Image: Korn [Tim Saccenti]
Few bands have had as much impact on the late '90s and early 2000s heavy music scene as Korn. With their unmistakable mix of crushing riffs, dark lyrics, and Jonathan Davis’ signature vocals, they became one of nu metal’s most influential acts. Here’s a look back at ten of their most powerful songs - from fan-favorite anthems to iconic chart hits.
Y’all Want A Single
Released on Take a Look in the Mirror (2003), “Y’all Want A Single” is a bold anti-mainstream anthem. Korn vent their frustrations with the music industry through a blunt and memorable chorus: “Y’all want a single? Say: F*** that!” A defiant message wrapped in a raw, aggressive sound.
Word Up!
“Word Up!” appears on Korn’s 2004 Greatest Hits Vol. 1 and is a cover of the 1986 hit by Cameo. The band transforms the funky original into a dark, metallic banger with a groove-heavy edge. The video, with its eerie masked visuals, only adds to the song’s impact.
Twisted Transistor
As the lead single from See You on the Other Side (2005), “Twisted Transistor” showed how Korn successfully blended electronic elements into their sound. The track is undeniably danceable and radio-friendly, yet still unmistakably Korn. In the accompanying music video, rap stars like Lil Jon and Snoop Dogg were cast as “Korn” - a cult classic clip to this day.
A.D.I.D.A.S.
From Korn’s second album Life Is Peachy (1996), “A.D.I.D.A.S.” stirred controversy with its provocative title (“All Day I Dream About Sex”). Blending humor with dark sexuality - A prime example of Korn’s boundary-pushing style and therefore a true fan favorite!
Clown
et’s go even further back to the band’s debut album: Korn from 1994. The song “Clown” is based on a real experience of vocalist Jonathan Davis - its inspiration and title come from a concert in San Diego where he was insulted and nearly hit by an audience member. His response came in the form of this track, and it couldn’t be more direct.
Falling Away From Me
Taken from the album Issues, Korn’s last single of the ’90s is one of the band’s most-played tracks. No surprise, as this anthem picks up perfectly where “Freak On A Leash” left off and doesn’t disappoint, but delivers the perfect combination.
Got The Life
Released on Follow the Leader (1998), “Got The Life” marked a stylistic shift – with more groove, electronic elements, and an almost danceable drive. It was one of the first nu metal songs to break into mainstream radio. MTV played the video on heavy rotation back then.
Freak On A Leash
One of Korn’s biggest classics and one of their most-streamed songs: “Freak On A Leash” from their 1998 album Follow The Leader. The song made a crucial difference for the band at the time, as their growing popularity gave them more control over their music. That’s why Jonathan Davis said the track “took [Korn] off the leash.”
Coming Undone
A bit further along in their career came another major hit: “Coming Undone” from See You On The Other Side (2005). The album was one of the releases during the period between 2005 and 2013 when Brian “Head” Welch was absent from the band. Even today, the song remains a staple in their live setlists.
Blind
And at the end of the list, we circle right back to the beginning. The song “Blind” was written by Jonathan Davis even before he left the band Sexart and began his career with Korn. It was re-recorded and released as the opening track on their debut album - and remains an undisputedly iconic song for the band and the entire nu metal scene. The intro alone still gives chills. “Are you ready?”
