11 Underrated Korn Songs: A Nu-Metal Deep Dive

Hey there, fellow music lovers and DJs! It’s TBone here, the heart and soul behind Level Tunes.

As a DJ who thrives on the pulse of great music, I’ve always had a soft spot for the raw, unfiltered energy of Korn.

Today, I’m super excited to share with you a special treat – my personal list of 11 underrated Korn songs.

You know, Korn has always pushed the boundaries of the rock and nu-metal scene, but some of their tracks just don’t get the spotlight they deserve.

So, I decided to dig deep into their discography and shine a light on these hidden gems.

Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to their sound, these tracks are sure to surprise and captivate you. Let’s dive into the world of Korn’s lesser-known but equally thrilling tunes!

Here are the underrated Korn songs that you can check out:

List Of Underrated Korn Songs

Underrated Korn songs in a list format:

1. “Cameltosis” – Featuring Tre Hardson (1998, ‘Follow the Leader’, Epic Records)

“Cameltosis” is a hidden gem from Korn’s third album, ‘Follow the Leader,’ released in 1998 under Epic Records. What makes this track stand out is the collaboration with Tre Hardson (Pharcyde), adding a unique blend of hip-hop to Korn’s signature nu-metal sound. The fusion of genres showcases the band’s willingness to experiment and push musical boundaries. The lyrics delve into themes of self-reflection and the struggles of dealing with fame, something Korn was grappling with at the height of their popularity. This song is a testament to their artistic versatility and deserves a spot on this list for its bold approach.

2. “No One’s There” – (2002, ‘Untouchables’, Epic/Immortal Records)

“No One’s There” from the 2002 album ‘Untouchables’ is one of Korn’s most introspective tracks. Released under Epic/Immortal Records, this song closes the album with a powerful message about loneliness and the search for identity. Jonathan Davis’s haunting vocals, combined with the band’s heavy yet melodic instrumentation, create an atmosphere that is both eerie and deeply emotional. This song reflects Korn’s maturity as musicians, as they explore more complex themes and sounds. It’s a standout track for its raw honesty and the way it resonates with anyone who has ever felt isolated.

3. “Dirty” – (1999, ‘Issues’, Epic/Immortal Records)

The closing track of the 1999 album ‘Issues,’ “Dirty” is a masterpiece of emotional depth and musical complexity. Released under Epic/Immortal Records, this song encapsulates the darker side of Korn’s music, dealing with themes of depression and self-loathing. Jonathan Davis’s powerful vocal performance is complemented by the band’s aggressive yet intricate instrumentation. The song’s chaotic structure and raw energy make it a cathartic listening experience, showcasing Korn’s ability to channel intense emotions into their music. “Dirty” is a testament to the band’s skill in crafting deeply personal and impactful songs.

4. “Hey Daddy” – (1999, ‘Issues’, Epic/Immortal Records)

“Hey Daddy” from the album ‘Issues’ is a track that often goes unnoticed but is a quintessential Korn song in every sense. Released in 1999 by Epic/Immortal Records, this song dives into the complexities of parental relationships, a recurring theme in Jonathan Davis’s lyrics. The song features aggressive guitar riffs and a driving rhythm section, creating a sense of urgency and raw power. The confrontational lyrics and intense delivery make “Hey Daddy” a standout track for its emotional rawness and musical prowess. It’s a prime example of Korn’s ability to combine personal storytelling with hard-hitting music.

5. “Am I Going Crazy?” – (1999, ‘Issues’, Epic/Immortal Records)

“Am I Going Crazy?” is a short but impactful track from Korn’s ‘Issues’ album, released in 1999 under Epic/Immortal Records. This song stands out for its eerie ambiance and minimalist approach, differing from Korn’s usual intense and heavy style. The track features haunting whispers and a subtle yet unsettling melody, creating a sense of paranoia and disorientation. The lyrics explore themes of mental instability and the feeling of losing touch with reality. Its brevity and experimental nature make “Am I Going Crazy?” a unique and memorable addition to the Korn discography.

