Is Bad Magic a good place to start with Motörhead?

Yes, Bad Magic is recommended as a starting point for new Motörhead listeners. A relentless barrage of heavy riffs and gritty vocals, encapsulating the raw energy of classic rock and metal. Released on August 1, 2015, Bad Magic was Motörhead's 22nd studio album and came at a time when the band was celebrating over four decades in the music industry. It marked their final release before the passing of iconic frontman Lemmy Kilmister later that year, making it a poignant farewell to their fans.

Who is Bad Magic for?

Bad Magic works well if you're into steady energy for driving, high-octane riffs for workouts and relentless pace for adrenaline seekers.

How many songs are on Bad Magic?

Bad Magic has 13 tracks, running approximately 42 minutes.

Bad Magic

Motörhead · 2015

42 min · 13 tracks · hard rock

A relentless barrage of heavy riffs and gritty vocals, encapsulating the raw energy of classic rock and metal.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Victory or Die Start here — Opening the album with thunderous energy, this track perfectly sets the tone with its driving riffs and anthemic chorus that exemplifies Motörhead's signature sound.
→
Thunder & Lightning — With its infectious hooks and relentless pace, this song captures the essence of speed metal while showcasing Lemmy's unmistakable vocal delivery.
→
Till the End — This track stands out as a reflective piece on mortality and loyalty, featuring poignant lyrics that resonate deeply with the band's legacy.
→
Sympathy for the Devil — Motörhead’s take on this classic Rolling Stones track adds a fierce intensity, showcasing their ability to reinterpret rock standards with unique flair.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

52 /100

Foothills

Higher than 38% of albums we've rated

The album showcases classic Motörhead energy but lacks standout compositions that elevate it beyond their established sound.

What we noticed

The album opens with a fast-paced track and maintains a high-energy tempo throughout the first half, before slowing slightly in the latter part.
Each song features prominent guitar riffs and aggressive drumming, with Lemmy's distinctive vocal style driving the lyrics.
Several tracks incorporate classic rock elements, such as bluesy solos and straightforward song structures, typical of Motörhead's sound.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady energy for driving
high-octane riffs for workouts
relentless pace for adrenaline seekers
sing-along anthems for parties

Maybe skip if you

prefer slow, contemplative music
seek intricate musical complexity

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Late Career Highlight — Released late in their career, it showcases the band's enduring energy and classic sound.
Themes: rock 'n' roll legacy· mortality reflections
Career context: Released on August 1, 2015, Bad Magic was Motörhead's 22nd studio album and came at a time when the band was celebrating over four decades in the music industry. It marked their final release before the passing of iconic frontman Lemmy Kilmister later that year, making it a poignant farewell to their fans.
Stylistic neighbors: Judas Priest· Iron Maiden· AC/DC