With 2025 being not only the 50th anniversary of Motörhead’s foundation and the 10th anniversary of the death of bassist/frontman Lemmy Kilmister, it’s time to pay respect to one of the most influential acts in the world of metal and hardcore punk. Their work ethic (both in the studio and in the live arena), their ferocious sound (inspiring bands like Metallica, Bathory, GBH, Discharge and Zeke) and their steadfast belief in the power of rock n’roll means that generations of fans (from elderly Hawkwind fans through to teenagers) see them as ‘their’ band.
And quite rightly so.
This list will only look at studio albums. For live albums, you won’t go wrong with anyone you pick up.
Motorhead (1977) - Decent enough start, with elements of Hawkwind still evident in the sound. Arguably, the cover wrote a cheque that the album couldn't cash (in comparison to the rest of the back catalogue), but the title track and 'Iron Horse/Born o Lose' stand up.
Overkill (1979) - Stone cold classic. Taking the initial blueprint, dirtying it up with punk and adding the excess of 'Stained Class' era Judas Priest with a bit of futuristic ambivalence, this is a masterpiece of metal, with the title track and 'Tear Ya Down' being particular stand outs. Classic Joe Petagno cover as well.
Bomber (1979) - A disappointing comedown from Overkill, with some particularly naff songwriting and lack of power in the production, although the title track is a winner. Lemmy would later place the blame on producer Jimmy Miller, but he even conceded that he wasn't on his game around this time.
Ace of Spades (1980) - Overfamiliarity does indeed breed contempt, but a ferocious production and some lesser discussed gems like 'Shoot You in the Back' and 'The Hammer' means there's far more to this LP than an iconic title track and shite cover.
Iron Fist (1982) - Although plagued by personnel issues, we still get a cracking record from the classic line up. The title track is an obvious classic, but others like 'Go to Hell' and '(Don't Let 'Em) Grind Ya Down' mark this out as an underrated gem. Class cover as well.
And quite rightly so.
This list will only look at studio albums. For live albums, you won’t go wrong with anyone you pick up.
♩ ♪ ♫ 🎹 🎷 🎸 🎻 🎺
Motorhead (1977) - Decent enough start, with elements of Hawkwind still evident in the sound. Arguably, the cover wrote a cheque that the album couldn't cash (in comparison to the rest of the back catalogue), but the title track and 'Iron Horse/Born o Lose' stand up.
Overkill (1979) - Stone cold classic. Taking the initial blueprint, dirtying it up with punk and adding the excess of 'Stained Class' era Judas Priest with a bit of futuristic ambivalence, this is a masterpiece of metal, with the title track and 'Tear Ya Down' being particular stand outs. Classic Joe Petagno cover as well.
Bomber (1979) - A disappointing comedown from Overkill, with some particularly naff songwriting and lack of power in the production, although the title track is a winner. Lemmy would later place the blame on producer Jimmy Miller, but he even conceded that he wasn't on his game around this time.
Ace of Spades (1980) - Overfamiliarity does indeed breed contempt, but a ferocious production and some lesser discussed gems like 'Shoot You in the Back' and 'The Hammer' means there's far more to this LP than an iconic title track and shite cover.
Iron Fist (1982) - Although plagued by personnel issues, we still get a cracking record from the classic line up. The title track is an obvious classic, but others like 'Go to Hell' and '(Don't Let 'Em) Grind Ya Down' mark this out as an underrated gem. Class cover as well.
Another Perfect Day (1983) - Long regarded by some as a misstep, retrospective listening makes it clear this is a classic 'Head LP. Brian Robertson's guitar work is sublime: utterly bombastic, but subtle when it needs (such as on 'One Track Mind' and the title track). Clear as a bell production as well.
Orgasmatron (1986) – Often derided for Bill Laswell's mix, this is an immense record which contains some of my favourite songs from the band ('Claw', 'Built for Speed', the title track) and another cool cover. The title track almost flirts (inadvertently) with industrial due to the repetitive groove.
Rock n Roll (1987) - Another disappointing moment, despite the likes of 'Eat the Rich' and 'Stone Deaf in the USA.' Production isn't as boisterous as it should be, and the Michael Palin cameo is wasted on here.
1916 (1991) - The major label years, and what a record. Some of the finest moments alongside some left field (for Lemmy and co.) material like 'Love Me Forever' and 'R.A.M.O.N.E.S.' The title track is a poignant look at the Battle of the Somme, demonstrating Lemmy's power as a songwriter.
March or Die (1992) - A comedown from the heights of the previous LP, although nowhere near as bad as some have suggested, probably because 'I Ain't No Nice Guy' and 'Hellraiser' overshadow the rest of the songs and the terrible, label enforced cover of 'Cat Scratch Fever.' However, 'You Better Run' is worth the entry fee.
Bastards (1993) - Lemmy often regarded this as a top 3 'Head album. Maybe more of a top 10 one, as 'Don't Let Daddy Kiss Me' (despite its good intentions) doesn't sound convincing coming from Motorhead. Still, who can argue with 'Burner'?
Sacrifice (1995) - Wurzel's final album is stodgy and inconsistent. Too much filler and little in the way of killer which is a genuine shame but, considering Lemmy’s remarks that Wurzel wasn’t in the right headspace during recording, it makes sense. Great cover nonetheless.
Overnight Sensation (1996) - An improvement over the previous record, but not one I return to an awful lot. ‘Civil War’ and ‘Murder Show’ do the job.
Snake Bite Love (1998) - Solid, but not really memorable.
We Are Motorhead (2000) - Back on track with a collection of killer songs (with ‘One More Fucking Time’ being a particular standout), a decent cover of 'God Save the Queen' and an epic cover, Motorhead entered the 21st century firing on all cylinders.
Hammered (2002) - More excellent tunes, with 'Brave New World' being a top 10 'Head song. Closer 'Serial Killer' is genuinely creepy.
Inferno (2004) - My favourite. Blistering production, memorable songs (‘Killers’, ‘Fight’, ‘In the Name of Tragedy’) and throat ripping vocals combine to make a record to live your life by. Best Petagno cover as well.
Kiss of Death (2006) - Going for a more bluesy feel, it pales in comparison to Inferno, but there's still enough on here to entertain.
Motorizer (2008) - The last truly great album from Lemmy and co. This is Inferno part 2. All killer, no filler. And who can argue with a lyric like “Rock out with your cock out/Impress your lady friends.”
The World is Yours (2010) - 'Get Back in Line' is a solid song, but the rest of the record doesn't scale the same heights.
Aftershock (2013) - The first album where I knew Lemmy wasn't for this world much longer. Although leaning more on the band's rock n roll roots, Lemmy sounds exhausted.
Bad Magic (2015) - Despite having a title similar to a Little Mix single released that year, Lemmy and co. bow out in fine fashion. He manages to work up the venom needed and allows for a little poignancy in tracks like 'Till the End.' We really didn't need the Stones cover, however.
⏩ Christopher Owens was a reviewer for Metal Ireland and finds time to study the history and inherent contradictions of Ireland. He is currently the TPQ Friday columnist.
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