Dive into the world of TOOL, a rock band known for their deep lyrics and complex instrumentals. Their music takes listeners on a journey of discovery and emotion.
TOOL stands out with their long songs that often change tempo, making them unique. They have collaborated with artists and often draw on themes of personal and spiritual growth. Join us in exploring the best songs TOOL has crafted.
Contents
1. Schism – Tool
Track Name: Schism
Album: Lateralus
Release Year: 2001
Schism by Tool stands as an inimitable force of complex rhythms and haunting introspection. Released in 2001, the track boasts a Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance, underscoring its exceptional craftsmanship.
The song delves into the theme of disconnection, resonating with listeners through its intricate basslines and enigmatic lyrics. Its profound impact on fans and critics alike cements Schism as a quintessential highlight in Tool’s discography, embodying the band’s trademark blend of psychological depth and musical mastery.
2. The Pot – Tool
Track Name: The Pot
Album: 10,000 Days
Release Year: 2006
The Pot by Tool, a powerful track from their 2006 album 10,000 Days, is known for its complex rhythms and biting lyrics. Honored with a Grammy nomination, its distinctive bass intro and scorching guitar riffs demonstrate Tool’s technical mastery.
Drawing from themes of hypocrisy and injustice, The Pot showcases Tool’s sharp commentary on societal issues, serving as a voice for the frustrated and disillusioned. Critics praised its intensity, and it remains a fan favorite for its unrelenting energy and bold message.
3. Sober – Tool
Track Name: Sober
Album: Undertow
Release Year: 1993
Sober by Tool stands out as a masterpiece on our list, captivating listeners since its release in 1993. Its haunting melody and raw emotional intensity have cemented it as a signature track of the band’s discography. The song’s distinctive style features a dark, brooding guitar riff and a powerful vocal performance by Maynard James Keenan, which together create an unforgettable sonic experience that has resonated with fans for decades.
Inspired by a friend’s struggle with addiction, Sober delves into themes of desire and dependency with unflinching honesty. The song’s impact is heightened by its haunting music video, which earned accolades for its innovative animation. Fans and critics alike have praised Sober for its authentic portrayal of human frailty, ensuring that it remains a perennial highlight in Tool’s musical legacy.
4. Forty Six & 2 – Tool
Track Name: Forty Six & 2
Album: Ænima
Release Year: 1996
Forty Six & 2 by Tool, released on their 1996 album Ænima, secures its spot on our list with its intricate musicianship and thought-provoking lyrics. The song features a driving rhythm and complex time signatures, emblematic of Tool’s progressive rock style.
Inspired by Carl Jung’s concept of shadow work and the idea of chromosome advancement from 46 to 48, Forty Six & 2 delves into the theme of personal evolution. The track is acclaimed by fans for its depth and has become a staple in Tool’s live performances, showcasing the band’s ability to fuse conceptual ideas with visceral rock.
5. Stinkfist – Tool
Track Name: Stinkfist
Album: Ænima
Release Year: 1996
Stinkfist, a Tool masterpiece from their 1996 album Ænima, lands on our top songs list for its raw power and intricate artistry. It features a hypnotic blend of heavy riffs and dynamic rhythms that showcase Tool’s talent for creating immersive soundscapes.
The track delves into themes of desensitization and the search for deeper connections, reflecting the band’s keen insight into the human condition. Both fans and critics praise Stinkfist for its thought-provoking lyrics and standout musical composition, sealing its place as a quintessential piece of Tool’s legacy.
6. Vicarious – Tool
Track Name: Vicarious
Album: 10,000 Days
Release Year: 2006
Vicarious is one of Tool’s standout tracks from their 2006 album 10,000 Days, earning a spot on this list for its intricate soundscapes and thought-provoking lyrics. The song features a captivating blend of heavy guitar riffs and complex rhythms, showcasing the band’s signature progressive metal style.
Inspired by society’s obsession with media and second-hand experiences, Vicarious addresses the human condition with stark honesty. Its critical acclaim and resonant theme have cemented it as a favorite among fans and critics alike, further solidifying Tool’s legacy in the rock genre.
7. Parabola – Tool
Track Name: Parabola
Album: Lateralus
Release Year: 2001
Parabola by Tool is a standout track from their 2001 album Lateralus, renowned for its complex rhythms and immersive soundscapes. The song has earned a permanent spot on fans’ playlists for its fusion of progressive metal and philosophical lyrics, marking it as one of the band’s most profound creations.
