The Pick of Destiny cover

Released 20 years ago this November

The Pick of Destiny

Tenacious D · 2006

33 min · 15 tracks · hard rock

Epic rock anthems collide with comedic storytelling, creating an exuberant celebration of metal culture and friendship.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Beelzeboss (The Final Showdown) — This track serves as the climax of the album, featuring a dramatic battle against the devil that showcases the duo's musical prowess and theatrical flair.
  • →
    Kickapoo — Opening the album, this track sets the tone with its high-energy storytelling about pursuing dreams and showcases Jack Black's dynamic vocal performance.
  • →
    Master Exploder — This track exemplifies Tenacious D's signature style, combining absurd lyrics with impressive guitar work, culminating in a humorous yet powerful explosion metaphor.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

64 /100
Treeline
Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album blends hard rock with humor, featuring strong compositions and dynamic shifts that enhance its unique appeal.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a theatrical spoken introduction that sets the comedic tone, followed by high-energy rock tracks that maintain a consistent tempo.
  • Several tracks feature abrupt shifts in dynamics, such as 'Master Exploder,' which alternates between quiet verses and explosive choruses.
  • The final track, 'The Metal,' serves as an anthem that encapsulates the themes of friendship and metal culture, concluding the album on a triumphant note.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

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

  • short, punchy listening sessions
  • comedic storytelling enjoyment
  • energetic and playful vibes
  • dynamic emotional journeys

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 2006, The Pick of Destiny is Tenacious D's second studio album, following their self-titled debut from 2001. This album accompanied the band's feature film of the same name, showcasing their unique blend of comedy and hard rock while solidifying their cult status in the music scene.
Stylistic neighbors
Weezer· Flight of the Conchords· Steel Panther

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Kickapoo 4:14
  • 2 Classico 0:58
  • 3 Baby 1:36
  • 4 Destiny 0:37
  • 5 History 1:42
  • 6 The Government Totally Sucks 1:34
  • 7 Master Exploder 2:24
  • 8 The Divide 0:22
  • 9 Papagenu (He’s My Sassafrass) 2:24
  • 10 Dude (I Totally Miss You) 2:53
  • 11 Break In-City (Storm the Gate!) 1:22
  • 12 Car Chase City 2:42
  • 13 Beelzeboss (The Final Showdown) 5:35
  • 14 POD 2:32
  • 15 The Metal 2:45

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata