Best Tool Albums
I was obsessed with 10,000 Days for the longest time. That album showcases Maynard more than ever. While I love every album TOOL has released, in terms of artistry and creativity, Lateralus is the best. The fact that one track (the title track) contains hidden clues that lead to a complete reorganization of the album's tracklist is amazing. Not only is Lateralus beautiful from start to finish on its own, but when reordered to fit the "Holy Gift" sequence, each song flows into the next with perfect symmetry, timing, and harmony. This album is by far my favorite in all of history.
This album is insanely badass, with every song conveying a unique emotion. Although the vocals might be considered the weakest aspect, they still work perfectly for the album, similar to bands like RHCP. The singer expresses his feelings authentically, not asking the listener to empathize, but rather stating, "I'm just as messed up as anyone who wronged me." As a complete album, it tells a cohesive story, not just a collection of songs thrown together. Tracks like "Ænema" and "Eulogy" are some of the most emotionally gripping songs. I love it, and for anyone who enjoys this style, it is a must-listen.
All are great, so I think it really comes down to personal preference. Mine is 10,000 Days... and it had me at Vicarious.
A very deep and emotional album. I love Ænima to death, but 10,000 Days takes the lead.
Vicarious is the one proven fact this album is the best.
A lot of longtime fans seem to really hate this one, but I consider it one of their best. It feels a lot more psychedelic than what TOOL usually does, and being a fan of psychedelic music helped me enjoy this one a lot.
Complex and layered, this album's polyrhythmic composition highlights the abilities of every band member. Definitely one of the best albums.
I honestly don't see the hate for Fear Inoculum. I thought it was a pretty solid record, even after a 13-year wait.
Bottom line, Undertow is just a masterpiece. It's easily TOOL's greatest record and a staple in rock and metal history. This is arguably their most metal album, with its gritty sound making for a wild ride throughout the entire record. The songs are shorter, averaging about 5 minutes each, which may be more appealing to most people.
Undertow focuses more on the music than on interludes, as it doesn't include the long, strange interludes TOOL is known for. This album truly defines TOOL and what they are, being their most progressive and offering a unique experience in every song. The album kicks off with the raging "Intolerance," providing a classic heavy vibe that is short, sweet, and hooks you right away.
It transitions into "Prison Sex," a disturbing ballad about a chilling subject, but sung with a surprisingly upbeat vibe in the first half. The song then shifts to a deeper, more emotional tone in the second half, showcasing its artistry. "Prison Sex" sets the stage for "Sober," possibly TOOL's most well-known song. This sad ballad is delivered with emotion through Maynard's soft and melodic voice, marking a pivotal moment in rock history and a defining song in TOOL's discography.
"Sober" leads into "Bottom," a heavy track that delivers a chilling experience on first listen, but eases out in the second half. Next is "Crawl Away," a song focused heavily on instrumentation. Despite many instrumental breaks, Maynard's vocals are gritty and direct. "Crawl Away" flows into "Swamp Song," a hidden gem often overlooked. Maynard's vocals stand out in this track, accompanied by chilling, monotone bass lines.
The epic title track, "Undertow," starts with a catchy riff and delivers a straightforward, heavy experience, punctuated by the same strong riff throughout. This leads into what I believe is the strongest song on the album, "4º." Not only is it my favorite TOOL song, but it's also their most melodic yet heavy offering. Despite being... more
Just discovered this first album. It's awesome! I like it better than the others.
This is a great EP. It's got some great tunes on it, such as Sweat (which is the best on the album), Opiate, Hush, and the hidden track.
Yes, this is an album - and an expensive buy - but I would pay triple for the CD alone. Their reimagining of Pushit is a journey like no other, along with all the other great covers and live performances. It's 80 minutes of greatness, and the CD itself feels like it weighs 5 kg. A beast!
Pushit. Best song. Best version. You Lied was amazing.
Pretty damn hard to find in stores.