the band’s music, which has a more melodic and radio-friendly feel. Stone Sour’s commercial success came from songs such as “Through Glass” and “Bother,” showing Taylor’s ability to connect with a larger audience through his composition and vocal skills.
Corey Taylor has been interested in solo projects, with his debut solo album, “CMFT,” set for release in 2020. This CD allowed him to experiment with various musical styles, ranging from rock and metal to country and pop, demonstrating his flexibility as a musician.
Taylor is also recognized for his open and outspoken nature, which he frequently shares in interviews and written work. He has written books, such as the autobiographical “Seven Deadly Sins” and the graphic novel “House of Gold & Bones,” proving his writing skills.
In addition to these pieces of information, Slipknot‘s frontman Corey Taylor‘s net worth is around $10 million.
Corey Taylor’s Favorite Songs of All Time
Slipknot and Stone Sour frontman Corey Taylor has shared his respect for the other metal music bands. And Taylor picks his favorite albums of all time. Regardless, he also listens to different genres, but he loves heavy metal, thrash metal, classic and alternative rock bands, and pop-rock, especially those who show their influence on him.
During an interview with Apple Music, Slipknot‘s frontman Corey Taylor shared the top 12 songs of all time. Check out Corey Taylor‘s favorite songs below!
Which songs does Corey Taylor listen to?
- Master of Puppets – Metallica
- South of Heaven – Slayer
- Purple Rain – Prince & The Revolution
- Gravel – Ani DiFranco
- Wave of Mutilation – Pixies
- Sabbath Bloody Sabbath – Black Sabbath
- Deadringer – Knocked Loose
- She Rides – Danzig
- Fascination Street – The Cure
- The Real Thing – Faith No More
- Shadows Inside – Miss May I
- Equal Rights, Equal Lefts – Otep
1. Master of Puppets – Metallica
Metallica‘s “Master of Puppets” is not just one of their most recognizable songs. But also the title track of their groundbreaking 1986 album. The song has become a heavy metal genre classic and an important turning point in Metallica‘s musical career and discography.
Musically, “Master of Puppets” is a heavy metal tour de force. The song’s structure uses rich guitar performance by James Hetfield and Kirk Hammett, including complicated riffs, harmonies, and searing guitar solos. Lars Ulrich’s strong drumming creates a persistent and driving rhythm that supports the passion of the song. Cliff Burton’s unique bass lines give the piece depth and complexity.
The song’s arrangement is famous for its dynamic alterations, alternating between furious, thrash-metal portions and slower, more melodic sections. This contrast heightens the song’s emotional effect and elevates it above the rest of Metallica’s history.
Metallica’s “Master of Puppets” has become an anthem for the heavy metal genre as a whole. It’s a live fixture at Metallica shows and is renowned for its sophisticated musicianship, thought-provoking lyrics, and ongoing influence on the metal genre. The title track from the album “Master of Puppets” is often regarded as one of the best and most influential metal albums ever produced, and it plays an important role in that legacy.
Corey Taylor shares why he likes Metallica’s “Master of Puppets” as one of his favorite songs of all time:
“It’s the perfect heavy metal album. There’s no fat. The only bad thing I can say is that it’s too short. Before you know it, it’s over, and you’re, like, ‘Wait a minute,’ and you’ve gotta start it over again. So, it’s crazy. It’s just a beautiful, beautiful album.”
2. South of Heaven – Slayer
“South of Heaven” is a classic song by the American thrash metal band Slayer, and it also performs as the title song of their fourth studio album, released in 1988.
“South of Heaven” showcases Slayer’s musical range. While the band’s typical severity remains, the tempo is slower than many of their previous, breakneck-speed thrash metal tunes. This tempo change helps the listener absorb the song’s foreboding and atmospheric elements. The slower, methodical guitar riffs by Kerry King and Jeff Hanneman add to the song’s gloomy and melancholy tone. Meanwhile, Tom Araya’s unique and powerful voice gives the words emotional depth.
“South of Heaven” marked a critical moment in Slayer’s career. It demonstrated their desire to experiment with their sound and pursue more contemplative, more deep subjects. While some fans first reacted negatively to the song’s deviation from Slayer’s quicker, more aggressive approach, it has now become a staple in the band’s catalog. The song’s ongoing appeal stems from its ability to grab listeners with its foreboding atmosphere and thought-provoking lyrics, highlighting Slayer’s progress as a band and their contribution to the variety of the thrash metal genre.
Corey Taylor reveals why he likes Slayer’s “South of Heaven” as one of his favorite songs of all time:
“It’s my favorite Slayer album and my favorite Slayer song. The way it starts is so epic. It just keeps building towards another intro, ya know? You’re ready for it to fucking kick in and it doesn’t; it’s such a dick-tease. It infuriated me the first time I heard it, but then when it does kick in, oh my god! It’s a baseball bat to the face.”
