Renegades cover

Renegades

Rage Against the Machine · 2000

67 min · 16 tracks · alternative metal

A politically charged collection of covers blending alternative metal with funk-infused rhythms and rap-rock energy.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Microphone Fiend Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
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    Renegades of Funk — This track stands out for its fusion of hip-hop beats and rock instrumentation, transforming Afrika Bambaataa's classic into a rallying cry for social change.
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    How I Could Just Kill a Man — The reinterpretation of Cypress Hill’s hit showcases Rage's aggressive style while addressing themes of violence and societal issues in a compelling manner.
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    The Ghost of Tom Joad — This cover reimagines Bruce Springsteen's poignant narrative about disenfranchisement, highlighting Rage's commitment to social justice through evocative lyrics and instrumentation.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • dynamic emotional journeys
  • wave-like pacing experiences
  • politically charged listening sessions
  • long, immersive listening sessions

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Deep Cut — A collection of covers that showcases reinterpretations, not a defining work.
Themes
political resistance· gun culture critique· systemic oppression· social injustice commentary
Career context
Released on December 5, 2000, 'Renegades' marked Rage Against the Machine's first album after the departure of guitarist Tom Morello and the band's subsequent hiatus. The album features a compilation of covers that reflect their signature sound while also serving as an exploration of influences from various musical genres, showcasing their versatility in a post-peak phase.
Stylistic neighbors
Audioslave· Prophets of Rage· Linkin Park
New to Rage Against the Machine? Find your way in →

Tracklist

Disc 1

  • 1 Microphone Fiend Start here 5:01
  • 2 Pistol Grip Pump 3:18
  • 3 Kick Out the Jams 3:11
  • 4 Renegades of Funk 4:35
  • 5 Beautiful World 2:35
  • 6 I’m Housin’ 4:56
  • 7 In My Eyes 2:54
  • 8 How I Could Just Kill a Man 4:04
  • 9 The Ghost of Tom Joad 5:38
  • 10 Down on the Street 3:39
  • 11 Street Fighting Man 4:42
  • 12 Maggie’s Farm 6:54
  • 13 Kick Out the Jams (live) 4:31
  • 14 How I Could Just Kill a Man (live) 4:30

Disc 2

  • 1 People of the Sun (live) 2:44
  • 2 No Shelter (live) 4:11

What to play next

The Battle of Los Angeles
Listen next

The Battle of Los Angeles

1999

Continues the intense energy and political themes found in Renegades.
Evil Empire
Go back to

Evil Empire

1996

Precedes Renegades with a similar blend of funk, metal, and rap elements.
Full Rage Against the Machine discography Where to start with Rage Against the Machine Artists like Rage Against the Machine
alternative metal rap metal rap rock

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The Real Thing

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Faith No More

Blends funk, metal, and rap elements with a focus on eclectic sound and socially aware themes.

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata