11 Underrated Tool Songs: Tool’s Secret Playlist

Hey there, fellow music enthusiasts! It’s TBone here, the proud owner of Level Tunes and your go-to DJ for all things rhythm and beats.

Today, I’m super excited to share something that’s been spinning in my mind – a list of 11 underrated Tool songs.

As a DJ and a die-hard music fan, I’ve always been fascinated by how some tracks, despite their brilliance, don’t always hit the mainstream radar.

Tool, with their complex rhythms and profound lyrics, has a treasure trove of such hidden gems. I’ve dug deep into their discography to unearth these tracks that deserve more spotlight.

Whether you’re a longtime fan or just getting into Tool, this list is going to take you on a journey through some of their most remarkable yet underappreciated masterpieces. So, buckle up and let’s dive into the world of Tool’s unsung heroes!

Here are the Underrated Tool songs that you can check out:

List Of Underrated Tool Songs

Underrated Tool songs in a list format:

1. The Grudge (From “Lateralus”, 2001, Volcano Records)

“The Grudge” is a powerhouse opener for Tool’s 2001 album “Lateralus”. This song is a perfect blend of Maynard James Keenan’s intense vocals and Danny Carey’s complex drumming patterns. Released under Volcano Records, it encapsulates the theme of personal growth and the choice to hold onto grudges. What makes “The Grudge” special is its ability to weave philosophical ideas into a progressive metal sound. I chose this because it’s a brilliant example of how Tool can turn deep concepts into an auditory experience.

2. Jambi (From “10,000 Days”, 2006, Volcano Records)

“Jambi,” featured in the 2006 album “10,000 Days” under Volcano Records, showcases Tool’s unique sound, blending heavy riffs with intricate drumming. This song is a tribute to Maynard’s mother and explores themes of sacrifice and loss. The use of a talk box in the guitar solo by Adam Jones adds a distinct texture to the track. I included “Jambi” for its emotional depth and the exceptional way it merges personal storytelling with the band’s signature sound.

3. Rosetta Stoned (From “10,000 Days”, 2006, Volcano Records)

A track from the same album “10,000 Days”, “Rosetta Stoned” is an epic in its own right. This song is a narrative about a supposed encounter with extraterrestrial beings. What stands out is the stream-of-consciousness style lyricism by Keenan and the complex time signatures. It’s a track that showcases Tool’s ability to create vivid stories, making it a must-mention for its narrative brilliance and musical complexity.

4. Right in Two (From “10,000 Days”, 2006, Volcano Records)

Another gem from “10,000 Days”, “Right in Two” delves into the nature of human conflict and the division of humanity. This song is a beautiful blend of philosophical lyrics and the band’s ability to create an immersive sound landscape. The reason for its inclusion is its profound message and the way it showcases Tool’s talent in creating music that makes you think and feel deeply.

5. Eulogy (From “Ænima”, 1996, Zoo Entertainment)

“Eulogy,” from the album “Ænima” released in 1996 under Zoo Entertainment, is a tribute to those who stand against the norm. This song stands out for its dynamic range, shifting from quiet introspection to explosive energy. The combination of Keenan’s versatile vocals and the band’s musical prowess makes “Eulogy” a track that resonates with anyone who’s ever felt like an outsider.

6. H. (From “Ænima”, 1996, Zoo Entertainment)

Also from “Ænima”, “H.” is a deeply personal song that explores the struggles of inner turmoil and identity. The song’s title is a reference to Keenan’s son, whose name begins with an ‘H’. This track is a journey through complex emotions, and I chose it for its emotional rawness and the way it showcases Tool’s ability to explore personal themes in their music.

7. Third Eye (From “Ænima”, 1996, Zoo Entertainment)

“Third Eye,” another track from “Ænima”, is a psychedelic journey into the realm of consciousness expansion. This song is notable for its use of spoken word samples and its lengthy, progressive structure. It’s a testament to Tool’s experimental side and their willingness to push boundaries in music.

8. Parabol/Parabola (From “Lateralus”, 2001, Volcano Records)

This two-part song from “Lateralus” is a journey from gentle melody to hard-hitting rock. “Parabol” sets a contemplative tone that explodes into the more aggressive “Parabola”. The transition between these two parts symbolizes the transition from life to death, making it a profound piece of music that explores the nature of existence.