3. Purple Rain – Prince & The Revolution
“Purple Rain” is not just the title track from Prince‘s classic 1984 album. But this is also one of the most famous and lasting songs in popular music history. It was a turning point in Prince’s career and a cultural touchstone of the 1980s.
“Purple Rain” is a musical masterpiece in conception and performance. It showcases Prince’s spectacular guitar work, notably the song’s famous guitar solo, widely regarded as one of the best guitar solos in rock history. The song’s arrangement is lavish and dramatic, combining rock, pop, and R&B components to produce a beautiful and immersive musical experience.
The music was recorded live in Minneapolis’ First Avenue nightclub, adding to its raw and direct energy. The Revolution, Prince’s supporting band, adds to the song’s dynamic and strong sound, notably Wendy Melvoin’s guitar performance and Lisa Coleman’s keyboard contributions.
“Purple Rain” was not only the album’s centerpiece but also the music of Prince‘s semi-autobiographical film of the same name. The film, released in 1984, moved Prince to superstar.
4. Gravel – Ani DiFranco
Ani DiFranco‘s “Gravel” is a fantastic song by the famous folk singer-songwriter and guitarist noted for her thought-provoking lyrics and unique approach to folk music. The song is on DiFranco’s 1995 album “Not a Pretty Girl,” it presents many elements that have made her a recognized and famous musician.
DiFranco’s unusual fingerstyle guitar playing distinguishes “Gravel” musically. Her detailed and percussive guitar work creates a dynamic and compelling sound by providing a rhythmic framework for the song. DiFranco’s vocals are similarly attractive, communicating the emotional depth of the words in a raw and real way.
Ani DiFranco’s dedication to independent music is one of the most remarkable features of her career. Righteous Babe Records, her own record company, enabled her to keep creative control over her songs and distribution. This label issued “Gravel” and the “Not a Pretty Girl” record, which helped DiFranco establish himself as a pathfinder in the folk and indie music movements.
“Gravel” shows Ani DiFranco‘s skills to combine sophisticated guitar skills with sad narration. Its emotional depth and thought-provoking lyrics have struck a chord with fans and critics. The song remains a mainstay of DiFranco’s live shows and is regarded as a notable track in her lengthy catalog.
5. Wave of Mutilation – Pixies
“Wave of Mutilation” is an important song from the American alternative rock band Pixies . It was released on their 1989 album “Doolittle” and has since become one of the band’s most enduring and appreciated tracks.
The cheerful melody and surf-rock-inspired guitar riff of “Wave of Mutilation” contrast with the lyrics’ darker and frightening overtones. The mix of pop sensibility and disturbing subject matter in the song is a trademark of the Pixies’ sound and one of the reasons for its ongoing popularity.
“Wave of Mutilation” has a powerful influence on alternative rock music and has been covered by various artists throughout the years. The song’s success was boosted further by its inclusion in the 1999 film “Fight Club,” which cemented its place in popular culture.
6. Sabbath Bloody Sabbath – Black Sabbath
“Sabbath Bloody Sabbath” is a famous heavy metal song by the pioneering British band Black Sabbath. It’s the title tune from their fifth studio album, released in 1973, and it’s regarded as one of the band’s iconic songs.
“Sabbath Bloody Sabbath” features the band’s characteristic heavy and distorted guitar riffs, courtesy of guitarist Tony Iommi, which were seminal in creating heavy metal. The song’s opening riff is instantly recognizable and sets the tone for the entire tune. Ozzy Osbourne’s unique vocals enhance “Sabbath Bloody Sabbath” song’s haunting tone, and Geezer Butler’s bass lines produce a thunderous and driving beat.
Sabbath Bloody Sabbath is the fifth studio album released in November 1973 by the English heavy metal band Black Sabbath. It was produced by the band and recorded in September 1973 at Morgan Studios in London. The band’s substance misuse and tiredness following their 1972-1973 world tour in support of their previous album, Vol. 4, impeded the writing process for the record, which began in Los Angeles, California.
The band then moved to Clearwell Castle in the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire, England, where guitarist Tony Iommi came up with the main riff for the album’s title tune and first single.
Corey Taylor tells why he likes Black Sabbath’s “Sabbath Bloody Sabbath” as one of his favorite songs of all time:
“I was just, like, ‘What is that?’ Then everything just kind of kicked in. And I remember listening to it and just listening to it and listening to it, going, ‘I just wanna hear that over and over and over again.’ Then years later, finding out that Ozzy Osbourne was not only Ozzy Osbourne but also the singer for Black Sabbath.