Drawing from themes of unity and transcendence, Parabola delves into the spiritual connection between body and soul. Its powerful reception resonates with listeners worldwide, often cited for its deep lyrical impact and the band’s impeccable ability to translate existential musings into a visceral musical experience.
8. Pneuma – Tool
Track Name: Pneuma
Album: Fear Inoculum
Release Year: 2019
Pneuma stands out as a masterpiece in Tool’s 2019 album Fear Inoculum. Its swirling rhythms and intricate soundscapes showcase Tool’s musical depth, landing it on the list of the band’s best work.
The song delves into spiritual connection and the breath of life, drawing listeners into a meditative exploration of existence. Both fans and critics praised Pneuma for its transcendental qualities, cementing its place as a compelling landmark in Tool’s creative journey.
9. Ænema – Tool
Track Name: Ænema
Album: Ænima
Release Year: 1996
Ænema by Tool, released in 1996, stands as a cornerstone in Tool’s discography, featuring on our list for its raw intensity and thought-provoking lyrics. The song combines a heavy progressive rock sound with dynamic tempo changes, fueling its reputation as a fan favorite and a showcase of the band’s musical prowess.
Inspired by the writings of comedian Bill Hicks, Ænema presents a scathing critique of the cultural decay in Los Angeles and society at large. The track, celebrated for its cathartic aggression, connected deeply with listeners and critics, solidifying Tool’s position in the landscape of alternative metal.
10. Jambi – Tool
Track Name: Jambi
Album: 10,000 Days
Release Year: 2006
Jambi is a standout track from Tool’s 2006 album 10,000 Days that showcases the band’s progressive metal prowess. The song is known for its complex rhythms and guitarist Adam Jones’s use of a talk box, delivering an intensely driving experience.
Inspired by the complexities of personal sacrifice, Jambi weaves vocalist Maynard James Keenan’s emotional rawness with the band’s signature meticulous instrumentation. Praised by both fans and critics, the song solidifies Tool’s reputation for crafting deep, thought-provoking music that transcends conventional rock boundaries.
11. Lateralus – Tool
Track Name: Lateralus
Album: Lateralus
Release Year: 2001
Lateralus by Tool, released in 2001, stands as a masterpiece of progressive metal, securing its place on this list with its complex rhythms and thought-provoking lyrics. The song is celebrated for its use of the Fibonacci sequence in its structure, showcasing the band’s musical ingenuity and depth.
The track delves into the concept of personal and spiritual growth, inspired by the band’s journey through understanding human consciousness. Fans and critics alike hail Lateralus for its ambitious composition and the philosophical weight it carries, solidifying its status as an iconic anthem in Tool’s discography.
12. Prison Sex – Tool
Track Name: Prison Sex
Album: Undertow
Release Year: 1993
Prison Sex by Tool, released in 1993, graces this list for its raw, unflinching examination of the cycle of abuse. The track’s dark, aggressive tone is matched with complex rhythms and haunting vocals, creating a visceral listening experience.
Inspired by lead singer Maynard James Keenan’s own experiences, Prison Sex confronts the difficult subject of abuse with brutal honesty. Fans and critics alike praise the song for its emotional depth and stark portrayal of trauma, solidifying its place as a powerful piece in Tool’s discography.
13. Invincible – Tool
Track Name: Invincible
Album: Fear Inoculum
Release Year: 2019
Invincible stands out as a monumental track from Tool’s much-anticipated 2019 album Fear Inoculum. Celebrated for its intricate soundscapes, the song melds thunderous rhythms with melodic precision, showcasing Tool’s signature progressive rock mastery.
The track delves into themes of aging and the quest for relevance, capturing a raw emotional resonance that has struck a chord with listeners. Both fans and critics have lauded Invincible for its layered complexity and existential lyricism, securing its place as a powerful testimony to Tool’s enduring influence in the rock genre.
14. The Grudge – Tool
Track Name: The Grudge
Album: Lateralus
Release Year: 2001
The Grudge by Tool stands out as a searing track from their 2001 album, Lateralus, showcasing the band’s masterful blend of progressive metal complexity and raw emotional power. Fueled by intricate rhythms and Maynard James Keenan’s dynamic vocals, the song’s journey through tension and release has earned it a rightful place among Tool’s most acclaimed works.
Exploring themes of personal growth and the liberation from resentment, The Grudge captures the essence of Tool’s philosophical introspection, resonating with fans seeking depth in music. Critics and listeners alike have lauded the song for its intense build-up and cathartic climax, solidifying its status as a timeless anthem in Tool’s iconic repertoire.
