System of a Down (1998)
System of a Down’s self-titled debut album, released in 1998, introduced the world to their eclectic sound. The album is a raw and powerful mix of heavy metal, punk, and Armenian folk music, setting the stage for their future success.
Tracklist Overview
- Suite-Pee
- Know
- Sugar
- Suggestions
- Spiders
- DDevil
- Soil
- War?
- Mind
- Peephole
- CUBErt
- Darts
- P.L.U.C.K.
Song Removal Analysis
This album is a robust introduction to SOAD’s style, making it difficult to choose a song for removal. However, if pressed, one might consider “DDevil” as a candidate. While “DDevil” is undeniably energetic and showcases the band’s penchant for satirical humor, it may not carry the same thematic weight or memorability as other tracks on the album. Its removal could potentially tighten the album’s narrative without losing the overall impact.
Toxicity (2001)
Released in 2001, “Toxicity” catapulted System of a Down into the mainstream, largely due to its critical acclaim and commercial success. The album features a compelling mix of politically charged lyrics and innovative musical arrangements.
Tracklist Overview
- Prison Song
- Needles
- Deer Dance
- Jet Pilot
- X
- Chop Suey!
- Bounce
- Forest
- ATWA
- Science
- Shimmy
- Toxicity
- Aerials
Song Removal Analysis
“Toxicity” is a landmark album, making any removal a challenging task. However, “Jet Pilot” might be considered for exclusion. While it maintains the album’s intensity and showcases Serj Tankian’s vocal prowess, it doesn’t quite match the lyrical depth or musical innovation seen in other tracks. Removing “Jet Pilot” could potentially streamline the album, allowing the more thematically rich songs to shine even brighter.
Steal This Album! (2002)
Following the success of “Toxicity,” System of a Down released “Steal This Album!” in 2002. This album consists of tracks recorded during the “Toxicity” sessions, providing fans with an additional glimpse into that creative period.
Tracklist Overview
- Chic ‘N’ Stu
- Innervision
- Bubbles
- Boom!
- Nüguns
- A.D.D. (American Dream Denial)
- Mr. Jack
- I-E-A-I-A-I-O
- 36
- Pictures
- Highway Song
- Fuck the System
- Ego Brain
- Thetawaves
- Roulette
- Streamline
Song Removal Analysis
“Steal This Album!” is an eclectic mix, making it a challenge to identify a weaker link. “36,” being the shortest track, could be a candidate for removal. While it captures the band’s frenetic energy, its brevity and lack of thematic development may make it less essential compared to other tracks. Excluding “36” could allow the album’s more substantial offerings to receive greater focus.
Mezmerize (2005)
In 2005, System of a Down released “Mezmerize,” the first of two albums released that year. Known for its politically charged themes and experimental sound, “Mezmerize” showcases the band’s evolution and maturity.
Tracklist Overview
- Soldier Side – Intro
- B.Y.O.B.
- Revenga
- Cigaro
- Radio/Video
- This Cocaine Makes Me Feel Like I’m on This Song
- Violent Pornography
- Question!
- Sad Statue
- Old School Hollywood
- Lost in Hollywood