RANKED: The Top 10 Korn Songs

Some bands will bring up memories and feelings just by being named; Korn is most definitely one of them. The American nu-metal band formed in 1993 in Bakersfield, California, and revolutionized the metal scene. Pioneering the nu-metal genre, Korn’s raw, emotional sound and unflinching exploration of personal struggles resonated deeply with fans from the get-go.

Their self-titled debut in 1994 marked the beginning of a groundbreaking career, but it was their 1998 album Follow the Leader that propelled them into the global spotlight. Over the years, Korn has influenced countless bands, shaping the course of modern rock and metal. We therefore got wondering, after the monumental announcement of their Download headlining slot, what could be their 10 best songs?

10. A.D.I.D.A.S. (Life Is Peachy, 1996)

Short for "All Day I Dream About Sex" while also being a nod to the band’s sportswear aesthetic, this stands as one of Korn’s most playful and chuckle-worthy tracks. It marks a different side of Korn, with over-the-top lyrics and an equally surprising video while staying on brand with a heavy sound and raw vocals.

9. Cold (The Nothing, 2019)

More than a song, “Cold” is a catharsis and search for a root. Its both groovy and darker rhythm fighting with the downward spiral of the deeply personal lyrics. In a grief-stricken voice, Jonathan Davis expresses feelings of isolation and emotional numbness, letting people in on his struggles with his mental health in this difficult part of his life. With heavy, downtuned guitar riffs and a grinding, relentless rhythm, “Cold” is one of the band’s most vulnerable tracks and stands as a testament to their ability to blend personal vulnerability with raw energy.

8. Somebody Someone (Issues, 1999)

A true benchmark for the band’s early sound, which may have been underrated at its release but turned into a fan favourite. With a stand-out, leading bass rhythm, a different screaming from Davis, and a mind-blowingly heavy breakdown, the song is nothing short of memorable. It quickly also became well known for its strong live performance and became a concert staple between 2000 and 2011.

7. Got The Life (Follow The Leader, 1998)

A turn and statement of the band’s rap and metal blend. This energetic, high-impact track combined Korn’s signature heavy sound with a catchy, infectious groove-laden beat. This also translates into the lyrics where Davis explores the dichotomy between having everything one could ever want in terms of fame, money, and success, yet still feeling unfulfilled and disillusioned. It also ironically became one of Korn’s biggest hits, receiving significant radio play and reaching No. 5 on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart.

6. Here To Stay (Untouchables, 2002)

The song marks a significant point in the band’s career, showcasing their evolution both musically and lyrically. In a controlled explosion, it conveys a sense of empowerment against the chaos and negativity surrounding them. We can also find this in technical aspects of the song with a staccato rhythm, slap bass and punchy drums. It’s an anthem of standing up for yourself and not giving up.

5. Twisted Transistor (See You On The Other Side, 2005)

"Twisted Transistor" represents a shift in Korn’s musical approach. Known for its more experimental and funk, electronic-infused sound compared to their earlier work, the song still blends with Korn’s signature nu-metal style in a polished production. The song opens with an eerie, synth-driven intro, immediately setting a more atmospheric, almost futuristic tone. The lyrics explore themes of manipulation, exploitation, and the pressures faced by musicians who are put on a pedestal by both the public and the industry. Its music video featuring Lil Jon, Xzibit, David Banner and Snoop Dogg also became an iconic step supporting the song.

4. Daddy (Korn, 1994)

Korn's most intense and controversial song, featured as the final track on their 1994 self-titled debut album. Impossible to ignore, the raw pain of “Daddy” has haunted every listener since and is an experience no one can forget. In this album known for approaching topics of stolen innocence and corrupted childhood, it is an autobiographical song written by Jonathan Davis to process his feelings surrounding the sexual abuse he experienced as a child. Davis has openly spoken about how challenging it was to write and perform "Daddy" as it forced him to relive and confront those painful memories but also offering with it a voice to others who may have suffered similar experiences. The track is widely regarded as one of Korn's darkest and most emotionally charged songs, both due to its harrowing subject and its sinister-sounding melody. The song established Korn as a band that wasn’t afraid to delve into taboo topics and face trauma by building a community.

3. Falling Away From Me (Issues, 1999)

No escaping this track’s haunting but melodic atmosphere, heavy and distorted guitars that complement the emotional intensity of the lyrics with Davis’ voice ranging from soft, almost pleading tones in the verses to anguished screams in the chorus. Delving into Davis’ mental health and his struggle with depression and overwhelming emotions as well as topics of domestic abuse, it became a place for fans to feel less alone in their own struggles. It now is one of Korn's most recognizable songs and solidified the band's place in the mainstream music scene during the late 1990s.

2. Freak On A Leash (Follow The Leader, 1998)

Its hypnotic, bass-heavy, dark and brooding tone building in tension quickly made “Freak on a leash” a Korn anthem. Davis has explained that the song was inspired by the frustration and anger he was experiencing at the time, particularly related to how he felt about being manipulated by others, whether it was by the media, his relationships, or societal pressures. He felt like a "freak" under constant pressure. This innovative song’s success helped propel Follow the Leader to multi-platinum status and brought Korn a larger, more diverse fanbase.

1. Blind (Korn, 1994)

Often the first song that comes to mind when you ask someone about the band, “Blind” is an explosive power that transcends time. Its opening battle cry “ARE YOU READY?” remains engraved in the core of all lovers of nu-metal for the heavy breakdown it brings and the unity it inspires. The universal topic refers to the feeling of being unable to see a way out of one's pain or situation, being "blind" to solutions or hope, and gave a common ground to everyone who ever felt lost. “Blind” remains not only a song but the spark of a movement that defined nu-metal with a fusion of heavy metal, alternative rock, hip-hop, and industrial elements. 

Ultimately, pointing out the band’s best songs is a never ending battle as Korn's power and legacy lies in their ability to break musical and lyrical barriers to connect with fans on an emotional level, leaving an indelible mark on the world of music.

Korn will be headlining Download Festival this year alongside Green Day and Sleep Token. More information can be found on their website.

Words: Lysandre Pons