Have you ever groaned and rolled your eyes at the next song in a playlist in a music game, only to discover after playing that it’s actually a hell of a lot of fun?
I have. It actually happens fairly frequently, but the one that really sticks out in my memory is Ratt’s “Round and Round” from Guitar Hero: Smash Hits. I remember this song from when it was on the radio, and I always found it boring as hell to listen to. Naturally I expected the same from playing it.
Turns out it’s a blast. I mean, seriously: a total blast. At least on guitar and drums, it’s right in that sweet spot for me: It’s predictable enough that I can play it well after just a couple verses, but there’s enough fun little flourishes going on that it’s not a boring chore to slog through.
Honorable mention goes to — and I still can’t believe I’m saying this — Taylor Swift’s “Picture to Burn” in Band Hero. This is for one reason and one reason only: The guitar part which, thanks to some banjo interludes, is a hell of a lot more active and entertaining than you’d think from such an insipid-sounding song.
How about you?
Unfortunately, I haven’t gotten a chance to play this one yet, but I take umbrage at your review of this R&R classic. I mean, c’mon man…if memory serves the video features a guitarist dropping through a ceiling onto a table below…and still rocking a two-guitar harmony solo.
I’ve got to get my hands on this tune. It would bring a smile to my face!
I always loved “Round and Round” on any of the games I’ve played it on. I just love the part where the bass marches out of the end of the first solo.
Hm, a lot of Blood Sugar Sex Magic I was ‘eh’ about, as I had only mostly ever heard “Give It Away,” “Under the Bridge,” and “Suck My Kiss” from that album.
Turns out it was a really good buy. If you want to learn how to hump a guitar like John, “Power of Equality” is the trick. There are insane drums to master in “Breaking the Girl” and there is a ton of funk interlaced through other songs via Flea’s bass and Chad’s drumming. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself taking a second look at the Get the Funk Out track pack after taking a run through this album.
The one realized downside to actually playing the album is that it is one of RHCP’s raunchiest albums and therefore heavily edited to be T-rated. Another possible downside is the song with the fastest tempo of any RB song, “They’re Red Hot,” as the tail end to the album.
All around, it’s a good challenge that’ll put some funk in your blood. And hey, there’s “Under the Bridge,” too! :p
More closely to the topic, I had never liked “Aqualung.” The problem was I only ever heard the intro. Once I heard and played the double time section of the song, I fell in love with it and now I play through the bass track whenever I have the chance.
I am absolutely HORRIFIED that I enjoy playing Europe’s Final Countdown so much. Great charting, and such a hunk of cheese you can’t help but laugh the whole time. Such over the top crap!