Let me just start this by saying how incredibly thankful I am that Rocksmith exists and is constantly putting out new DLC for us. Any of you born before the Internet (shhh I’m old), know how hard it was to advance on guitar with Tablature books and no teacher encouraging you with “amazing performance”.
All compliments aside I wanted to ask the community what noticeable holes are in our official Rocksmith DLC playlists. The following is just my opinion and please tell me how wrong I am and what I missed in the comments (but more importantly, request songs!)
Obviously I’m leaving out the obvious Led Zepplin, Pink Flloyd, The Beatles, Metallica etc., so don’t even bother commenting about that.
60s and Earlier:
The Beach Boys
Sure we have surf rock, but it’s a travesty we don’t have the pioneers of surf rock to play through.
Dream 5-Pack:
Chuck Berry
Since we’re playing Rocksmith and the word “rock” is in it, shouldn’t we learn from its great-great grandfather?
Dream 5-Pack:
Johnny B. Goode
You Never Can Tell
Route 66
Grateful Dead
OK, OK, I know American Beauty technically came out in the 70s, but they formed and began hippie jamming in the mid 60s, so it counts. Regardless, we could use some jam bands in our sets, and who better than Jer Bear to teach us?
Dream 5-Pack:
Box Of Rain
Simon and Garfunkel
I would also love, love, love just a Paul Simon pack. Did you see his performance on the 40th Anniversary of SNL?
Dream 5-Pack:
The 70s
Fleetwood Mac
I’d especially love a few of their bluesy early, early tracks before Stevie Nicks joined up, but I mean c’mon, how do we not have Landslide yet?
Dream 5-Pack:
Go Your Own Way
Rhiannon
Black Sabbath
I mean. C’mon.
Dream 5-Pack:
Paranoid
Iron Man
Black Sabbath
Children of the Grave
Steve Miller Band
With a crazy amount of hit’s and a whole lot of fun guitar technique, it makes me sad we’re missing out on some of these grooves.
Dream 5-Pack:
Jet Airliner
The Bee Gees
I am absolutely terrible at funk guitar or whatever you wanna call this style of playing, but I’d love to have a challenge of playing some disco and singing crazy falsetto to prove it’s not dead (Actually, just checked on Wiki; still dead).
Dream 5-Pack:
More Than A Woman
The 80s
Edit: When I originally wrote this, I had The Cars here too. Hooray!
Huey Lewis and the News
Probably one of my favorite bands ever. I don’t know if it’s because I grew up with him, or if it’s because Back to the Future is easily the best movie of the 80s (fight me about it) but Huey is by far my #1 “wish it was on Rocksmith” band.
Dream 5-Pack:
(Bonus song) The Power of Love
Talking Heads
While I was not a fan of them while they were actually making music, I have grown to love them and have their entire discography on vinyl. Anyone who hasn’t seen “Stop Making Sense” watch it and tell me it’s not the best concert film of all time.
Dream 5-Pack:
This Must Be The Place (Naïve Melody)
Burning Down The House
Life During Wartime
Van Halen
This band might be on the “too expensive/hard/impossible” to license list, but screw that, they are 80s rock. Even the Sammy stuff I love and being able to tap through “Eruption” would be simply the best.
Dream 5-Pack:
Runnin’ With the Devil
Eruption
Journey
We have Foreigner, we have Boston, we even have Styx. It’s time to pay tribute to the incredible vocals and equally fun guitar work of Journey.
Dream 5-Pack:
The 90s
My decade for music is sadly primarily filled with one-hit wonders and 90s voice guy alt-rock (also the best damn hip-hop ever) but there’s still some good guitar work at play. Of all the decades represented, I feel the 90s are the most represented, but still these would all be welcome additions.
Goo Goo Dolls
Roll your eyes all you want, but listen to the guitar in these songs and tell me it’s not worthy of a DLC.
Dream 5-Pack:
Fallin’ Down
Live
Sure they pretty much have only one good album, but it’s nearly a perfect album with plenty of guitar to have fun with.
Dream 5-Pack:
Third Eye Blind
There might not be a more 90s band.
Dream 5-Pack:
Nine Inch Nails
Yes I know Trent Reznor is super busy scoring David Fincher movies, but in the 90s you couldn’t be stuck at a stop light without hearing those familiar warbles.
