Motörhead is one of a select few bands that transcend the genres of rock. They are often placed in the heavy metal genre. However, their brand of thrash is more akin to the alternative punk of its era. All of this is influenced by Lemmy Kilminster’s background in the classic rock band Hawkwind. Below, we pick out three of their best tracks for those wanting an introduction to Motörhead.
Ace of Spades
Ace of Spades is the track that defines Motörhead, and it is doubtful you have never heard it before as a fan of rock. It was released in 1980 as a single off the forthcoming album also titled Ace of Spades. The song starts with a rapid, growling bassline from Lemmy that descends into his characteristic guttural delivery. The song uses a range of gambling metaphors in its lyrical choice, talking about dice and the aforementioned Ace of Spades.
Lemmy himself admitted he was not that familiar with the rules of table games when he wrote the song. Today there are a whole host of helpful blackjack rules available online, partly thanks to the popularity of online casinos. They allow players to get started or provide advanced strategies.
Lemmy joked that he was more a fan of slot machines, but that it was impossible to write a heavy metal song on that theme. Luckily there are now also plenty of online slots that can be tried with free spins on registration UK, so Lemmy would keep getting some songwriting inspirations. These slots combine exciting features such as wilds and scatters with classic tropes of the genre.
Ace of Spades is often voted as one of the greatest guitar songs of all time. Even more important was its impact on the British rock scene of the time, which had taken a back seat as punk had rocked the world. Peaking at number 15, it showed that hard rock still had a place in the British charts.
Overkill
Overkill is most notable for its use of two bass drum pedals, which would later be a staple of the genre. Its thunderous kit with pick-scraping guitar is a fantastic introduction to what later became known as speed metal.
The song was the title track of an album of the same name. In this, the three-piece made leaps and bounds with their ability to write hard and fast songs with lyrical hooks that mattered. It soon became a fan favourite and was a live staple for the rest of the band’s career. It has been covered by numerous bands, including the band Overkill who took their name from it.
We Are the Roadcrew
Lemmy’s music career started as a member of road crew for the Jimi Hendrix Experience. Albeit a short stint between his duties in Hawkwind and The Rockin Vicars beat combo, it gave him the knowledge needed to write this track that would be included on the Motörhead album.
The song is a stream-of-consciousness lyrical outburst about the life of those who get our favourite bands on stage. All this is laid on top of a series of winding guitar riffs and razor-sharp guitar chords. It is a real homage to his former life and that of those around him.
No doubt you will have tracks that you think should have made the list. Motörhead is a fantastic band, fast and furious but also with some very tender moments amidst the brute force of their sound. Take some time to dive into their catalogue and find your favourite tracks.