I was blown away. I was, like, ‘How do you get to be two amazing bands?’ So it was really cool, man, to find Black Sabbath and then be able to become a fan and really be able to kind of trace that all the way through our history has been incredible. And then, obviously, to get to meet them and be friends with them and have them recognize me really messes with my head. It’s kind of a crazy thing.”
7. Deadringer – Knocked Loose
Deadringer is a song from Knocked Loose‘s “Laugh Tracks” album. And this debut studio album by American metalcore band Knocked Loose, “Laugh Tracks,” was released on September 16, 2016.
Will Putney, producer and guitarist for the bands END and Fit For An Autopsy, produced the album in Belleville, New Jersey, after a friend showed him Knocked Loose’s prior work, and he became interested in producing their album.
8. She Rides – Danzig
“She Rides” is a song by Danzig, the band named after legendary frontman Glenn Danzig. It was included on their 1988 self-titled first album, “Danzig,” and is still one of the band’s most popular songs.
“She Rides” has a bluesy, heavy rock sound that combines parts of blues and hard rock with Danzig’s signature punk and metal influences. The song has a distinctive guitar riff and a driving rhythm section, which creates a sense of velocity that parallels the lyrical ideas. Glenn Danzig’s vocal performance is outstanding, displaying his distinct and strong voice.
“She Rides” was “our first sex song…it’s such a stripped-down song, just a couple of guitar tracks and almost no bass,” according to John Christ. However, “She Rides” has the best vocal performance on the record. It also has some strange background noises and moaning sounds.”
The song mostly pertains to Lilith mythology. The phrase “she rides/from the daylight in chains” refers to old methods of bound demons. The song also appears to be inspired by Christopher Brennan’s poetry, specifically part xiii of The Forest of Night’s “Lilith” sequence: “She is the night: all horror is of her…”
9. Fascination Street – The Cure
The Cure‘s “Fascination Street” is a song from their influential and distinct blend of post-punk, new wave, and gothic rock. The song was published in 1989 as part of the band’s album “Disintegration,” which is widely recognized as one of their key works.
In terms of music, “Fascination Street” stands out for its driving bassline, which was produced by bassist Simon Gallup, as well as its layered and atmospheric sound. Robert Smith shows his usual emotional vocals, filling the song with melancholy and desire. Synthesizers and sophisticated guitar work enhance the song’s aural landscape.”
Fascination Street” was a change from The Cure’s earlier, more pop-oriented compositions and a return to their darker, more atmospheric roots. The music was a commercial triumph and received critical accolades for its evocative tone.
10. The Real Thing – Faith No More
“The Real Thing” is a song by the American rock band Faith No More released in 1989 as the title track from their third studio album. This song and album were pivotal in the band’s history, helping to establish them as forefathers of the alternative metal genre.
The song is an energetic and genre-defying tour of force—various genres, including heavy metal, funk, and progressive rock, influence it. Mike Patton’s diverse and forceful vocals stand out, showing his ability to vary between melodic singing and aggressive, rap-influenced delivery.
The instrumentation is equally different, with solid guitar riffs from Jim Martin, keyboards from Roddy Bottum, and a rhythm line that comprises Billy Gould on bass and Mike Bordin on drums. These elements combine to create a hard-hitting and unpredictable sound, which is a signature of Faith No More’s approach.
11. Shadows Inside – Miss May I
Miss May I is an American metalcore band known for their aggressive and melodic approach. “Shadows Inside” is one of their songs. Miss May I’s sixth studio album, Shadows Inside, is their sixth studio album. This was the band’s debut release on SharpTone Records after leaving Rise Records on June 2, 2017. The title song is off their 2017 album of the same name.
“Shadows Inside” shows the metalcore genre’s features. It has strong guitar riffs, breakdowns, and a mix of clean and harsh vocals. The song’s strong, chugging guitar portions contrast with melodic and anthemic choruses. Combining these elements results in a dynamic and energetic sound characteristic of the metalcore genre.
12. Equal Rights, Equal Lefts – Otep
“Equal Rights, Equal Lefts” is a song by Otep, a heavy metal band from the United States led by charismatic vocalist and activist Otep Shamaya. Otep’s music is known for its socially conscious and politically charged lyrics, and it is frequently used to address problems such as equality, human rights, and social justice. The band is known for their “art-house nu metal” sound and strong political positions. Shamaya has been the only ongoing member of the band despite various lineup changes throughout the years.
The song blends alternative metal and nu-metal parts with loud guitar riffs, forceful percussion, and Otep Shamaya’s intense and passionate vocals. Her vocal technique alternates between melodic singing and forceful, guttural screams, providing emotional depth and urgency to the song’s message.
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The post The Top 12 Songs That Corey Taylor Listed As His Favorites appeared first on Metal Shout.