Dream 5-Pack:
Hurt
The 2000s and Beyond
Arcade Fire
A crazy popular band who have an epic, full sound that would be a blast top play through.
Dream 5-Pack:
Jimmy Eat World
Kinda like Weezer-lite, but still they have so many songs that would be welcomed additions to anyone’s playlist.
Dream 5-Pack:
Blister
Brand New
K, my last emo pick I promise. Seriosuly though, really awesome guitar and bass in these songs if you can get past all the sadness.
Dream 5-Pack:
Sic Transit Gloria… Glory Fades
The Quiet Things That No One Ever Knows
Jude Law and a Semester Abroad
Slipknot
This is for all you metalheads out there. I don’t even like this band, but I can respect technique.
Dream 5-Pack:
So that’s it. Let me know how wrong I am in the comments and what your picks are. And as always request songs people!
Holy crap, I must be the only person to have ever played Rocksmith to want more metal apparently XP. More modern metal. I respect the older stuff and heck I even got Hallelujah from the Jeff Buckley pack, but damn it seems like there’s more E Standard bar music more than anything. I just wish we had a good pack, that featured just drop-tuned tracks, maybe even screamo, just a good 5-pack and I wouldn’t complain. Granted, we did have packs like BFMV and Killswitch Engage and even A Day To Remember, but that’s basically it. Maybe like Asking Alexandria, For Today, Escape the Fate, something like that. And for the people who say “metal is a mindless genre for the dumb”, they have a lot of techniques you can use for other genres. Example, I learned how to tap from metal, which is mostly how I learned how to play Cold Company by Minus the Bear, which i nothing close to metal anyway.
The Sword, Tool, Amon Amarth, more Iron Maiden, more Judas Priest, more KSE, Mötley Crüe
I want Maiden pack 3!
(meaning of course that they would have to do Maiden pack 2).
Ditto for Megadeth
I still want to see skilet,breaking benjamin, five finger death punch, volbeat, motley crue, atreyu, RED, and some more things that my girlfriend will want to play!! The fray, daughtry, needtobreathe, green river ordinance…
I’d like to see more Blues and Blues-based rock. But there really need’s to be a some Jazz in Rocksmith. I appreciate the Gipsy Jazz vibe of Rondo alla Turca in the Bachsmith pack but what about some Grant Green?
Most importantly above all tha I mention, TUFF GONG
BOB MARLEY AND THE WAILERS.
note: I have requested nearly evey artist and song mentioned via Ubisoft’s page.
How ’bout you?
Okay so in all of that obvious choices were left out. SRV, Zeppelin, ACDC, BB King etc. honorable mention goes to Parliament/Funkadelic (turn off the lights and play Maggot Brain loud) Motley Crüe, Def Leppard, Run DMC- King of rock, Beastie Boys No Sleep Til Brookyn, Metallica, Jimmy Vaughan, Bonnie Raitt and required updates from Green Day, the Stones, anything from Velvet Revolver.
For the 2000s all I can say is John Mayer, Gary Clarke Jr. and Los Lonely Boys
JM
Who did you think I Was
(Mayer’s version of Bold As Love)
Daughters
Vultures
Gravity
GCJr
Things are Changing
Next door neighbor Blues
Ain’t messin around
LLB
Crazy Dream
More Than Love(Acoustic version)
Never Met A Woman
I want all of Gary Clark Jr. Bright Lights is easily my favorite track in all of Rocksmith. I would also add “I Don’t Need No Doctor” by John Mayer.
They really do need more Blues and BluesRock on Rocksmith.
Should even have more from Santana on there.
90s yes some of the best HipHop was in this decade but before I get to that, am I the only person who likes Stone Temple Pilots? Seems everyone is forgetting them.
Plush
Wicked Garden
Sex Type Thing
Creep
Gasoline
Pretty Penny
Big Empty
For HipHop why not learn some baselines. Mike Elizondo is killing it on nearly everything Dr Dre has produced post NWA. Baselines from Pete Rock, Eric Sermon and the whole Tribe Called a Quest catalog would be fun too.
And since we’ve talked rock and hip hop, where are RHCP on Rocksmith.
