Top 10 Songs with Backward Vocals (Backmasking)

Backmasking is the process of recording audio and then reversing it so that it plays backward. It has been used in music for decades, often to create unique sounds or to add hidden messages to a song. Some artists have used backmasking to convey satanic messages or subliminal suggestions, while others have used it simply for artistic effect.

Regardless of the intent behind it, backmasking has left a lasting impression on the music industry. Many of the top artists of all time have used this technique in their music, and it has become a popular topic of discussion among music lovers and conspiracy theorists alike.

With your help, we have compiled a list of the top ten songs with backward vocals. These are the tracks that have captured our attention, piqued our curiosity, and left us wondering what other secrets might be lurking within the music we listen to every day.

The Top Ten

  1. Rocket - Def Leppard

    When played backward, at the beginning you hear, "We're fighting with the gods of war."

  2. Hell Awaits - Slayer

    It's in the intro: "Join us!" (x45), followed by "Welcome back."

  3. Damien - Iced Earth

    At the end of the song, Jon Schaffer repeats backward the message from the middle of the song. It's a quote from the movie Damien that inspired the song:

    "Your pain on the cross was but a splinter compared to the agony of my father. I will drive deeper the thorns into your rancid carcass, you profaner of vices. You have done nothing."

  4. Stormbringer - Deep Purple

  5. Empty Spaces - Pink Floyd

    "Hello, Luka. Congratulations. You've just discovered the secret message. Please send your answer to Old Pink, care of the funny farm, Chalfont." (voice in background) "Roger! Carolyne is on the phone!" "Ok."

  6. Disease, Injury, Madness - Between the Buried and Me

    "You must wait for the rest of the non-believers. If you disagree, you will sleep. You must wait for the rest of the non-believers."

  7. Revelation #9 - Marilyn Manson

    "You are on the other side now. There ain't no going back once you been here, brothers and sisters. There ain't no going back."

    "Uh uh, the apocalypse."

    Wait. Manson made a cover of Revolution 9? Oh god no... Wait! Revelation 9? Ok.

  8. My Name Is - Eminem

    "It is Slim." "It's Eminem!"

  9. Still Life - Iron Maiden

    You have to play backward the beginning of the song, where drummer Nicko McBrain gives a speech.

    "Hmm, hmmm, what ho said the thing with the three bonce. Don't meddle with things you don't understand," followed by a belch.

  10. Loser - Beck

    "Soy un perdedor. I'm a loser, baby, so why don't you kill me."

    11. The Newcomers
  11. ?

    Right on Time - Red Hot Chili Peppers

    Sounds like they're saying "we miss him." It references Hillel Slovak, a former RHCP member who died from heroin addiction.

  12. ?

    Kudamm x Knesebeck - Shindy

    The sample in the background is played backwards throughout the entire song, including the "oooh oooh" soul sample, thus creating a certain chaotic, experimental tone.

    13. The Contenders

  13. Work It - Missy Elliott

    The backward lyrics are the other part of the chorus: "I put my thing down, flip it, and reverse it," and "Watch the way Missy like to take it backwards."

  14. Love Bites - Judas Priest

    "In the dead of the night, love bites."

  15. Azwethinkweiz - Incubus

    When played backward, you hear something like, "Thursday night we smoked indica, and Azwethinkweizm was born."

  16. Absolute Power - Tech N9ne

    "I've traveled many roads and seen many things in search of fortune and fame. All my dreams died no matter how hard I tried so nothing but unhappiness remains. So now I sit with this pen in my hand, itching to produce and perform. Waiting to rule with absolute power. I love these calm little moments before the storm."

  17. 665 - Soundgarden

    "Santa, I love you, baby. My Christmas king. Santa, you're my king. I love you, Santa baby. Got what I need."

    Such a perfect troll to those who think rock music was satanic. More like SANTAnic, am I right guys?

  18. I Remember Larry - Weird Al Yankovic

    "Wow, you must have an awful lot of free time on your hands."

  19. Fire on High - Electric Light Orchestra

    "The music is reversible, but time... (violin note) is not. Turn back! Turn back! Turn back! Turn back! "

  20. Death in the Afternoon - Ultravox

    "Oh, I remember death in the afternoon"

  21. Announcement Service Public - Linkin Park

    When played backward, you hear these phrases: "You should brush your teeth, and you should wash your hands."

  22. Rain - The Beatles

    "...the sun shines. Raaain. When the rain comes, they run and hide their heads."

    I think this is too low at 50. It's one of my favorite Beatles songs, and it was the very first song with backwards vocals.

  23. Der Beste - Eko Fresh

    The entire third verse, except for one line, of this song off Eko Fresh's newest album is played backwards. Its rhymes somehow work to the ears.

    The lyrics are in German, so it won't be much use posting them here. The backward lyrics are mostly brag rap, and one line is insulting Donald Trump. The verse doesn't rhyme when played backwards.

  24. Karate - Tenacious D

    "Eat donkey crap."

  25. Whookam - Steve Vai

    A long message, beginning with "There is a god. The universe is not without a creator, sustainer, and protector. He is the ocean of bliss."

  26. Darling Nikki - Prince

    "Hello, how are you? I'm fine. 'Cause I know that the Lord is coming soon. Coming, coming soon," followed by 37 "hah"s.

  27. Mr. Radio - Electric Light Orchestra

8Load More
PSearch List