10 Tool Songs Ranked Worst to Best
Tool is a rock band that makes complex and captivating music. They have five studio albums over three decades. But which songs are the best? Here are our 10 Tool songs ranked from worst to best.
10. The Pot
The Pot is the fifth song of 10,000 Days. This song ranks 10th on our list of Tool songs ranked. It is catchy and groovy. It shows Maynard James Keenan’s voice and Adam Jones’ guitar.
The lyrics mock hypocrites, using the phrase “the pot calling the kettle black”. But The Pot is not as deep and complex as other Tool songs.
9. Sober
Sober is a popular and accessible song by Tool. This song ranks 9th on our list of Tool songs ranked. It is powerful and emotional. It talks about addiction and denial.
The song has a memorable bass line by Paul D’Amour, a haunting voice by Keenan, and a stunning video by Jones. But some fans think Sober is overplayed and overrated. They like the more experimental and progressive songs by Tool.
8. Schism
Schism is the first single from Lateralus. This song ranks 8th on our list of Tool songs ranked. It is a masterpiece of rhythms and beats. It shows the amazing skills of Tool, especially the drums of Danny Carey and the bass of Chancellor.
The lyrics are about a relationship that breaks and heals, using the words “the pieces fit”. But some fans think Schism is too long and boring. They like the more dynamic and diverse songs by Tool.
7. Lateralus
Lateralus is the title track of Lateralus. This song ranks 7th on our list of Tool songs ranked. It is a epic and complex song that explores spirituality, evolution, and transcendence. The song uses the Fibonacci sequence, a math pattern in nature and art.
The lyrics are about expanding one’s mind and embracing the infinite, using the word “spiral out”. But some fans think Lateralus is too vague and abstract. They like the more concrete and relatable songs by Tool.
6. Forty Six & 2
Forty Six & 2 is the fifth track from Ænima. This song ranks 6th on our list of Tool songs ranked. It is a heavy and aggressive song that deals with psychology and mutation. The song has a powerful riff by Jones, a thunderous drum solo by Carey, and a passionate voice by Keenan.
The lyrics are about facing one’s dark side and evolving into a higher being, using the numbers “forty six & 2”. But some fans think Forty Six & 2 is too dark and intense. They like the more light-hearted and humorous songs by Tool.
5. Parabola
Parabola is the second single from Lateralus. This song ranks 5th on our list of Tool songs ranked. It is a beautiful and uplifting song that celebrates life in the present moment. The song has a melodic guitar solo by Jones, a groovy bass line by Chancellor, and a soothing vocal harmony by Keenan.
The lyrics are about going beyond the illusion of separation and feeling the oneness of all things, using the word “parable”. But some fans think Parabola is too optimistic and naive. They like the more realistic and cynical songs by Tool.
4. Vicarious
Vicarious is the first single from 10,000 Days. This song ranks 4th on our list of Tool songs ranked. It is a catchy and provocative song that criticizes the media’s use of violence and tragedy. The song has a catchy chorus by Keenan, a heavy riff by Jones, and a complex drum pattern by Carey.
The lyrics are about the human urge to watch the pain and suffering of others, using the word “die”. But some fans think Vicarious is too simple and mainstream. They like the more experimental and underground songs by Tool.
3. Ænema
Ænema is the title track of Ænima. This song ranks 3rd on our list of Tool songs ranked. It is a funny and sarcastic song that mocks the fake and decadent culture of Los Angeles. The song has a funky bass line by Chancellor, a distorted guitar tone by Jones, and a humorous voice by Keenan.
The lyrics are about the wish to see the city destroyed by a natural disaster, using the phrase “flush it all away”. But some fans think Ænema is too rude and offensive. They like the more respectful and polite songs by Tool.
2. The Grudge
The Grudge is the first song of Lateralus. This song ranks 2nd on our list of Tool songs ranked. It is a epic and powerful song that challenges the listener to overcome their anger and resentment. The song has a soaring guitar solo by Jones, a dynamic bass line by Chancellor, and a stunning voice by Keenan.
The lyrics are about the choice between holding on to one’s grudge or letting it go, using the word “Saturn”. But some fans think The Grudge is too preachy and moralistic. They like the more neutral and objective songs by Tool.
1. Stinkfist
Stinkfist is the first song of Ænima. This song ranks 1st on our list of Tool songs ranked. It is a classic and iconic song that represents the essence of Tool. The song has a catchy guitar riff by Jones, a driving bass line by Chancellor, and a mesmerizing drum beat by Carey.
The lyrics are about the need to feel something more intense and extreme, using the words “till I feel something”. But some fans think Stinkfist is too perfect and flawless. They like the more flawed and human songs by Tool.
These are our 10 Tool songs ranked worst to best. Do you agree or disagree with our list? Let us know in the comments below.

Meh. I think The Grudge should have been number one but that’s just me.
Not surprisingly, you managed to misinterpret how all of the tool fans I know feel about the songs chosen. And the placement of them in your ranking is bizarre. 3/10 wouldn’t recommend. Great writing though.