All Around the World
Give it away
Breaking the Girl
Hard to Concentrate
Tell Me Baby
Blood Sugar Sex Magic
Before getting to the 80s I forgot to say good call on the Steve Miller Band. Ok for the 80s, Huey Lewis and the News and Journey BAM!!! Rock on Bruh.
Ok now for the band whom I continue to both love and hate. I’ve written about that last nerve before. Here we go–Van Halen. They are right next to Zeppelin ACDC GNR. Probably never happen but we can dream. If released we would, like Hendrix need a 12pak or more to do them and us Justice.
Ain’t Talkin Bout Love
Eruption/You Really Got Me
I’ve Cream Man
Everybody Wants Some
DOA
Could This Be Magic
Mean Street
Unchained
Panama
Hot For Teacher
Best of Both Worlds
5150
Cabo Wabo
Finish What Ya Started
Poundcake
Runaround
Man on a Mission
Amsterdam
Deja Vu
Fire in the Hole
Can’t Get this stuff No More
You and Your Blues
I think a cool idea for Rocksmith would be to have a poll for what the community thinks are the best 50-100 guitarists and after the list is compiled try and make DLC for each one if possible. I think it could generate some serious buzz and if marketed properly would drive sales to new customers. Just an idea, well, maybe a dream.
No mention of U2 at all?????? Love them or hate them absolutely one of the best bands period. And, the Edge is a revered and innovative guitarist. Since you listed some cheesy bands what about Bad Company? 38. Special. My absolute desire would be to see some Frank Zappa!!!!! I mean really the list is practically endless.
Best ever? I disagree wholeheartedly, but you are of course entitled to your own opinion.
To me they are overplayed and not worth the hype. I respect the Edge, but I don’t personally care if they ever come to Rocksmith. I’d sooner request “One Note Song” by Tenacious D lol
I would like The Metal by the D please, while you’re at it!
70s. Good call on the Fleetwood Mac however; you need to toss out a few. Remove Rihannon and The Chain (both great songs btw) and insert BIG LOVE and either Gold Dust Woman or Go Insane.
Sabbath may be in that Beatles, Zeppelin, Van Halen pit. Most likely won’t see it. Could use a 70s Folk Pack featuring two from Jim Croce – Operator and Time in a Bottle and two from James Taylor – You’ve Got a Friend and Carolina. Lastly, for the 70s can we do justice by Aerosmith? What is the hold up? 1) Last Child 2) The Movie (80s I know). 3) Same Old Song and Dance
We have “same old song and dance”
Oh, really. Ooops. Okay how about F.I.N.E.?
Continuing with the 60s, we also need a blues pack. 1. Muddy Waters- Gypsy Woman. 2. Howlin Wolf – Goin Down Slow. 3. Cream – Crossroads 4. Fleetwood Mac – One Sunny Day. 5. Big Momma Thornton – Wang Dang Doodle. Done with the 60s
On this blog I posed a question similar to this a couple of weeks ago. Glad to see it get traction.
Ok as someone who has requested a lot of Chuck berry, I’ll start there. Your dream five is good however you need to replace to choices. Toss You Never Can Tell and Route 66 in favor of Almost Grown and Guitar Boogie. Have a listen and you see why.
Also, while the Beach Boys deserve credit the bass players behind the Motown Sound should come up to bat first. And right behind them should be James Brown. Top 5: 1. Super Bad(17yo Bootsy Collins is killin it) 2. Mother Popcorn. 3. I Got That Feelin’. 4. Poppa’s Got a Brand New Bag and 5. Sex Machine.
Also with that Black Sabbath pack, All the songs I know are in that dream pack, so I would buy some songs.
Wheres Dream Theater?
You do not know how much I would jump around for joy. I’ve never listened much to their older albums, but here is what I would like in a hypothetical DT pack:
(Heavy Metal DT pack)
In the Name of God (C Standard)
Panic Attack (Bb Standard [Silhouette Bass]) OR The Great Debate (Drop D)
As I Am (C Standard)
(Prog ,Metal DT pack)
Never Enough (D Standard)
The Count of Tuscany (E Standard)
On the Backs of Angels (E Standard)
Stevie Ray Vaughn
Eric Clapton
U2
Coldplay
Bluegrass pack
and some Kenny Wayne Shepherd would be nice.
Dave Matthews Band.