6. “It’s Gonna Go Away” – (1999, ‘Issues’, Epic/Immortal Records)

“It’s Gonna Go Away,” another track from the ‘Issues’ album, is a lesser-known song that encapsulates Korn’s ability to blend melodic elements with their heavier sound. Released in 1999 by Epic/Immortal Records, this song offers a more subdued yet equally impactful listening experience. The lyrics speak to the fleeting nature of pain and the hope for a better tomorrow, a theme that resonates with many listeners. The combination of Jonathan Davis’s emotive vocals and the band’s dynamic instrumentation creates a powerful and introspective track. “It’s Gonna Go Away” is chosen for its message of resilience and its musical versatility.

7. “Mr. Rogers” – (1996, ‘Life Is Peachy’, Epic/Immortal Records)

From their 1996 album ‘Life Is Peachy,’ “Mr. Rogers” stands out as one of Korn’s most unique and experimental tracks. Released under Epic/Immortal Records, this song showcases the band’s darker, more avant-garde side. The track is a departure from their standard nu-metal style, featuring a slower tempo and a more atmospheric sound. The lyrics are a twisted take on the innocence associated with the famous children’s show host, delving into themes of disillusionment and the loss of innocence. “Mr. Rogers” is a prime example of Korn’s willingness to experiment and push the boundaries of their genre.

8. “Hating” – (1998, ‘Follow the Leader’, Epic Records)

“Hating” from the album ‘Follow the Leader’ is a track that often gets overshadowed by the album’s more famous hits. Released in 1998 by Epic Records, this song is a deep dive into the feelings of anger and betrayal. The heavy guitar riffs and pounding drums create an intense backdrop for Jonathan Davis’s emotionally charged vocals. The raw energy and aggressive sound of “Hating” embody the essence of Korn’s music, making it a must-listen for fans of the band. This song is chosen for its powerful expression of raw emotion and its quintessential Korn sound.

9. “Kill You” – (1996, ‘Life Is Peachy’, Epic/Immortal Records)

“Kill You” is a haunting and powerful track from Korn’s second album, ‘Life Is Peachy,’ released in 1996 under Epic/Immortal Records. This song is a deeply personal one for Jonathan Davis, as it delves into his traumatic childhood experiences. The track features a mix of aggressive and melodic elements, creating a disturbing yet captivating listening experience. The raw emotion in Davis’s vocals, combined with the band’s intense musical performance, makes “Kill You” a standout track for its emotional depth and musical complexity. It’s a testament to Korn’s ability to turn personal pain into powerful art.

10. “Beg for Me” – (1999, ‘Issues’, Epic/Immortal Records)

“Beg for Me” from the ‘Issues’ album is a track that showcases Korn’s signature blend of heavy riffs and rhythmic grooves. Released in 1999 by Epic/Immortal Records, this song captures the band’s raw energy and aggressive sound. The lyrics, filled with defiance and a demand for respect, resonate with listeners who have ever felt overlooked or underestimated. The powerful chorus and dynamic instrumentation make “Beg for Me” a memorable and impactful song. It’s included in this list for its embodiment of Korn’s core sound and its message of empowerment.

11. “Embrace” – (2002, ‘Untouchables’, Epic/Immortal Records)

“Embrace” is a track from the 2002 album ‘Untouchables,’ and it’s a perfect example of Korn’s evolution as a band. Released under Epic/Immortal Records, this song blends their traditional heavy sound with more experimental elements. The lyrics deal with themes of acceptance and overcoming inner turmoil, a reflection of the band’s maturity. The combination of heavy guitar riffs and experimental soundscapes creates a unique and engaging listening experience. “Embrace” is chosen for this list for its innovative approach and its representation of the band’s continued growth and exploration in music.

Fun Facts: Underrated Korn Songs

“Cameltosis” – Featuring Tre Hardson

• Collaborative Surprise: “Cameltosis” marked an unexpected collaboration with Tre Hardson from The Pharcyde, a hip-hop group. This blending of genres was a pleasant surprise for fans of both Korn and hip-hop, showcasing the band’s willingness to experiment.
• Hidden Message: The song includes a hidden message when played backward, a creative touch that intrigued fans and encouraged them to explore the track more deeply.

