Is Godsmack a good place to start with Godsmack?

Yes, Godsmack is recommended as a starting point for new Godsmack listeners. Raw, heavy guitar riffs clash with brooding vocals and a powerful rhythm section, creating an intense sonic landscape. Released on August 25, 1998, Godsmack's self-titled debut album marked their entrance into the hard rock scene. At this point, the band was still relatively unknown, but this album quickly established them as a significant force in post-grunge and alternative metal. The record came shortly after their formation in 1995 and set the stage for their rise to fame in the early 2000s.

Godsmack works well if you're into dynamic emotional journeys, gradual builds and payoffs and long, immersive listening sessions.

How many songs are on Godsmack?

Godsmack has 12 tracks, running approximately 55 minutes.

Godsmack

Godsmack · 1998

55 min · 12 tracks · hard rock

Raw, heavy guitar riffs clash with brooding vocals and a powerful rhythm section, creating an intense sonic landscape.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Moon Baby Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Whatever — This track features an anthemic chorus and reflects the band's signature sound with its heavy guitar work and emotional lyrics about disillusionment. It became one of their most recognizable songs and highlights their ability to blend aggression with melody.
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Voodoo / Witch Hunt — A standout track that showcases Godsmack's exploration of darker themes through hypnotic instrumentation and dynamic shifts between quiet verses and explosive choruses. Its unique blend of tribal rhythms and haunting melodies has made it a fan favorite.
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Keep Away — With its driving beat and confrontational lyrics, this track captures the essence of the band's hard rock ethos while exploring themes of isolation and resistance. Its infectious energy makes it a quintessential example of Godsmack's style.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

48 /100

Foothills

Higher than 19% of albums we've rated

The album features strong riffs and varied dynamics but lacks depth for long-term engagement.

What we noticed

The album opens with a heavy guitar riff in 'Moon Baby' that sets a dark tone, which is maintained through the first half of the record.
The final track, 'Voodoo / Witch Hunt', combines spoken word elements with heavy instrumentation, creating an atmospheric conclusion.

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

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

dynamic emotional journeys
gradual builds and payoffs
long, immersive listening sessions
introspective late-night vibes

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — This debut album established Godsmack's reputation in the hard rock scene.
Career context: Released on August 25, 1998, Godsmack's self-titled debut album marked their entrance into the hard rock scene. At this point, the band was still relatively unknown, but this album quickly established them as a significant force in post-grunge and alternative metal. The record came shortly after their formation in 1995 and set the stage for their rise to fame in the early 2000s.
Stylistic neighbors: Disturbed· Seether· Breaking Benjamin