I’d say one thing left out would be some punk bands like bad religion or social distortion! I’d be down for them
Bad Religion would be awesome.
I would love to see Jimmy Eat World on rocksmith. They have a ton of good riffs, I’d like to see at least the following:
23
For Me This Is Heaven
Appriciation
Hear You Me
The Middle
C – L – U – T – C – H
Good list… for nine inch nails– anything from Broken would be nice.
Also surprised no mention of Queens of the Stone Age? Very guitar-centric band and one in the top 40 with no dedicated pack yet. Josh Homme has a unique playing style. Definitely one I’ve been waiting for, though I suspect that their more popular songs being in C standard might be an issue…
Zappa, Anthrax, John Scofield, John Frusciante… Really anything with a great guitarist is going to be worth playing and learning from, though.
I could go for some Portugal The Man or Bad Suns as far as newer stuff goes. Zeppelin is the holy grail.
also Alabama Shakes, Alt-J, Big Wreck
One of my favorite things about Rocksmith (and Rock Band to a lesser extent) was how they could introduce me to bands I’ve never heard of. In Rocksmith Grace Potter and Gary Clark primarily. I’d love an “Indie Rock” pack or whatever you want to call it. Portugal The Man is fantastic. Ditto for Alabama Shakes.
Just a thought, I’d love to see Deafheaven in Rocksmith. Just started listening to them a bit, and would love to learn Dream House.
+1 for Big Wreck and Ian Thornley’s solo stuff is good too. Conscience & Consequence off of his Tiny Pitcures (2009) album is wicked!
Excellent list. I agree with most artists mentioned. The big hole I constantly talk about is the lack of Australian music.
Some Aussie songs which I think will work for Rocksmith include:
Eagle Rock – Daddy Cool
Are You Gonna Be My Girl – Jet
What’s My Scene – Hoodoo Gurus
And band packs can be from:
Skyhooks
Cold Chisel
INXS
Australian Crawl
Noiseworks.
I like the way you think…
You could also throw in some:
Baby Animals
Rose Tattoo (maybe a bit too much slide guitar)
Angels.
I would love love love love “Screaming Jets – Helping Hand” to come out on DLC
Powderfinger – Passenger
Something for Kate – Captain, Pinstripe
This pretty much reads like a list of your favourite bands. It might be more interesting to discuss which genres have little or no coverage in RS. Surely those are the real holes?
.
You’re right! That’s why it’s an opinion piece. The point is to get people to request songs. Don’t like my picks? What are yours?
Very true. But it’s fun. Seriously though, I think it is insane that so little blues has been reflected on RS. If you think of RS as a learning tool, then consider this. It would be a safe bet to say at least 85% of the guitarists (both lead and bass) currently on Rocksmith and who ever will be on any version of Rocksmith got their start with the blues. Why not raise us the same way?
Seriously, you pick up a guitar and learn your favorite song. Then you learn other songs by your favorite artist. If you honestly are truly into that artist you look back at their influences. For example, with one of my many favorites, I began developing an appreciation for John Lee Hooker, Tito Puente, and a greater appreciation for B.B. King. (haven’t looked into Gabor Szabo yet). With that said, why isn’t the blues in greater representation on RS?
Here’s an idea. Contact an artist influenced by the blues. Have them suggest tracks and if you can get the license, put out a pack of influences. For example, let’s say Ubisoft contacts Keith Richards. Then in June or whenever; a pack called Kef’s Influences is released. In it, you might find a lot of Chuck Berry and Muddy Waters. Here’s an interesting one as it is actually a true trail.
John Mayer–>Stevie Ray Vaughan–>Jimi Hendrix–>Buddy Guy–>Muddy Waters–>Robert Johnson. (Yes I like the blues and this is actually true. Jimi was a big fan of Buddy Guy who’s career wasn’t much older than Jimi’s.)
Oh, forgot to mention. Yours is a great I idea.
I submit:
Blues
Reggae
Funk
Hitsville U.S.A (aka Motown)
Rock instrumentals (for example VH Baluchitherium/John Mayall Steppin Out/Aerosmith The Movie etc)
and yes there is some Gospel that should find it’s way on there. Don’t be scared y’all. It won’t hurt.
Death Metal.
Give me my Insomnium.