“No One’s There”

• A Closing Statement: Serving as the final track on the ‘Untouchables’ album, “No One’s There” was strategically placed to leave listeners with a lingering emotional impact, a testament to Korn’s thoughtful album composition.
• Lyrical Depth: This song’s introspective lyrics are often considered some of Jonathan Davis’s most personal and poignant, reflecting on feelings of isolation and alienation.

“Dirty”

• Spontaneous Creation: “Dirty” was reportedly written and recorded in a single session, highlighting Korn’s ability to channel raw emotion directly into their music without overthinking the creative process.
• Emotional Release: The track serves as a cathartic end to the ‘Issues’ album, with its intense and chaotic energy effectively capturing the overall mood and theme of the album.

“Hey Daddy”

• Confrontational Themes: The song delves into the complexities of parental relationships, a theme that’s recurrent in Korn’s music, often reflecting Jonathan Davis’s own personal experiences and struggles.
• Musical Experimentation: “Hey Daddy” features a blend of aggressive riffs and rhythmic nuances, showcasing Korn’s experimental side within their established nu-metal framework.

“Am I Going Crazy?”

• Minimalist Approach: Unlike most of Korn’s discography, this track stands out for its minimalist composition, creating an eerie and unsettling ambiance with just whispers and subtle melodies.
• Brief but Powerful: Despite being one of the shortest tracks in Korn’s catalog, “Am I Going Crazy?” leaves a lasting impression due to its haunting atmosphere and lyrical content.

“It’s Gonna Go Away”

• Message of Hope: This song offers a more positive and hopeful message compared to the typically darker themes in Korn’s music, addressing the transient nature of pain and suffering.
• Dynamic Composition: “It’s Gonna Go Away” is notable for its dynamic range, moving from softer, more melodic sections to heavier, more aggressive parts seamlessly.

“Mr. Rogers”

• Dark Twist on a Childhood Figure: The song presents a dark and twisted perspective on the beloved children’s TV host Mr. Rogers, showcasing Korn’s penchant for subverting expectations and exploring darker themes.
• Atmospheric Sound: “Mr. Rogers” features a slower, more atmospheric sound, differing from the band’s typical aggressive style, highlighting their versatility as musicians.

“Hating”

• Intense Emotional Expression: “Hating” is lauded for its raw expression of anger and betrayal, emotions that resonate deeply with listeners who have experienced similar feelings.
• Aggressive Soundscapes: The track is characterized by its aggressive guitar work and pounding drums, a hallmark of Korn’s style that they execute with particular fervor on this song.

“Kill You”

• Personal and Painful: Jonathan Davis has described “Kill You” as a particularly personal song, dealing with his traumatic childhood experiences, making it one of the most emotionally raw tracks in Korn’s catalog.
• Mix of Aggression and Melody: The song showcases Korn’s ability to blend aggressive elements with melodic ones, creating a disturbing yet captivating listening experience.

“Beg for Me”

• Empowering Lyrics: “Beg for Me” is known for its empowering lyrics, demanding respect and recognition, themes that resonate with many of Korn’s fans.
• Signature Korn Sound: This track encapsulates the quintessential Korn sound, combining heavy riffs with rhythmic grooves, making it a favorite among fans of the band’s core style.

“Embrace”

• Innovative and Experimental: “Embrace” stands out in the ‘Untouchables’ album for its blend of traditional heavy elements with more experimental sounds, showcasing Korn’s evolution and willingness to experiment.
• Themes of Acceptance: The lyrics deal with overcoming inner turmoil and accepting oneself, reflecting the band’s maturity and depth in their lyrical content.

And there you have it, folks! A journey through the hidden treasures of Korn’s discography. These underrated tracks not only showcase the band’s versatility but also their deep emotional resonance. Dive into these songs and experience the lesser-known side of Korn’s groundbreaking musical legacy.

Thanks for reading.

TBone