9. The Patient (From “Lateralus”, 2001, Volcano Records)

“The Patient,” from the album “Lateralus”, is a song about perseverance and holding on despite challenges. It’s a more subdued track but no less impactful, showcasing Tool’s ability to create powerful music even in a less aggressive tone. This song is a testament to the band’s versatility and depth.

10. Disposition (From “Lateralus”, 2001, Volcano Records)

“Disposition” stands out for its atmospheric and introspective quality. This track, also from “Lateralus”, is a subtle, almost meditative piece that showcases a different side of Tool’s musical range. It’s a reminder of the band’s ability to create diverse soundscapes, making it a unique addition to their discography.

11. Reflection (From “Lateralus”, 2001, Volcano Records)

Finally, “Reflection” from “Lateralus” is a masterpiece in its own right. This song is a deep dive into self-examination and the human psyche. Its lengthy runtime is filled with evolving rhythms and haunting lyrics, making it a perfect example of Tool’s skill in creating epic musical journeys.

Fun Facts: Underrated Tool Songs

The Grudge (From “Lateralus”, 2001)

• Extended Scream: One of the most notable features of “The Grudge” is Maynard James Keenan’s extended scream which lasts for an impressive 24 seconds. This scream is often cited by fans as one of the most powerful moments in Tool’s discography.
• Astrological References: The song makes numerous references to astrology, particularly the Saturn return, which is an astrological phenomenon believed to mark significant periods of change in a person’s life.

Jambi (From “10,000 Days”, 2006)

• Talk Box Innovation: The guitar solo in “Jambi” is performed using a talk box, an effect that allows Adam Jones to manipulate the guitar sound with his mouth. This effect gives the solo a unique, almost vocal quality.
• Personal Connection: The song is named after Jambi, a genie character from the television show “Pee-wee’s Playhouse”, which Maynard watched with his son, further emphasizing the personal nature of the album.

Rosetta Stoned (From “10,000 Days”, 2006)

• Complex Storytelling: “Rosetta Stoned” tells a convoluted story of an alien encounter, delivered in a frantic, stream-of-consciousness style. This narrative complexity is a hallmark of Keenan’s lyricism.
• Musical Intricacy: The song features some of the most complex time signatures and rhythms in Tool’s catalog, showcasing the band’s technical proficiency.

Right in Two (From “10,000 Days”, 2006)

• Philosophical Themes: The song discusses the idea of humans being the only species that divides everything into two opposing forces, reflecting on humanity’s tendency for conflict and division.
• Evolving Soundscape: “Right in Two” features a gradual build-up from a gentle, almost tribal rhythm to a full, explosive climax, symbolizing the escalation of human conflict.

Eulogy (From “Ænima”, 1996)

• Tribute to a Non-Conformist: While many fans speculate that “Eulogy” is about a specific person, the band has stated that it’s more a tribute to anyone who stands up against prevailing norms and values.
• Dynamic Range: The song is known for its dynamic shifts, moving from quiet, introspective verses to powerful, driving choruses, illustrating the band’s versatility.

Third Eye (From “Ænima”, 1996)

• Psychedelic Experience: “Third Eye” is heavily influenced by psychedelic experiences, with references to hallucinogens and expanding consciousness.
• Spoken Word Samples: The track features samples of comedian Bill Hicks, a significant influence on the band, particularly on their “Ænima” album.

Parabol/Parabola (From “Lateralus”, 2001)

• Connected Pieces: These two songs are meant to be listened to together, with “Parabol” acting as an introduction to “Parabola”. The transition between the two represents a movement from gentle introspection to the realization of the beauty of existence.
• Philosophical Exploration: “Parabola” explores the concept of life as a temporary experience, encouraging listeners to embrace the present moment.

Reflection (From “Lateralus”, 2001)

• Lengthy Composition: “Reflection” is one of Tool’s longer tracks, running over 11 minutes. Its length allows for a gradual, immersive build-up that takes listeners on a deep introspective journey.
• Themes of Self-Improvement: The song deals with themes of self-reflection and the desire to improve oneself, which is a recurring theme in the album “Lateralus”.

These fun facts highlight the depth and complexity of Tool’s music, both in terms of their lyrical content and their musical composition. Enjoy diving deeper into these fascinating tracks!

That wraps up our journey into the lesser-known realms of Tool’s discography. These tracks are more than just music; they’re experiences that challenge, comfort, and captivate. Dive in, explore, and let the magic of Tool’s underrated masterpieces redefine your musical boundaries. Rock on!

Thanks for reading.

TBone